Tuesday, June 3, 2025

Pandas Make a Comeback in US Zoos Amid Diplomatic Tensions!

China Wildlife Conservation Association / Yonhap News

China’s Panda Diplomacy with the U.S. continues. Since returning to the relationship in February this year, China has decided to send an additional pair of pandas to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, D.C., following San Diego and San Francisco.

The China Wildlife Conservation Association announced on May 29 via social media, “We recently signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on international panda conservation & research with the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington D.C.,” and “A pair of pandas, Bao Li and Qing Bao from the China Panda Conservation and Research Center, will be heading to the U.S. by the end of 2024.”

At one point, there were up to 15 pandas in the U.S., but now only four remain in an Atlanta zoo. There were predictions that if China does not extend the lease agreement and does not proceed with additional leases amid worsening U.S.-China relations, there will be no more pandas to see in the U.S. once the remaining lease agreement ends at the end of 2024.

However, after Chinese President Xi Jinping finished his summit meeting with President Joe Biden in San Francisco last November, he mentioned at a dinner with U.S. corporate representatives, “I am ready to continue cooperating with the U.S. for panda conservation,” highlighting “Panda Diplomacy.”

The China Wildlife Conservation Association agreed on new panda conservation cooperation with the San Diego Zoo in February 2024. A pair of pandas are expected to arrive in San Diego early this summer.

The China Wildlife Conservation Association has been cooperating with the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington D.C. on giant panda conservation and research since 2000 and has successfully bred four pandas.

They added, “We believe that the new cooperation for international panda conservation & research between China and the U.S. will achieve more results in areas such as treating and preventing panda disease, scientific exchange, wildlife conservation, and panda park construction. This will make a new contribution to protecting world biodiversity and promoting friendship between the people of the two countries.”

China, in anticipation of the normalization of Sino-American relations, started Panda Diplomacy by sending a pair of pandas to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, D.C., in 1972. Pandas have been regarded as a symbol of Sino-American détente for over half a century.

Hot this week

Nvidia’s $7B Blow from China Sanctions Doesn’t Stop Global Chip Rally

Nvidia's strong earnings boosted semiconductor stocks globally despite export restrictions to China, highlighting its market influence.

Nvidia’s Surprise Earnings Spark a Stock Market Rally

New York stocks rose after Nvidia's strong earnings, boosting the AI sector, despite ongoing tariff uncertainties affecting the market.

WTI Slides to $60.94 as Traders Brace for OPEC+ Production Pivot

Oil prices fell despite a drop in U.S. inventories, influenced by expected OPEC+ output increases in an upcoming meeting.

Trump’s Bold Move: Retirement Funds Can Now Flow into Bitcoin Investments

The Trump administration allows Bitcoin investments in pension accounts, reversing Biden-era restrictions, potentially benefiting the Trump family.

WTI and Brent Crude Climb on Renewed Supply Fears

Oil prices surged due to supply concerns and geopolitical tensions, despite OPEC+ plans to maintain production levels.

Topics

Nvidia’s $7B Blow from China Sanctions Doesn’t Stop Global Chip Rally

Nvidia's strong earnings boosted semiconductor stocks globally despite export restrictions to China, highlighting its market influence.

Nvidia’s Surprise Earnings Spark a Stock Market Rally

New York stocks rose after Nvidia's strong earnings, boosting the AI sector, despite ongoing tariff uncertainties affecting the market.

WTI Slides to $60.94 as Traders Brace for OPEC+ Production Pivot

Oil prices fell despite a drop in U.S. inventories, influenced by expected OPEC+ output increases in an upcoming meeting.

Trump’s Bold Move: Retirement Funds Can Now Flow into Bitcoin Investments

The Trump administration allows Bitcoin investments in pension accounts, reversing Biden-era restrictions, potentially benefiting the Trump family.

WTI and Brent Crude Climb on Renewed Supply Fears

Oil prices surged due to supply concerns and geopolitical tensions, despite OPEC+ plans to maintain production levels.

Nvidia Beats Expectations with AI-Driven Growth, Stock Rallies Post-Close

The New York stock market fell ahead of Nvidia's earnings, which later exceeded expectations, boosting investor confidence and tech stocks.

First Sale Rule Gains Renewed Traction Amid New U.S. Tariffs

As tariffs rise, companies are revisiting the First Sale Rule to lower import duties, despite its strict requirements and paperwork.

OPEC+ Meeting Spurs Market Caution, Drives Oil Prices Lower

Oil prices fell as OPEC+ plans to boost output, with Brent crude at $64.09 and WTI at $60.89 per barrel amid rising supply expectations.

Related Articles