Chinese Diplomatic Source: "No Possibility of Puba being South Korean... Return Timing to be Decided This Month"

The timing of the return of Giant Panda Fubao at Everland in Yongin to China will be decided within this month.

A diplomatic source in China said on the 15th, "Everland and the China Wildlife Conservation Association are negotiating the timing and procedures for Fubao's return," adding, "The return is expected to take place before July 20th of this year, when Fubao turns 4 years old, and it is likely to be announced within this month." The source further explained, "There is very little chance that Fubao will remain in Korea."

Fubao was born on July 20, 2020, between panda Lubao and Aibao, who were sent by Chinese President Xi Jinping in March 2016 as a symbol of Korea-China friendship. She has been affectionately called "Yongin Pussi," "Princess Fu," and "Futuntun," and has been loved by visitors from both Korea and China.

Pandas sent by China to foreign countries return to China before turning 4 years old in accordance with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Everland has been discussing Fubao's return with the Chinese side since last July, when she celebrated her 3rd birthday.