Panda Diplomacy: From Gifts to Loans

Panda diplomacy, which began with China gifting pandas to countries as a demonstration of soft power, has shifted to loan agreements. These loan agreements come with terms, including a hefty fee ranging from $500,000 to $1 million per year for a 10-year lease. However, the model has faced criticism, especially in instances where pandas have not received proper care or health issues arise. This has led to opposition from both animal activists and Chinese citizens, raising concerns about the treatment of pandas. Nevertheless, panda diplomacy is still in practice, with China recently sending pandas to countries like Qatar, Russia, and Germany.