US EditionJapan will be without a panda for the first time in 50 years after twins leave Tokyo zoo
The return ends nearly 50 years of continuous panda presence in Japan amid strained Japan–China relations and uncertain prospects for new panda loans, officials said.
- Japan will lose its two remaining giant pandas, Lei Lei and Xiao Xiao, as they are set to be returned to China in late January, leaving none in the country for the first time in around half a century.
- The pandas' return comes amid deteriorating ties between Asia's two largest economies after Japan's new conservative premier hinted that Tokyo could intervene militarily over Taiwan.
- The pandas were loaned from China as part of its 'panda diplomacy' program to symbolize friendship, but their loan period is expiring in February.
60 Articles
60 Articles
For First Time In 50 Years, Japan Will Be Panda-Less As Twins Leave Tokyo
Popular twin pandas at a Tokyo zoo are set to return to their homeland in China in late January, officials said Monday, leaving Japan without a panda for the first time in about half a century.
Two giant bears from Tokyo's zoo will be returned to China in January, reported Japan's mass media months, a movement that could leave Japan without these popular animals for the first time in about 50 years.
Associated Press News
Japan will be without a panda for the first time in 50 years after twins leave Tokyo zoo
Twin pandas at a Tokyo zoo are set to return to China in late January, leaving Japan without a panda for the first time in about 50 years.
Chinese pandas to leave Japan amid diplomatic row
There will be no pandas in Japan for the first time since 1972, with the last pair set to return to China in February. Beijing has used pandas as a tool of diplomacy since the 7th century; leases of the charismatic if sex-shy bears to friendly nations often coincide with trade deals or other agreements. The Japan-based pandas, Ri Ri and Shin Shin, were born in Tokyo, but remain the property of China. The two countries had made positive noises ab…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 41% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
