KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia bids farewell to their two giant panda cubs, Yi Yi and Sheng Yi, marking the end of China’s panda diplomacy with Malaysia. The departure of the pandas from Malaysia’s National Zoo on Tuesday (Aug 29) left behind their caretakers who had grown fond of them.
Their parents, Fu Wa and Feng Yi, now renamed Xing Xing and Liang Liang (female), were loaned to Malaysia in 2014 for 10 years as part of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The pandas successfully gave birth to three cubs during their stay: Nuan Nuan in Aug 18, 2015; Yi Yi in Jan 14, 2018; and Sheng Yi in May 30, 2021. Nuan Nuan was sent back to China in 2017.
The presence of the giant pandas in Malaysia represents the enduring bilateral relations between China and Malaysia, with China often using giant pandas as a symbol of “panda diplomacy” to strengthen ties, promote cultural exchanges, and raise awareness about the conservation of this endangered species.
Dr Oh Ei Sun, Principal Adviser at the Pacific Research Centre of Malaysia, highlighted that the giant pandas serve as tangible representations of the close relationship between Malaysia and China, particularly in areas such as trade and investment. “The pandas serve as visible symbols and embodiments of the close friendships between the two countries,” he remarked.
In addition to fostering bilateral relations, the income generated from overseas panda “rentals” is invested in domestic panda conservation efforts in China. “The presence of pandas in other countries also helps raise interest and awareness of Chinese culture in general,” added Dr Oh, who is also a senior fellow with the Singapore Institute of International Affairs.
Notably, not all countries with diplomatic relations with China are privileged to receive native giant pandas. China loaned the pandas to Malaysia because it sees the country as an important partner. “This is China’s strategy, and both countries benefit from this panda diplomacy,” explained Prof Dr Azmi Hassan, a geo-strategist from the Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research (NASR).
Addressing the cost borne by Malaysia, Prof Dr Azmi Hassan stated that while the 10-year panda loan is significant, both countries benefit from the arrangement, whether explicitly stated or implied. Dr Oh expressed a hope that goodwill gestures from China could include reduced or free panda rentals for developing countries.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
