[The Editors' Verdict] The Death of the Panda and Cross-Strait Relations

Soldier Amidst the Deteriorating Taiwan Strait Tensions Symbolized by the Bilateral Friendship Panda

[Asia Economy Senior Reporter Cho Young-shin] The giant panda (panda) is an animal symbolizing peace and friendship. Pandas are bears that live only in the high-altitude bamboo forests of Sichuan Province, China. They are a vulnerable endangered species with only 1,864 left worldwide. In short, they are rare animals. China often gifts these precious pandas to foreign countries. The practice of gifting pandas dates back a long time, with records showing that pandas were used in diplomacy as early as 685 during the reign of Empress Wu Zetian.

Photo by Huanqiu Shibao Capture

The panda began to attract international attention after the founding of the People's Republic of China, starting in 1972. In February of that year, U.S. President Richard Nixon visited China and held a summit with Chairman Mao Zedong. Mao gifted Nixon two pandas during his visit to Beijing. The mood of reconciliation between the two countries led to the establishment of diplomatic relations in January 1979. The establishment of diplomatic ties signified the end of the Cold War.

There are fewer countries than expected that have received pandas from China (according to the Washington Convention, which prohibits the sale or donation of rare animals, China has been gifting pandas through a leasing system since 1983). Less than 20 countries, including South Korea, Russia (former Soviet Union), the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, Denmark, Spain, Japan, and North Korea, have received pandas. The Chinese government gifts pandas only to countries it wants to get closer to or those that benefit China. Recently, China sent a pair of pandas to Qatar, where the World Cup is underway. Subsequently, China signed a liquefied natural gas (LNG) import contract worth approximately 83 trillion Korean won with Qatar, securing energy security.

The economic strength of the recipient country is also a consideration. The annual rental fee for one panda is known to be around 1 million U.S. dollars. Including the cost of a dedicated breeding facility, insurance, and feed, the total is reported to be about 21 million yuan (approximately 4 billion Korean won). Malaysia, for example, had to return pandas because it could not afford the costs.

On the 19th, the panda 'Tuan Tuan' gifted by China to Taiwan passed away. Tuan Tuan was a panda that set foot on Taiwanese soil after many twists and turns. The decision to send Tuan Tuan to Taiwan was made in 2005. Then-Chairman Hu Jintao promised to send a pair of pandas (female Yuan Yuan) to Taiwan after a meeting with Lien Chan, the leader of the Kuomintang. It was a meaningful gift as it was the first Kuomintang-Communist Party meeting since the division.

However, it took four years for Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan to cross the Taiwan Strait. At the time, the ruling Democratic Progressive Party opposed the import of pandas into Taiwan. The names Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan were also problematic. When combined, their names form 'Tuan Yuan,' which means 'reunion' in Chinese. The Democratic Progressive Party suspected this as a political move by China for unification. Eventually, Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan were able to set foot in Taiwan in December 2008 after the Kuomintang came to power.

Relations between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait have worsened as the Democratic Progressive Party pushes for independence. Chairman Xi Jinping has expressed that he does not rule out the use of force for unification, while U.S. President Joe Biden, who is countering China, has warned not to even dream of it. Taiwan has become a powder keg between the democratic and socialist camps.

It is truly ironic that the panda Tuan Tuan died at this moment, seemingly foreshadowing future cross-strait relations. The fact that many enthusiasts interpret Tuan Tuan's death in various ways rather than accepting it as it is indicates problems in China's diplomacy. China repeatedly emphasizes that it is not interested in hegemony. However, few countries believe this claim. Unification with Taiwan can be considered after China secures its position as a hegemonic power (G1).