As China and Japan cross swords in first security talks in four years, the panda prevails


Visitors watching female giant panda Xiang Xiang ahead of her return to China, at the Ueno Zoo in Tokyo, on Feb 19, 2023. - AFP

TOKYO (The Straits Times/Asia News Network): Japan and China are often at loggerheads over ideology and allegiances, with their leaders wont to giving each other the cold shoulder – but the cuddly panda has transcended the animosity.

Japan bade a teary farewell to four pandas flown to China this week upon the end of a loan agreement, just as the two countries held their first security dialogue since February 2019 on Wednesday (Feb 22.

5.5 PAYDAY OFFER: 35% OFF Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 9.04/month

Billed as RM 9.04 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.02/month

Billed as RM 96.20 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
Japan , China , security , talks

Next In Aseanplus News

And it gets more chaotic ... Oil surges to four-year high, stocks slip after Trump blockade warning
Cambodian court denies appeal by detained opposition leader Kem Sokha
US economic gap over China to widen, but Iran might bring them closer: former UN official
Oil prices rise on report US considering military options to break Iran deadlock
China boy grabs public attention by ‘handcrafting’ turbojet engine in family’s living room
US and Nato faced with frustrating ‘marriage crisis’, Belgian defence minister says
Democrats urge Trump to keep ban on Chinese cars in US as Xi meeting looms
Inching closer to impeachment
Everest route reopened after icefall blockage
Kim praises soldiers for killing themselves

Others Also Read