China will provide a new pair of giant pandas to Australia, announced Premier Li Qiang during his visit to Adelaide Zoo on Sunday. This move follows recent diplomatic efforts to repair and enhance the relationship between the two nations.
According to ABC News, Li’s visit marks the first by a Chinese premier to Australia in seven years. During the announcement, Li stated, “China will send a new pair of giant pandas to Adelaide Zoo after the current pair, Wang Wang and Fu Ni, return to China later this year.” The announcement comes as part of Li’s four-day tour aimed at strengthening bilateral relations.
Relations between China and Australia have improved significantly since the Labor Party took office in 2022, following a period of tension. Previous diplomatic strains arose when former Prime Minister Scott Morrison called for an international investigation into the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to Beijing imposing high tariffs on Australian goods. Recently, China has lifted these tariffs, including those on wine and barriers on barley, timber, and coal.
Premier Li highlighted the symbolic role of the pandas, noting, “Though far from their homeland, Wang Wang and Fu Ni have thrived in Australia, embodying the deep friendship between our peoples.”
The existing pandas, Wang Wang and Fu Ni, arrived at Adelaide Zoo in 2009 as part of a “panda diplomacy” initiative and were initially set to stay until 2019. Their stay was extended until the end of this year, as reported by Xinhua, China’s state-run news agency.
Panda diplomacy is a key facet of China’s international relations strategy, lending giant pandas to over 20 countries as symbols of goodwill. This exchange often reflects the state of diplomatic ties.
Accompanying Li at the zoo, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas emphasized the importance of this gesture in the broader context of Australia-China relations. “These pandas are not just animals; they represent the strengthening bonds and mutual respect between our two nations,” Wong said.
China remains Australia’s largest trading partner, contributing nearly one-third of Australia’s overseas trade. The revitalized cooperation is crucial for both nations, as Australian commodities play a significant role in supporting China’s economic growth.
