In a recent development indicating the warming ties between the United States and China, the White House expressed its readiness to welcome any giant pandas that the Chinese government might send as a gesture of friendship. This statement came after Chinese President Xi Jinping hinted at the possibility of sending these iconic animals back to the U.S. during his speech in San Francisco.
White House spokesperson John Kirby, during a briefing, articulated the U.S. government’s appreciation of having the pandas in the country and respected China’s decision to repatriate some of them. “And certainly should a decision be made by the PRC (People’s Republic of China) to restore some of the pandas to the United States, we would absolutely welcome them back,” Kirby said.
The National Zoo in Washington recently had an emotional farewell for its beloved trio of giant pandas – Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, and their cub Xiao Qi Ji. These pandas, who had become goodwill ambassadors in the U.S. capital, started their journey back to China, moving to a reserve in the mountainous Sichuan province, home to an estimated 1,800 wild pandas.
President Xi, speaking to American business leaders on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, acknowledged the strong attachments Americans, particularly children, developed with the pandas. He noted the reluctance of many to part with these adorable creatures, mentioning that people in San Diego Zoo and California are eagerly awaiting the return of pandas.
Xi’s remarks emphasized the significant role pandas have played as symbols of friendship between the Chinese and American people. He expressed China’s readiness to continue cooperation with the United States on panda conservation. The intention to meet the desires of Californians was highlighted as a means to deepen the friendly relations between the two nations.
The giant panda, recognized as the rarest member of the bear family, remains one of the world’s most endangered animals, according to the World Wildlife Fund. Their presence in zoos around the world has been instrumental in raising awareness about wildlife conservation and fostering international collaboration for preserving these unique creatures.
The potential return of pandas to the United States symbolizes not just a renewal of ecological cooperation but also a strengthening of diplomatic ties between the two nations.
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