Rekindling its panda diplomacy, China intends to bring additional pandas to the San Diego Zoo this year.

China announces plans to renew its long-standing gesture of friendship with the United States by sending a new pair of giant pandas to the San Diego Zoo. After most of the iconic pandas previously on loan to U.S. zoos were returned amidst strained relations between the two nations, this move marks a positive step in diplomatic ties.

San Diego Zoo officials have confirmed to The Associated Press that pending approval of all necessary permits and requirements, a male and female panda are expected to arrive by the end of summer. This development comes approximately five years after the zoo bid farewell to its last pandas, signaling a promising renewal of panda cooperation.

"We’re very excited and hopeful," stated Megan Owen, Vice President of Wildlife Conservation Science at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. "They’ve expressed a tremendous amount of enthusiasm to re-initiate panda cooperation starting with the San Diego Zoo."

The announcement follows Chinese President Xi Jinping's meeting with President Joe Biden in Northern California, where hopes were raised for the resumption of panda exchanges between the two countries. China is considering sending a pair that includes a female descendant of Bai Yun and Gao Gao, beloved former residents of the San Diego Zoo.

Bai Yun, born in captivity in China, spent over two decades at the zoo and gave birth to six cubs during her time there. Meanwhile, Gao Gao, born in the wild, resided at the San Diego Zoo from 2003 to 2018. Their contributions to conservation efforts and the understanding of panda behavior have been invaluable.

The return of pandas to the San Diego Zoo signifies more than just a symbolic gesture. It underscores decades of conservation efforts that saved the giant panda species from extinction, increasing their population from fewer than 1,000 to over 1,800 in the wild and captivity.

Panda diplomacy, exemplified by China’s gifting of pandas to the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., in 1972, has been instrumental in fostering U.S.-China relations. Despite challenges and speculations regarding the future of panda diplomacy amidst diplomatic tensions, this announcement reaffirms the enduring bond between the two nations.

The San Diego Zoo's ongoing collaboration with Chinese counterparts reflects a commitment to panda conservation and the exchange of valuable knowledge on breeding and care. Through this partnership, both countries aim to ensure the continued recovery of the giant panda as a species.

As preparations are underway for the arrival of the new panda pair, anticipation grows for the positive impact they will have on fostering cultural exchange, wildlife conservation, and diplomatic relations between China and the United States.