A research center stated that 'Xiao Xiao' and 'Li Li' worked to 'build bridges of friendship between the Chinese and Japanese peoples and made a positive contribution to enhancing friendship between the two peoples'. A Chinese research center specializing in pandas announced on social media that the panda twins 'Xiao Xiao' and 'Li Li' arrived safely in Sichuan yesterday, after an emotional farewell from panda fans in Tokyo, where they were born and raised. The panda twins were born at Ueno Zoo in Tokyo in 2021, and their parents, 'Shin Shin' and 'Ri Ri', returned to China in 2024. In 1949, what is known as panda diplomacy was launched, which China used to bolster its international image and solidify relations with other countries by gifting or loaning pandas. Typically, pandas return to their homeland after the loan agreement period ends. Pandas born abroad, such as 'Xiao Xiao' and 'Li Li', often go to a Chinese breeding program between the ages of two and four. The pandas' return comes at a time of tension in Sino-Japanese relations.
