<P> Pandas have become important diplomatic symbols , not only to China . In a visit by Hu Jintao to Japan in May 2008 , China announced the loan of two pandas to Japan . The President was quoted as saying `` Giant pandas are very popular among the Japanese , and they are a symbol of the friendly ties between Japan and China . '' Actions that other countries take with pandas are often seen as laden with meaning . For example , British diplomats worried that a 1964 transfer of a panda from a London zoo to Moscow would worsen Sino - Soviet relations . In January 2006 , U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Robert Zoellick was photographed hugging a 5 - month - old panda cub during his visit to Sichuan Province . The image was widely broadcast by the Chinese media and was purportedly interpreted as a sign that Zoellick supported better relations between China and the United States . </P>
<P> Pandas have become important diplomatic symbols , not only to China . In a visit by Hu Jintao to Japan in May 2008 , China announced the loan of two pandas to Japan . The President was quoted as saying `` Giant pandas are very popular among the Japanese , and they are a symbol of the friendly ties between Japan and China . '' Actions that other countries take with pandas are often seen as laden with meaning . For example , British diplomats worried that a 1964 transfer of a panda from a London zoo to Moscow would worsen Sino - Soviet relations . In January 2006 , U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Robert Zoellick was photographed hugging a 5 - month - old panda cub during his visit to Sichuan Province . The image was widely broadcast by the Chinese media and was purportedly interpreted as a sign that Zoellick supported better relations between China and the United States . </P>
what is the panda a symbol of in china
what is the panda a symbol of in china
diplomatic symbols
diplomatic symbols