World

China sends two giant pandas to the United States

Ping Ping and Fu Shuang depart for Atlanta, where they will spend the next ten years in a zoo as part of 'panda diplomacy.'

27 September 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Archive photo: China sends two giant pandas to the United States — Archive photoPhoto: Noël Zia Lee · Flickr · BY

On Sunday, China sent two giant pandas, named Ping Ping and Fu Shuang, to the United States. According to Chinese state media, the pandas were transported on a FedEx aircraft and are headed to a zoo in Atlanta, Georgia. This move is part of the strategy known as "panda diplomacy," which China uses to strengthen international relations by lending out these popular animals.

The shipment of the pandas comes after a summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump. The agreement for the transfer had been reached earlier, but the departure of the pandas was announced during Xi's visit to Washington, which was marked by symbolism, though with little progress in negotiations.

The pandas will spend ten years in the United States as part of an exchange program that promotes friendship between the two countries. The Chinese president described the pandas as "ambassadors of friendship," highlighting the important role they play in China's diplomacy.

During the flight, the pandas were provided with food such as corn cakes, carrots, and bamboo to ensure their comfort during the journey. The popularity of pandas around the world enhances their significance in diplomatic relations, and these animals are often used by China as leverage to strengthen foreign ties.

International media reported that this transfer is one of the few tangible outcomes from the meeting between Xi and Trump, reflecting the continued use of pandas as instruments of diplomacy. Chinese authorities have a long history of loaning these native inhabitants of China to zoos in various countries.

The sending of Ping Ping and Fu Shuang represents not only a diplomatic maneuver but also a continuation of China's tradition of using pandas as elements of its foreign policy, promoting a friendly and cooperative image to the global community.

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