To China and Xi, even pandas are political. And now, three bears will exit the US.
To China and Xi, even pandas are political. And now, three bears will exit the US
In a significant move, all three pandas at the Smithsonian National Zoo, including the adorable young cub Xiao Qi Ji, will be returning to China by December 7. This decision comes at a time when China’s leader, Xi Jinping, seems more focused on building nuclear weapons, challenging the dollar, and increasing military presence near Taiwan. The departure of the pandas is seen as another step in Xi Jinping’s pursuit of a new world order. However, it is worth noting that pandas have always played a political role, serving as ambassadors to transform China’s image and improve relations with the US.
Pandas as Political Ambassadors
Since their arrival in 1972, pandas have been instrumental in improving relations between China and the US. Back then, China was viewed as a secretive and dangerous communist regime responsible for the deaths of Americans in the Korean War and its own people during Mao Tse-Tung’s Great Leap Forward. The introduction of pandas, with their adorable and captivating appearance, helped change this perception. Over the years, millions of people visited the pandas at the National Zoo, further strengthening the bond between the two nations.
However, the decision to bring the pandas back to China reflects a shift in priorities. Xi Jinping’s focus on nuclear weapons, economic dominance, and military posturing suggests that the pandas are no longer needed as a diplomatic tool. This move serves as a reminder that even something as innocent and beloved as pandas can be influenced by political agendas.
Photo Credit: foreignpolicy.com
