New 'Rumor Refutation' Section Established on Weibo
Concerns Over Setbacks in Panda Diplomacy Seem Evident
As global interest in the giant panda rises, Chinese authorities have directly refuted rumors circulating on the internet related to pandas.
On the 21st, Yonhap News quoted Global Times 21, reporting that the China Panda Protection and Research Center opened a special section titled "Refuting Rumors" on its official Weibo account the previous day and posted two consecutive articles. The sensitive reaction of Chinese authorities to online public opinion is interpreted as a concern that the spread of unverified rumors could disrupt China's efforts to enhance its national image through the panda, a symbol of China, and potentially affect panda diplomacy with other countries.
The first article addressed the rumor that "China is sending pandas abroad under the pretext of international cooperation to conduct unethical (black) experiments." The center explained, "The purpose of international cooperation regarding pandas is to protect endangered species and enhance the capacity to conserve biodiversity," adding, "China and its partner countries jointly develop scientific research plans, participate together in scientific research on epidemic prevention and control, genetic protection, and share the results."
The second article concerned the rumor that China was hiding and abusing three pandas that returned from the United States in November last year. The center stated, "According to work coordination, the female Meixiang and the male Tian Tian completed quarantine isolation and were moved to a private area of the Dujiangyan base, while the cub Xiao Qi Ji was transferred to the Wolong China Giant Panda Sanctuary Shenshuping Base," and refuted, "The claim that the three pandas were hidden and abused is absolutely untrue." The center also emphasized, "We respect truth and facts, reject rumors, and ask for discernment between right and wrong."
Meanwhile, the center has been regularly updating news about the giant panda 'Fubao,' who left Korea and started a new life in China early last month. Through Weibo, the center has shared videos of Fubao to inform fans of the panda's current status, recently reporting that "(As quarantine life nears its end) Fubao is gradually adapting to group living by interacting with neighbors (other pandas) through smells and sounds."
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