Pandas depart Tokyo as panda diplomacy ends
Pandas depart Tokyo as panda diplomacy ends
Thousands say farewell at Tokyo's Ueno Zoo as Lei Lei and Xiao Xiao return to China, ending a symbol of Japan-China friendship.
Thousands gathered at Ueno Zoo in Tokyo on Tuesday to bid farewell to Lei Lei and Xiao Xiao, the beloved panda twins born at the zoo, as they were loaded onto a truck and sent back to China. Their departure marks the first time Japan has been panda-free in 50 years, ending a loan that has symbolized friendship since 1972 and is due to expire in February.
The move comes amid a chill in Tokyo-Beijing relations after comments by a Japanese leader about Taiwan prompted a strong reaction from Beijing. Pandas have long served as a diplomatic bridge, and officials said the repatriation follows the terms of the agreement under which the animals were living in Japan, with the loan period drawing to a close next month.
Fans and families watched on with mixed emotions as the young bears made their final public appearance. "I've been watching them since they were born," said one visitor, wearing a panda-themed jacket and clutching a stuffed toy. "It feels like my own children are going somewhere far away. It's sad."
Officials have suggested Japan may pursue a new panda loan, though public sentiment appears divided; a weekend poll indicated that about 70% of respondents did not think the government should negotiate a renewal at this time. Meanwhile, China has signaled openness to future collaborations and welcomed the chance for Japanese visitors to see pandas in China in the future.
With Lei Lei and Xiao Xiao now on their way home, many observers see the end of an era in which cuddly ambassadors helped shape diplomacy, even as others hope for a fresh chapter of cooperation between the two nations.
