Panda-monium: When diplomacy goes to the dogs, horses, and elephants
The United States and China are continuing their long-standing tradition of 'panda diplomacy' with the arrival of two new giant pandas at Zoo Atlanta. This cultural exchange persists despite ongoing geopolitical tensions between the two nations regarding trade and technology.
Why it matters
Panda exchanges serve as a unique, soft-power diplomatic tool that maintains a channel of communication and goodwill between the US and China during periods of political friction.
TOI Correspondent from Washington: The United States and China may disagree about tariffs, technology, Taiwan and the future of the world order. But there is apparently one subject on which they can find common ground: everybody loves pandas.Two giant pandas, Ping Ping and Fu Shuang, are arriving in Atlanta on Monday, just days after Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Washington. Their arrival adds a furry footnote to a summit heavy on symbolism and somewhat lighter on earth-shaking breakthroughs. The pandas are headed for a 10-year stay at Zoo Atlanta under a conservation agreement.They travelled in considerably greater comfort than most travelers. Handlers packed steamed corn buns, bamboo shoots and carrots for their 15-hour FedEx flight. Experienced American keepers accompanied them. The Atlanta zoo upgraded their quarters and arranged a steady supply of locally grown bamboo.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in