Two new pandas loaned to the US: China's panda diplomacy explained

In January 2026, the twin pandas Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei at Ueno Zoo in Tokyo were returned to China. At the same time, two new pandas were loaned to the United States. TV Asahi foreign news correspondent Zhang Yuchi explains the Chinese diplomatic strategy behind the panda loans.

• Return of twin pandas Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei from Ueno Zoo to China
• Two new pandas loaned to the United States
• Commentary on China's strategy behind panda diplomacy

2026年1月、東京・上野動物園のシャオシャオとレイレイの双子パンダが中国に返還された一方で、アメリカには2頭のパンダが新たに貸与されました。パンダに込められた中国の外交戦略について、テレビ朝日外報部の張予思記者の解説です。