China May Continue 'Panda Diplomacy' with U.S., Xi Jinping Hints

Following Recent Return of Pandas to China, New Pandas May Be Sent to U.S. Zoos

Chinese President Xi Jinping has hinted at the possibility of sending new pandas to the United States, renewing the practice of 'panda diplomacy' between the two nations.
This comes after the recent return of three pandas from the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington to China, leaving the Atlanta Zoo as the only place in the U.S. with giant pandas.
Xi's comments were made during a dinner with U.S. business leaders in San Francisco, following his meeting with President Joe Biden.
The pandas, often referred to as 'envoys of friendship', are typically sent to other countries as a form of goodwill and to deepen ties.
The future of the pandas in the U.S. is uncertain as lease agreements with U.S. zoos are set to expire with no immediate replacement.