China presents France with a new pair of pandas during Macron's visit

France is set to welcome two giant pandas from China following an agreement reached during President Emmanuel Macron's official visit. The China Wildlife Conservation Association confirmed that the pair will arrive at Beauval Zoo in Saint-Aignan in 2027, after a letter of intent was signed on Thursday.

The partnership between France and China for the protection of giant pandas will span ten years, beginning after the return of two young pandas currently living in France to China.

During his visit, Macron traveled to Beijing and the southwestern province of Sichuan, the natural home of pandas. The panda breeding center is based in Chengdu, the provincial capital.

While animal rights groups often criticize housing pandas in zoos due to potential behavioral issues and limited socialization, China continues its practice of panda diplomacy, loaning the bears to countries with friendly relations. Nations hosting pandas, such as Germany with its enclosure in Berlin, benefit from cultural and diplomatic ties while attracting visitors.

In Chengdu, Macron also held informal discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping, an uncommon gesture as Xi rarely personally accompanies foreign leaders during visits. Macron described the reception as marked by friendship.

Author: Aiden Foster