Foreign ministry says deal will aid protection of pandas and other threatened species and help global biodiversity conservation efforts
3-MIN READ3-MIN ListenShi JiangtaoPublished: 4:12pm, 24 Apr 2026Just weeks before US President Donald Trump’s planned visit to Beijing next month, China is sending two giant pandas to Atlanta in what observers describe as a “goodwill gesture” amid persistent tensions that range from trade to broader security issues.In a press release on Friday, the China Wildlife Conservation Association said male panda Ping Ping and female Fu Shuang would travel to the US under a 10-year conservation agreement signed with Zoo Atlanta last year.
China’s state media, including the Global Times, framed the announcement as extending the “panda bond” between the Chinese and American people and advancing biodiversity cooperation.
Hong Kong’s first giant panda twins turn oneZoo Atlanta announced the news on Thursday, noting that both pandas were born at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.
“Zoo Atlanta is delighted and honoured to yet again be trusted as stewards of this treasured species,” said Raymond B. King, the zoo’s president and CEO, in a statement on its website. King noted that the zoo was pleased to partner with the China wildlife association on conservation and research.
“We can’t wait to meet Ping Ping and Fu Shuang and to welcome our Members, guests, city and community back to the wonder and joy of giant pandas.”
Of the agreement, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said “giant pandas are China’s national treasure, serving as an ambassador and bridge for global friendships”.
