Japan-China Relations

Icy relationship could put an end to future pandas

When panda twins Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei leave Japan at the end of January next year, the country will be without pandas for the first time in almost 50 years.

At the same time, the possibility of bringing in new pandas looks bleak, reports AP. Diplomatic ties between Japan and China have become increasingly strained since Japan's new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi took office and stated that the country could intervene militarily if China attacks Taiwan.

China has since restricted tourism to Japan, and several cultural events and exchanges between local authorities have been stopped.

A formal request to borrow new pandas has been sent to China, but has so far remained unanswered, according to NHK.

China has for years engaged in so-called panda diplomacy, where pandas are loaned to other countries as a sign of goodwill. At the same time, the country retains ownership of the animals and any cubs they have. The first pandas were sent to Japan in 1972 as a sign that the countries' relations had normalized.

Japan will be without pandas for the first time in 50 years

Japan will be without pandas for the first time in nearly 50 years when twins Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei return to China at the end of January next year, the AP reports. The loan period from China will then expire.

Last year, their parents, Shin Shin and Ri Ri, returned after being on loan since 2011.

The last day to see the panda twins will be January 25.

Pandas have long been beloved in Japan, according to Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara, who says the country hopes to continue borrowing pandas from China. A request has been sent, but has not yet been answered, NHK reports.