The Smithsonian National Zoological Park welcomes two new giant pandas, Bao Li and Qing Bao, as part of China’s ‘panda diplomacy’ efforts to promote international cooperation and understanding.
The Debut of New Pandas in D.C. Marks the Latest Chapter in China’s ‘Panda Diplomacy’
The arrival of Bao Li and Qing Bao, two three-year-old giant pandas, at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park (also known as the National Zoo) marks a significant moment in the history of “panda diplomacy.” This practice, where China gifts or loans its beloved bears to zoos around the world, has been a cornerstone of Sino-American relations for decades.
The Early Years: A History of Panda Diplomacy
The first living giant panda exhibited in the U.S. was Su Lin, who arrived in 1936 after being captured and brought over from China by American fashion designer Ruth Harkness. Su Lin’s story is a testament to the early days of panda diplomacy, where foreigners would often capture and take pandas from China without permission.
However, as China sought to end the exploitation of its pandas, it began to use them as diplomatic gifts in the 1940s. The first recorded instance of this was in 1941, when Chiang Kai-shek’s wife, Soong Mei-ling, offered a pair of pandas to the United States as an expression of gratitude for their assistance during World War II.
Mid-Century: Panda Diplomacy Reaches the U.S.
The U.S. and China began to warm up to each other in the 1970s, with President Richard Nixon’s landmark visit to Beijing in 1972 signaling a new era of engagement. Just months after Nixon’s trip, China gifted its first pair of pandas to the U.S., which arrived at the National Zoo in April 1972.
Ling-Ling and Hsing-Hsing, the first pandas to live at the National Zoo, became an instant hit with visitors, drawing millions over the next two decades. Their arrival marked a significant moment in panda diplomacy, as China began to use its beloved bears as a symbol of friendship and goodwill towards other nations.
The Modern Era: Loans and Conservation Efforts
In the 1980s, China shifted from gifting pandas to loaning them to zoos around the world. This change was driven by concerns over the sustainability of the wild panda population, as well as the need for conservation efforts.
Today, the U.S. has a strict policy regarding panda loans, requiring that more than half of the annual fee paid by the zoo be devoted to conservation efforts in China. The National Zoo’s agreement with China includes a $1 million annual payment, which will support projects such as restoring giant panda habitat and monitoring wildlife diseases.
A Symbol of Trade Relationships
Scholars have noted that China’s panda strategy has evolved over the decades from strategic gift-giving to a financial transaction. Many of China’s panda loans have coincided with trade deals, reflecting the level of tension between China and other nations.
The arrival of Bao Li and Qing Bao in D.C. marks the latest chapter in this story, as China continues to use its pandas as a symbol of trade relationships and diplomatic goodwill. As the world watches this new development unfold, one thing is clear: panda diplomacy remains an important tool for promoting international cooperation and understanding.
The National Zoo’s giant pandas make their public debut after months of anticipation and fanfare, including panda-themed pop-up bars, hotel packages, and special-edition transit cards. Bao Li and Qing Bao will stay in D.C. until 2034, with any cubs they birth moving to China by age four.
The arrival of these new pandas is a significant moment in the history of “panda diplomacy,” which has been a cornerstone of Sino-American relations for decades. As the world watches this new development unfold, one thing is clear: panda diplomacy remains an important tool for promoting international cooperation and understanding.
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