Panda diplomacy – Charm

A truck believed to be carrying the twin pandas departs from Ueno Zoo in Tokyo on January 27, 2026, heading towards their return to China. The return came as ties between Japan and China quickly soured after Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi hinted that Tokyo could intervene militarily in the event of any attack on Taiwan. — AFP pic

Japan’s beloved last pandas return to China, ending 50‑year presence at Ueno Zoo as ties fray

8 months ago05 mins

TOKYO, Jan 27 — Two popular pandas are set to leave Tokyo for China today, leaving Japan without any of the beloved bears for the first time in 50 years as ties between the Asian neighbours fray. Panda twins Lei Lei and Xiao Xiao are due to be transported by truck out of Ueno Zoological…