The captivating presence of Fubao, a panda currently residing in Everland Resort, has garnered significant attention on popular online platforms such as YouTube and TikTok, resulting in a growing adoration among viewers. This has coincided with China’s expressed desire to repatriate Fubao, as well as the recent birth of twin pandas in Everland, thereby generating considerable interest among the Korean population. However, a critical perspective has emerged, questioning the legitimacy of China’s request for Fubao’s return and the effectiveness of panda diplomacy as a diplomatic tool, highlighting perceived shortcomings in China’s approach of utilizing pandas for diplomatic purposes. China’s decision to hook nations with the cute appearances of pandas, while also using them as a political resource, has faced criticism worldwide, prompting calls for a change in China’s approach.

Panda diplomacy is a diplomatic strategy that has been employed by China since 1941, whereby the nation sends its prized pandas to others as a gesture of goodwill. The first instance of panda diplomacy occurred during the Sino-Japanese War in 1941, when Jiang Jieshi, former chairman of the Kuomintang, sent a pair of pandas to the United States (U.S.) as a token of appreciation for their support during the war. This initial display of friendship laid the foundation for a growing relationship, which reached its peak when China welcomed former U.S. president Richard Nixon with two pandas during his historic state visit. However, following the Washington Treaty, China shifted its panda diplomacy into a “long-term lease” arrangement, requiring other nations to pay rent and setting a maximum lending period of 15 years.

All Around the World

As stated by Segye Ilbo, panda diplomacy has had worldwide impact, which can be seen from the presence of pandas in 22 different zoos across 18 nations, including the Republic of Korea, as a form of “lease.” Despite the decline in the popularity of panda diplomacy due to high rent costs and financial difficulties associated with their care, pandas are still recognized for their diplomatic influence. In addition, the pandas are often referred to as “sub-diplomats” and are considered a diplomatic tool for China with various purposes. However, despite panda diplomacy becoming a prominent strategy for China, contrasting opinions have emerged among nations regarding the ethical implications of pursuing diplomatic benefits through this approach. Some view it as astute, while others consider it cunning, demanding China for a change in its diplomatic policies with pandas.

Under China’s panda leasing agreements, nations are responsible for caring for newborn pandas until they reach the age of four, at which time they must be returned to China. This can be seen in the case of panda Xiao Chi Chi, who is set to leave Washington D.C. at the end of this year, as E-daily reported the viral third birthday party of Xiao Chi Chi in August 2023, highlighting the sadness and disappointment felt by citizens over the impending return of the panda. Similarly in Korea, Fubao of Everland was raised with care and has gathered considerable attention nationwide through frequent uploads of videos on platforms like YouTube. However, after Fubao’s third birthday, Korea is also preparing to bid farewell to the panda in accordance to the contract. Even though the contract of pandas had been clear, a farewell to the pandas has not always been easy for these nations.

Hook, Line, and Sinker

Panda diplomacy has been praised by some for its potential to resolve national conflicts and foster improved relationships for China. According to Magazine Hankyung, in 2022, China gifted a pair of pandas to Qatar, the host country of the 2022 Olympics, as a gesture of gratitude for Qatar’s support during the previous Beijing Olympics and a symbol of friendship. China also established a panda exhibition in Qatar during the 2022 Olympics to enhance China’s image. Besides the fact that this was China’s first gift to the country in the Middle East, this instance is often referred to as clearly showing China’s intention to utilize pandas.

However, there are critics who argue that panda diplomacy can worsen relationships and serve selfish purposes. Yonhap News reported that the sudden death of the panda named Le Le, who resided in the U.S., and China’s demand for the early return of pandas in the U.S., reportedly contributed to increased mutual distrust during the Trump and Biden administrations. The death of Le Le, along with the appearance of the excessively thin panda named Ya Ya who was also raised in the U.S., further exacerbated tensions.

Moreover, the use of pandas in the Olympics has drawn criticism for China’s alleged attempt to divert attention from its human rights suppression and communist regime. The animal protection group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has also expressed concerns about the treatment of pandas, emphasizing that pandas should be regarded as social animals rather than commodities used for national gain. PETA also raised concerns about how panda diplomacy is evolving into a strategy for China to generate high income and enhance its global image. Professor Rovshan lbrahim (Department of Turkish-Azerbaijani, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies) stated that China has a natural monopoly on pandas, which connects to a political monopoly. He added, “China will keep using panda diplomacy because of high demand – many nations want pandas in their zoos. So, this issue mostly relies on other nations and their decision to sustain relationships with China.”

Given the conflicting perspectives on panda diplomacy, it is crucial for China to reassess its diplomatic strategies and make necessary adjustments to the current tactics. As emphasized throughout the article, the strategic use of panda diplomacy can serve as a valuable tool for China to improve international relations and enhance its own image. However, the process of loaning pandas should be conducted with transparency to ensure the interests of both nations are respected, which is an essential element that is currently lacking. China should recognize panda diplomacy as a potent diplomatic weapon and remain mindful of the global criticism it may attract to avoid the perception of engaging in self-serving, selfish actions.