On November 8, China flew back three pandas that had been living in a U.S. zoo for years. According to experts, this is a new example of “panda diplomacy”. You’re probably wondering what this is about. Aces explain to you!
Who owns the pandas?
To China. Except she rents out her precious bamboo-loving black and white bears. There are currently 65 of them, spread across 20 countries. Every 10 or 15 years, the rental contract is renegotiated. The price to rent a panda: $500,000 per year. It’s a little more expensive than a cat!
Why rent your pandas?
For China, it is a way of demonstrating its friendship. For example, in 2011, China sent two pandas to Scotland, before signing an agreement on the export of salmon. This is why some specialists speak of “panda diplomacy”.
And who were those in Washington?
Mei Xiang (female) and Tian Tian (male) had lived at the National Zoological Park in Washington, USA for 23 years. Their baby, Xiao Qi Ji, whose name means “little miracle”, was born in 2020.
Their rental contract ended in December 2023. However, China decided not to renew it and to bring the pandas home in November.
Why did the pandas move?
Many political experts believe it is because of the conflicts between the United States and China. For example, in the war in Ukraine, China supports Russia, while the United States supports Ukraine. Then, last February, the United States detected and shot down a Chinese spy balloon in American skies.
In short, the bond of trust would be broken between the two countries. And when you no longer trust a friend, you don’t really want to lend them your things, right? Moreover, the last four pandas in the United States, who live in Atlanta, will leave by the end of 2024.
Is that the only reason they left?
At the Washington Zoo, they say it’s not about politics at all. At 25 and 26 years old, Mei Xiang and Tian Tian simply deserved to retire in their home countries. As for their little one, he also had to leave since he was ready to reproduce.
If only pandas could talk!
Valerie Caya
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