A Fuzzy Dispute

Japan Pandas Fly to China

Photo by Lukas W on Unsplash

Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, two beloved giant pandas that previously resided at Ueno Zoological Gardens in Tokyo, Japan, are returning to Beijing, China. After a final public viewing attended by over 5,000 park visitors on Jan. 25 and the pandas’ departure on Jan. 27, Japan is left without any pandas for the first time in over half a century.

China began a panda conservation program with Japan in 1972 as a symbol of diplomacy and public education. However, after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi recently declared her support for Taiwan if attacked by China, relations between the two countries turned sour. As a rule of the program, China maintains ownership of the pandas they send as well as all cubs produced. The pandas have many fans, and they are willing to travel to China just to catch a glimpse of them again.

"I know giant pandas are loved by many in Japan,” Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Guo Jiakun said. “We welcome Japanese friends to come visit them in China."