Note: After the 1980s, pandas were rented out, not given.
US, 1972
To date, the most significant case of panda diplomacy occurred in 1972 between China and America. During 1972, President Nixon paid a diplomatic visit to China, breaking over 25 years of bad blood. This heralded the start of better US-Sino ties. When Lady Nixon asked for pandas, the Chinese government gladly gave them to the US as a symbol of their willingness for good relations. These 2 pandas were then housed at the National Zoo.
UK,1974; 2011
Encouraged by the success of the pandas in America, the British Prime Minister campaigned for pandas to be given to Britain. In 1974, his wishes were granted and China gave 2 pandas to Britain.
In 2011, China gave another 2 pandas to Scotland. Shortly after that, multi-billion dollar trade deals for salmon, renewable energy technology and Land Rover vehicles were signed and in the following 5 years, trade from Scotland doubled.
Taiwan,2005-2008
China has always viewed Taiwan as part of its territory while Taiwan wants to be independent from China. This made ties between the two nations very hostile. To ease tensions, China offered to give 2 pandas to Taiwan in 2005. However, Taiwan officials were afraid that this would be used to push for reunification and after discussions, rejected the offer in 2006. However, they changed their mind and accepted the offer of 2 pandas in 2008. This helped to ease tensions between China and Taiwan, although there is still much strain in their relationship.
Australia, 2009
China needs a large amount of uranium for its electrical needs. Thus, when Australia, which has the world’s largest reserves of uranium, signed a trade deal with China in 2006, China was very happy and gave Australia 2 pandas in 2009.
Japan, 2011
There has long been conflict between the two nations of Japan and China over the Senkaku or Diaoyu Islands. Both nations claim that these islands belong to them and reconciliation has proved ineffective. In 2011, Japan and China showed a softening of attitudes, which could have led to a willingness to mend ties. Thus, China gave Japan 2 pandas. However, since then, there have still been many conflicts over the islands.
Singapore, 2012
China and Singapore have always enjoyed strong diplomatic ties, sharing a Free Trade Agreement. In fact, Singapore is China’s strongest ally in Southeast Asia. This relationship has lasted for many years and through many tribulations on both ends. To celebrate 20 years of diplomatic ties, China gave 2 pandas to Singapore in 2012.
Canada, 2012
In 2012, Canada signed a large trade agreement with China, which would be very beneficial to the Chinese economy and harm the Canadian economy. This created hostile feelings towards China, which was not something the Chinese government wants to see in a trade partner. Thus, as compensation, China gave Canada 2 pandas, something they have been campaigning on and off for since 1973.
Finland, 2017
While Finland and China have deepening trade ties, they also have areas of conflict, which could result in a trade war unless reconciliation is reached. There are plans to sign trade deals and China has offered to give 2 pandas to Finland. However, this might not happen due to complains made by the Finnish.
