Two giant pandas, regarded as symbols of U.S.-China friendship, arrived in the United States three days after a summit between the two nations. The pandas will stay in the U.S. for the next ten years to participate in breeding research and other activities.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Chinese state media including CCTV reported that the giant pandas Pingping and Pusong arrived at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on the morning of September 27, local time. They departed from Chengdu Shuangliu Airport on a charter flight at 2:55 a.m. China time.
The pandas will live at the Atlanta Zoo and will participate in joint research over the next decade. After a month-long acclimation period, they will be introduced to the public. Male Pingping was born in March 2020, while female Pusong was born in October of the same year.
China has utilized giant pandas as a symbol of friendly relations with other countries, a practice known as 'panda diplomacy.' Prior to the pandas' departure, Chinese President Xi Jinping mentioned their journey to the U.S. during a welcoming ceremony at the White House on September 24, ahead of his meeting with President Donald Trump. In his speech, Xi stated, "In a few days, two pandas will arrive at their new home at the Atlanta Zoo to meet the American people."
The U.S. and China have been conducting joint panda research since 1999. According to Xinhua News Agency, the two countries have published over 50 related papers and successfully bred seven panda cubs during this collaboration.
Meanwhile, a farewell event was held at the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base for the two pandas.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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