China's panda diplomacy, explained

Summary

This video script explores China's strategic use of giant pandas as diplomatic tools, highlighting how pandas are loaned to zoos worldwide as part of China's foreign policy. The script outlines how these loans come with hefty fees and are often tied to political and trade agreements. Panda diplomacy has been used since the 1950s and has involved incidents where pandas were sent or withheld depending on diplomatic tensions. The story of Bao Bao, a panda born in Washington, DC, illustrates the intersection of wildlife conservation and international politics. The future of panda diplomacy remains uncertain as global relations evolve.

Takeaways

• 😀 Bao Bao, a panda born in 2013 at the National Zoo in Washington, DC, was sent to China as part of a diplomatic agreement.
• 😀 Pandas in zoos worldwide, including Bao Bao's parents, Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, are considered 'loans' from China, not permanent gifts.
• 😀 China uses pandas as diplomatic tools, with panda loans being part of its foreign policy strategy since the 1950s.
• 😀 Zoos that receive pandas from China must pay $1 million per panda annually, with an additional 'cub tax' of $400,000 if a cub is born.
• 😀 China is selective about which countries receive pandas, with loans often tied to international trade agreements or political relationships.
• 😀 In 2010, China sent a panda to Edinburgh Zoo after a trade deal with Scotland, which included a focus on salmon and Land Rover exports.
• 😀 China reserves the right to recall pandas from foreign zoos, such as in the case of Tai Shan, Bao Bao's older brother, after diplomatic tensions with the US and Taiwan.
• 😀 Pandas are seen as tools for reinforcing or challenging international relationships, much like economic sanctions or diplomatic recalls.
• 😀 China delayed the delivery of a panda to Malaysia in 2014 due to frustrations with the Malaysian government's investigation of a missing plane, showing the political leverage of pandas.
• 😀 The US currently hosts 12 pandas, including Bao Bao’s brother, Bei Bei, but future panda relationships may be impacted by political tensions, especially regarding Taiwan and the South China Sea.

Q & A

Why was Bao Bao sent to China?

Bao Bao was sent to China because her parents, Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, were on loan from China. The agreement stated that their offspring, including Bao Bao, would also belong to China.

How are pandas used in China's foreign policy?

Pandas are used as tools in China's global diplomatic strategy. Since the 1950s, China has given pandas to other countries as diplomatic gifts, and later as loans, to strengthen international relations and enhance trade agreements.

What financial arrangements are involved in panda loans?

Zoos that receive pandas pay around $1 million per panda annually as a loan fee. If a cub is born, an additional 'cub tax' of $400,000 is charged.

What does China look for when choosing countries to send pandas to?

China is selective in choosing countries to send pandas to. It's not just about the money; there is a correlation between panda loans and China's international trade deals.

How did China's panda diplomacy affect its trade relationship with Scotland?

In 2010, after a falling out with Norway, China turned to Scotland, which produced salmon and Land Rovers. In exchange for the trade deal, China sent a panda to the Edinburgh Zoo.

What happened to Tai Shan, Bao Bao’s older brother?

Tai Shan, Bao Bao's older brother, was sent back to China in 2010 after the Chinese government indicated it wanted him back. This was likely influenced by diplomatic tensions, such as President Obama's meeting with the Dalai Lama and the U.S. arms sale to Taiwan.

How does China use pandas in times of diplomatic tensions?

In cases of diplomatic tensions, China may use pandas to reinforce its foreign policy. For example, if a country displeases China, they may recall pandas or delay their arrival, as a way to demonstrate dissatisfaction.

What example of panda diplomacy occurred with Malaysia?

In 2014, China delayed the arrival of pandas to Malaysia after the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370. China expressed frustration with Malaysia's handling of the investigation, using the pandas as a diplomatic tool to show its displeasure.

How many pandas does the U.S. currently have?

The United States currently has 12 pandas, including Bao Bao's younger brother, Bei Bei.

What might affect the future of panda diplomacy between the U.S. and China?

The future of panda diplomacy between the U.S. and China could be influenced by geopolitical issues, such as tensions over the South China Sea or Taiwan. If relations between the two countries sour, the U.S. may lose its pandas.