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The last 2 pandas in Japan are leaving for China as ties are strained
The departure of twin pandas Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei follows diplomatic tensions after Japan's prime minister hinted at military response over Taiwan, risking an annual $128 million economic loss, experts say.
- Ueno Zoological Gardens announced on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, that male giant panda Xiao Xiao and female giant panda Lei Lei will leave for China, leaving Japan panda-free for the first time since 1972.
- Amid rising Tokyo–Beijing tensions, the return was timed before the loan expiry as officials announced last month amid a diplomatic spat after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi hinted Tokyo could intervene over Taiwan.
- Fans packed Ueno Zoo for the final viewing on Sunday, with 4,400 lucky winners attending one-minute sessions while many wore panda-themed items and photographers captured thousands of images.
- Katsuhiro Miyamoto cautioned the economic fallout could be large as the absence of pandas would cause an annual loss of about 20 billion yen, and Tokyo’s efforts to secure new pandas face uncertain prospects.
- Since 1972, China has used pandas as goodwill ambassadors, but Beijing has discouraged travel and delayed consular approvals; Gen Takahashi said, `I really would like pandas to come back to Japan again`.
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The Xiao Xiao games and Lei Lei arrived this Thursday at Chengdu, according to the Chinese Association for the Conservation of Selfage. "Regression" is due to tension between Japan and China.
·Portugal
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Japan bids farewell to last giant pandas as pair leave for China
TOKYO, Japan – Hundreds of Japanese panda lovers bid an emotional farewell to the country’s last two giant pandas, Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, as they left Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo for China on Tuesday, January 27. Spectators, braving the winter cold and some wearing panda hats and waving flags, held up their smartphones to record the moment as a truck carrying the zoo’s star attractions left for Narita Airport. The departure of the four-year-old twins for a…
·Philippines
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Total News Sources211
Leaning Left45Leaning Right27Center61Last UpdatedBias Distribution46% Center
Bias Distribution
- 46% of the sources are Center
46% Center
L 34%
C 46%
R 20%
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