In a new round of ‘panda diplomacy,’ China sends giant bears to the U.S. after two decades

For the first time in more than two decades, giant pandas are en route from China to a San Diego zoo in the U.S. — a sign that Beijing is resuming its so-called “panda diplomacy” efforts as relations with the West thaw.

Four-year-old Yun Chuan, a male panda, and Xin Bao, a female panda who’s turning four in July, departed from Bifengxia Giant Panda Base, in China’s Sichuan province on Wednesday.

The pair will reside at the San Diego Zoo for the next 10 years, according to a press release from the zoo.

San Diego mayor Todd Gloria visited the Chinese facility on Wednesday to celebrate the pandas’ departure before welcoming them to his city. Delegates from both countries were in attendance as well.

“I’m honored to have been invited to join in the farewell ceremonies in China for Yun Chuan and Xin Bao,” the mayor said on X. “This is a historic conservation partnership that will help protect these magnificent creatures and their habitat.”