Philenews

Panda Diplomacy: Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei Arrive in China – First Photos Released

Published January 28, 2026, 13:23
Panda Diplomacy: Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei Arrive in China – First Photos Released

Giant pandas Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei have safely arrived in China's Sichuan province, marking their return to their homeland after being born and raised at the Ueno Zoo in Tokyo. Their arrival took place at Chengdu Tianfu International Airport, followed by quarantine at the Ya'an center. This move is part of China's long-standing practice known as "panda diplomacy," which is used to strengthen international relations through the gifting or loaning of these iconic animals. The pandas, born in 2021, are the offspring of Xin Xin and Ri Ri, who had returned to China earlier in 2024. Their return to China is typical after loan agreements expire, and they are expected to join a Chinese breeding program. The move comes at a time of heightened tensions in Sino-Japanese relations, with Japan considering military responses in the event of a Chinese attack on Taiwan. The China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda announced the pandas' arrival on social media, emphasizing their role in building friendly relations between China and Japan. The first photos show the pandas being transferred from the plane to a truck, under the supervision of workers in protective suits. Despite the journey taking place during a period of geopolitical tension, this move highlights the importance China places on maintaining its relationships with other countries through "panda diplomacy." The return of Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei to China is expected to contribute to the strengthening of efforts to preserve the species and promote international cooperation.