US Zoos Send Giant Pandas Back to China, Ending ‘Panda Diplomacy’
Get ready to say goodbye to the giant pandas at the Smithsonian National Zoo! In December, the last three pandas will be returned to China, leaving the zoo without these beloved creatures for the first time in 50 years.
Back in 1972, after President Richard Nixon’s historic visit to China, the National Zoo in Washington D.C. became a symbol of warming U.S.–China relations through “panda diplomacy.” China would loan giant pandas to the zoo, showcasing their friendship. But now, this era seems to be coming to an end.
Not only is the Smithsonian National Zoo sending back their pandas, but other zoos in the United States and Western countries are also returning these cuddly creatures to China. It appears that the world is derisking and decoupling from the communist regime, and the era of “panda diplomacy” as a tool of soft power is fading away.
Once the pandas leave the National Zoo, there will only be four remaining in the United States, all located at the Atlanta Zoo. However, two of them are also scheduled to be returned to China early next year, and the other two will likely follow suit before the end of next year as their lease agreement expires. There are no discussions about extending or renewing the lease.
If the lease is not renewed, it will mark the first time in 50 years that American zoos will be without giant pandas. This marks the end of an era known as ‘Panda Diplomacy’.
‘Panda Diplomacy’
The first pair of pandas were gifted to the National Zoo in 1972 after President Nixon’s visit to China. This gesture symbolized the opening of doors between the Chinese communist regime and the international community. The pandas, named Lingling and Xingxing, were adored by former First Lady Pat Nixon during her visit to the Beijing Zoo. This led to the communist regime using pandas as a tool of “Panda Diplomacy” to create a friendly image and soften its international reputation.
For the next ten years, gifting giant pandas became a common practice for the CCP’s diplomacy as heads of Western countries visited China. Countries such as Japan, France, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Spain, and Germany all received these adorable creatures as a diplomatic gesture.
However, the era of free panda gifts came to an end in 1984. China implemented a rental model, leasing pandas to foreign zoos for short-term exhibitions. This later evolved into long-term leases for collaborative research projects, lasting around 10 years and costing $1 million per year. If a panda gave birth to a cub, the rent would increase by $600,000, and the cub would be returned to China when it reached 3 or 4 years old.
Pandas also became a form of political leverage. Countries like Australia, France, Canada, Scotland, and the Netherlands received pandas as part of deals involving nuclear technology, offshore drilling technology, salmon supply, and medical equipment.
Pandas as Political Leverage
However, pandas were not only used as gifts but also as a means of punishment. In 2019, amid the trade war between the United States and China, the CCP took back pandas from the San Diego Zoo. Similarly, when the Netherlands restricted the sale of advanced semiconductor processor chip equipment to China, the CCP reclaimed a giant panda from a Dutch zoo.
As tensions between the United States and China continue to rise, all the giant pandas from zoos in Memphis and San Diego have already been returned to China. The United Kingdom and Australia are also set to return their pandas soon.
According to Feng Chongyi, an associate professor at the University of Technology, Sydney, the friendship between the Chinese regime and the United States no longer exists. The negative view of China held by about 80 percent of Americans, combined with the high cost of maintaining pandas, has diminished their political value in Washington.
With all pandas leaving American zoos, it is clear that the CCP’s panda diplomacy has lost its significance. The structural confrontation between the United States and China shows no signs of resolution, making it unlikely for “panda diplomacy” to make a comeback anytime soon.
As we bid farewell to these adorable creatures, it’s evident that the era of panda diplomacy is coming to a close.
How did hosting pandas serve as a symbol of goodwill and cooperation between nations engaged in diplomatic relations with China?
Ies that were willing to engage in diplomatic relations with China would be granted the privilege of hosting pandas. This was seen as a sign of goodwill and cooperation between nations. The pandas served as a symbol of friendship and provided an opportunity for cultural exchange between China and the international community.
Over the years, pandas became a popular attraction at zoos around the world. People flocked to see these magnificent creatures, and they played a crucial role in conservation efforts. By showcasing giant pandas, zoos were able to raise awareness about the importance of protecting endangered species and their natural habitats.
However, in recent years, the tide has started to turn. As the world becomes more aware of China’s human rights abuses and aggressive foreign policies, many countries are reevaluating their relationship with the communist regime. Returning pandas to China has become a form of protest against these actions and a way to distance themselves from the regime.
Read More From Original Article Here: American Zoos Return Giant Pandas to China, Ending the Regime’s ‘Panda Diplomacy’
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
