Japan’s Last Panda Twins To Return to China Amid Growing Tensions
Crowds of panda enthusiasts flocked to Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo to bid farewell to the furry twins Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, who are set to be returned to China on Jan. 27. China says it has no plan to loan more pandas to Japan amid tensions over Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae’s remarks about Japanese intervention in a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan.
REPORTER:
The panda house at Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo is busier than usual. These zoo-goers have just won a lottery to say goodbye to Japan’s last panda twins Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei. They were born here in Japan in 2021, but are technically on loan from China, where they’re now set to be sent on January 27th. Amid rising tensions between Tokyo and Beijing, there are no plans to replace them. Some say although it’s sad to see them go, they’ve come to thank the animals for making everyone smile.
BITE:
I have so many memories tied to this. But now, realizing that today is the last day—that this is really the end of a chapter—fills me with a lot of sadness. But I also truly hope the pandas will be happy.
BITE:
I didn’t win the lottery for the panda viewing. But I came here today because I wanted to breathe the same air as the pandas.
REPORTER:
Giant pandas are more than just endearing animals. Since 1972, China has loaned over 30 giant pandas to Japan as a diplomatic gesture. But after Japanese prime minister Takaichi Sanae’s suggested Japan could intervene militarily in a Chinese invasion of Taiwan, relations between the two countries have soured. Now, panda lovers in Japan may have to pay the price.
BITE:
Pandas are also a symbol of the friendship between Japan and China, so it’s really sad that we won’t be able to see them in Japan anymore. I feel like seeing pandas can help create a connection with China too, so I’d really like them to come back again.
REPORTER:
If China does not loan more pandas, it will be the first time they’re absent from Japan’s zoos in over half a century. And fans here will have to rely on these plushies and lucky charms, waiting in hope for their return.
Justin Wu and Irene Lin for TaiwanPlus.
