giant pandas
Japan's 50-Year Panda Era Ends as Beloved Twin Pandas Return to China Amid Diplomatic Tensions
Dec 15, 2025 09:11 pm CST
After nearly half a century of continuous panda presence in Japan, the beloved twin pandas Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei are set to return to China in late January 2024, leaving Japan panda-less for the first time in 50 years. Their departure coincides with increasing diplomatic tensions between the two nations, highlighting the political significance of panda diplomacy that began with the normalization of Japan-China relations in 1972.
France Returns Beloved Pandas to China Following Kidney Failure Diagnosis: A Diplomatic Journey Ends
Nov 25, 2025 02:50 pm CST
After a decade in France as symbols of China's diplomatic goodwill, pandas Huan Huan and Yuan Zi are returning to China due to Huan Huan's kidney failure. The pair, who made history by producing France's first panda cubs, leave behind heartbroken fans and caretakers at Beauval Zoo while highlighting the ongoing significance of China's strategic "panda diplomacy" program.