Vantage How pandas became a part of Chinese diplomacy

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In the ever-evolving landscape of international relations, China has employed a unique and seemingly unconventional tool to navigate diplomatic tensions — pandas. This practice, known as “Panda Diplomacy”, has been a hallmark of China’s outreach efforts, particularly with United States. Historical roots of Panda Diplomacy The roots of Panda Diplomacy can be traced back to 1972 when former US president Richard Nixon visited Beijing. During a historic dinner, the first lady, Patricia Nixon, expressed her fondness for pandas to China’s Premier Zhou Enlai. In a gesture of goodwill, China subsequently gifted two pandas to Washington, marking the beginning of a...