A pair of giant pandas have become star attractions at the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, D.C., winning the hearts of visitors and acting as animal ambassadors to help strengthen the friendship between China and the United States.
Giant pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao arrived at the institution in October 2024 as part of a 10-year international giant panda protection cooperation program, and made their public debut at the zoo's giant panda house in January of the following year.
Bao Li, a male whose name means "treasure" and "energy" in Chinese, was born in August 2021. While female companion Qing Bao, whose name means "green" and "treasure", was born a month later.
Over the years, giant pandas have played a positive role in fostering a bridge of friendship between China and the U.S., and have come to be considered as key "ambassadors" for their universal popularity.
The history of 'panda diplomacy' between the two sides dates back over half a century. The first pair of giant pandas ever seen in the United States, Ling Ling and Hsing Hsing, arrived at the National Zoo in April 1972 as a gift from the Chinese government, just a few months after then-President Richard Nixon's ice-breaking visit to China.
The importance of pandas was further emphasized by Chinese President Xi Jinping during a visit to the U.S. state of California in 2023, when he told a welcome dinner hosted by friendly organizations in San Francisco that pandas have long been envoys of friendship between the Chinese and American peoples, stressing China is ready to continue cooperation with the U.S. on panda conservation so as to deepen the friendly ties.
With President Xi arriving in the United States on Wednesday to begin a three-day state visit at the invitation of U.S. President Donald Trump, ties between the two sides are once again in the spotlight.
At the Smithsonian's National Zoo, it's clear that the presence of the pandas remains one of the biggest draws, with visitors delighted to catch a glimpse of the adorable creatures which they describe as a "gift from China" and saying they are hopeful that ties between the two sides can be continually strengthened.
"We've seen a lot of different animals, but never a panda, so it's a big deal for us," said one visitor.
"It gives you hope that two countries like yours and ours can get along, can work together," he added, while speaking to a reporter from China Media Group.
"This is one of the coolest things about something that everybody can relate to. It just brings people together even though we are so far away. So it makes you want to learn more," said another visitor to the zoo.
Much-loved panda pair in Washington zoo help foster China-US friendship
