Panda diplomacy

Chinese Premier Li Qiang is visiting Australia. In addition to more weighty topics, panda diplomacy is in the headlines.
 
Panda diplomacy involves China lending another country a pair of pandas. It’s intended to build relationships between China and the receiving country and also to promote breeding programs to increase the dwindling numbers of the vulnerable giant pandas. Adelaide Zoo received Fu Ni and Wang Wang, Australia’s first two giant panda diplomats, in 2009. They are the only ones in the southern hemisphere. Sadly Fu Ni and Wang Wang haven’t produced any cubs. Now it seems they are to be sent home (hopefully not in disgrace) and a younger pair is to take their place.
 
We photographed this panda in Beijing Zoo on 17 May 2007.