China will send two young giant pandas to Washington, the United States’ National Zoo said on Wednesday, months after the zoo returned three of the bears amid heightened tensions between the two global superpowers.
The announcement follows increased engagement between Washington and Beijing that has put ties on a steadier footing since relations hit historic lows last year.
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo said in a statement that it will welcome the pair of pandas, named Bao Li and Qing Bao, to Washington by the end of the year.
China’s ambassador to the U.S. Xie Feng, speaking to press at the zoo, encouraged people to “care for China-U.S. relations just as you care for pandas.”
“For the wellbeing of both peoples and the future of the world, China and the United States should choose to be partners, not rivals. Panda huggers should not be stigmatized. If there should be any protectionism, then let us protect biodiversity,” Xie said. Brandie Smith, director of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI), said the institute was thrilled about the continuation of the breeding and conservation partnership, noting that one of the bears is a descendent of pandas previously in Washington.
“This historic moment is proof positive our collaboration with Chinese colleagues has made an irrefutable impact,” Smith said. (Reuters)
