China resumes panda diplomacy with U.S.
China plans to send pandas to the U.S. to improve relations, but online activists oppose this.
Renewing Panda Diplomacy
China will send pandas to the U.S., resuming their use in diplomacy. Not everyone approves.
Panda Fans’ Passion
Panda fans treat these bears like pop stars. Their enthusiasm can be intense.
Opposition to Panda Diplomacy
Fans reacted harshly to the news of pandas going to U.S. zoos. Some worry about mistreatment, while others cite strained U.S.-China relations.
Online Backlash
A Weibo user questioned why China would send pandas amid tensions. The sudden death of Le Le, a panda in the U.S., sparked outrage. Fans worried about Ya Ya, his partner.
Official Denials
Officials denied Ya Ya was suffering, explaining her patchy fur. Yet, fans demanded her return to China.
Panda Shortage Concerns
In November, the National Zoo returned its pandas, leaving Zoo Atlanta with only four pandas. This raised fears about U.S.-China amity.
New Panda Agreements
President Xi Jinping hinted at sending more pandas during a California visit. Beijing announced agreements with U.S. zoos.
New Pandas Arriving
Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, new pandas, are heading to the San Diego Zoo. China plans to send pandas to Spain, Austria, and Australia.
Panda Popularity
Pandas are hugely popular in China. Virtual communities share photos and videos daily.
Extreme Fandom
Fans sometimes disparage other pandas. He Hua’s fans accused her sister of bullying.
International Fandom
Extreme fandom isn’t limited to China. In South Korea, a panda named Fu Bao has millions of views. After returning to China, allegations of mistreatment sparked a social media movement.
Persistent Concerns
Chinese officials shared evidence of Fu Bao’s good health, but Korean fans remained unconvinced.
Cyberbullying
Some fans harassed panda experts and keepers, inciting cyberbullying.
Expert Opinions
Gary Hsu, a panda lover, criticized extreme fans. Chee Meng Tan, an expert, says pandas’ cuddly nature triggers a desire to protect them.
Continuing Panda Diplomacy
Despite extreme fans’ efforts, China will continue using pandas in diplomacy. Pandas remain unrivaled ambassadors.