China and US start new chapter in panda diplomacy as bears head to National Zoo

Two new giant pandas are making the journey from China to the US, marking a new chapter in panda diplomacy and strengthening bilateral relations.

Three-year-old pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao left the China Giant Panda Research Centre in Dujiangyan in the southwest province of Sichuan on Monday and are set to arrive at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, according to the China Wildlife Conservation Association (CWCA).

This exchange follows an international cooperation agreement signed in April for the protection of giant pandas, continuing a 20-year conservation relationship and beginning a new 10-year residency at the zoo, CWCA said in a statement on its WeChat account on Monday.

Before their departure, both pandas underwent thorough health evaluations to ensure they were fit for travel. During the flight, they were fed bamboo shoots, carrots and wowotou, a type of steamed cornbread.

“We believe that the new round of international cooperation on the conservation of giant pandas between China and the United States will … achieve more results in areas such as the prevention and control of major diseases affecting giant pandas, epidemic prevention and control, scientific and technological exchanges, as well as support for wild panda conservation and the construction of giant panda national parks,” the CWCA said.

“This will contribute to global biodiversity conservation and enhance the friendship between the peoples of the two countries.”

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Национальный зоопарк дипломатия панда медведь новый глава гигантский путешествие