President Lee Proposes Panda Loan to China... Animal Groups Urge End to Diplomatic and Exhibition Practices

President Lee Mentions Pandas as a Way to Ease Anti-China Sentiment
"Suggested Sending a Pair of Pandas to Gwangju Uchi Zoo"
Animal Rights Group: "Pandas Are Not Born for Diplomacy"

Following the Korea-China summit, discussions have taken place between the two countries regarding the donation of pandas. In response, an animal rights organization has urged an end to the practice of using wild animals as tools for diplomacy and the exhibition industry. On January 7, Animal Rights Action Kara released a statement emphasizing that pandas are endangered wild animals and are not born for human entertainment or fostering goodwill between nations. Nevertheless, they have long been used as diplomatic tools by China. Kara also pointed out that the Korean government has accepted this practice without criticism.

Animal Rights Action Kara urged to "stop the practice of using wild animals as tools for diplomacy and exhibition industries" regarding the panda donation discussions between Korea and China. The photo shows Fu Bao holding a bamboo doll at the indoor enclosure of Panda World in Everland, Yongin, in March 2024. Photo by The Asia Business Daily DB

Kara stated, "The renewed discussions about panda loan cooperation following the Fu Bao craze can only be seen as an attempt to extend the exhibition industry under the guise of wildlife protection," and called for a complete reassessment of the related discussions.

Kara further argued, "Repeated loans and exhibitions under the pretext of breeding research do not contribute to the preservation of wild panda habitats or the recovery of their populations. Instead, they reinforce a structure that justifies the commercial use of animals." The organization criticized the panda loan discussions as decisions that benefit only the zoos displaying pandas and the surrounding industry, rather than serving as wildlife protection policies.

Previously, President Lee Jaemyung announced at a press conference with the Korean press corps in Shanghai, China, on January 6, that he had proposed a "panda donation" to the Chinese side as a practical measure to address the spread of hostile sentiments between Korea and China. President Lee commented on anti-Korean sentiment in China, saying, "From the perspective of Chinese people, their dislike of Korean products has led to a trade deficit, excluding Hong Kong," and added, "We agreed with the Chinese leadership on the need to break this vicious cycle."

President Lee also explained that he had proposed the panda donation as a gesture to ease anti-Chinese sentiment in Korea. He said, "Koreans love pandas, so I suggested sending a pair of pandas to Gwangju Uchi Zoo as part of efforts to promote balanced regional development." He added, "I understand that working-level consultations are currently underway to explore this proposal."

In fact, it has been reported that environmental authorities from Korea and China discussed cooperation measures regarding pandas on January 6. The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment stated that Minister Kim Seonghwan met with Director Liu Guohong at the National Forestry and Grassland Administration in Beijing, China, on January 6. They reviewed the achievements of panda cooperation between the two countries and agreed to deepen future collaboration.

Pandas have long been used as diplomatic instruments by China. In July 2014, during President Xi Jinping's visit to Korea, the joint summit statement included support for joint panda research. As a result of subsequent discussions, a pair of pandas (Ai Bao and Le Bao) arrived in Korea in March 2016. Ai Bao and Le Bao gave birth to a cub, Fu Bao, in July 2020. Until her return to China in April 2024, Fu Bao was adored by the public at Panda World in Everland.