China's panda diplomacy shifts as US receives new pandas

China’s ‘panda diplomacy’ is seeing renewed activity as the country uses giant pandas as symbols of diplomatic relations with various nations. Following a US-China summit, two pandas, Pingping and Fushuang, arrived at the Atlanta Zoo, bringing the total number of pandas in the United States to six. This marks a revitalization of cooperation between the two nations after previous agreements had expired.

In contrast, Japan is currently experiencing a ‘panda zero’ situation. Following strained relations, the last remaining twins at Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo, Xiaoxiao and Leilei, returned to China in January. Meanwhile, South Korea is managing both the departure of pandas and potential new arrivals. The twins Rui Bao and Hui Bao are scheduled to return to China in December due to international breeding agreements, but South Korean officials are currently in discussions with China to lease an additional pair.

Beyond symbolism, pandas provide significant economic benefits through tourism, often referred to as ‘pandamonics.’ However, they also require high maintenance, including annual lease fees to China estimated at approximately $1 million per pair, alongside costs for specialized facilities and food.