Zhang Han, spokeswoman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, extended warm birthday wishes for giant panda Yuan Yuan from the Chinese mainland at a press conference on Wednesday, voicing hopes for the continued growth of cross-Strait goodwill.
The female giant panda gifted by the Chinese mainland to Taiwan, celebrated her 22nd birthday at the Taipei Zoo on Sunday. Large numbers of visitors flocked to the zoo to wish the bear a happy birthday, while celebrations were also shared online.
"Giant pandas are deeply loved by people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait and serve as symbols of peace and friendship. In 2008, the giant pandas Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan settled in Taiwan, where they successfully gave birth to their cubs, Yuan Zai and Yuan Bao. Over the years, they have brought joy to compatriots in Taiwan. As Yuan Yuan recently celebrated her 22nd birthday, we extend our sincere birthday wishes to her and wish her offspring's healthy growth. We hope this warm bond spanning the Taiwan Straits will continue to endure," the spokeswoman said.
Yuan Yuan and her male companion Tuan Tuan, both four years old at the time, arrived in Taipei as goodwill gifts from the mainland in 2008.
The pair had two female offspring, Yuan Zai and Yuan Bao, born in 2013 and 2020, respectively. Tuan Tuan died of illness in November 2022 at the age of 18.
Giant pandas from Chinese mainland continue to grow cross-Strait goodwill
