Two Giant Pandas Arrive in Atlanta in Goodwill Gesture From China

A recent summit between the top leaders of the US and China ended with a few minor deals on reducing some tariffs. But the US also got a couple of giant pandas.

The bamboo bears are named Ping Ping and Fu Shuang. Their delivery is a goodwill gesture by the Chinese aimed at reducing tensions between the superpowers. The two arrived at an Atlanta zoo on Sunday. 

“This is a thrilling day for Zoo Atlanta,” said Raymond King. He's the zoo’s CEO. King also pledged to work closely with the China Wildlife Conservation Association to care for the giant pandas.

The pandas are in quarantine for about a month. That is routine. Zoo Atlanta has not set a date for their public debut. The pair arrived on a FedEx cargo ship on which they snacked on bamboo and other favorite treats.  

They are a clear example of Chinese "soft diplomacy." It's an attempt by China to shape public opinions by sharing the love of cute, furry animals. 

“Panda diplomacy is one area where China has been quite successful,” Maria Repnikova told The New York Times. She is an expert on China at Georgia State University. “It attracts a lot of the American public or young people. It really appeals. It kind of purifies and softens China’s image.”

Ping Ping and Fu Shuang will remain on loan to Zoo Atlanta for ten years. 

Reflect: If you could send one thing to another country to make a great first impression, what would it be and why?

Photo of two giant pandas from Unsplash courtesy of Ilona Froehlich.