It was with a way of bittersweet realization that I acquired information of the pandas’ return to Washington, DC. When the Chinese language authorities eliminated them final November, I wrote in these pages that “panda diplomacy” has by no means been a useful coverage for america. Now that they are coming again, it is much more apparent.
The issue is not the pandas themselves (though I should not disguise my private distaste for the lazy brutes). The issue is that our settlement with China on this challenge is totally one-sided. The Chinese language “give” us pandas with full phrases and advantageous print, after which, when the spirit strikes them – normally when our rule clashes with their rule – they throw the pandas away. The result’s all the time the identical: an outpouring of public sentiment and an embarrassing show of institutionalized begging for pandas, extra pandas.
And the cycle begins once more. Simply six months after the Nationwide Zoo despatched Tian Tian and Mei Xiang and their cub, Xiao Qi Ji, (how many individuals have ever realized these names?) again to China in a FedEx field, it introduced that two extra black-and-white ursids are inbound. These newcomers, Bao Li and Qing Bao will probably be in DC by 2034. Any cubs they produce will probably be thrown right into a crate and shipped again residence. And the zoo, along with the standard care and upkeep that comes with exhibiting a consultant of an endangered species, pays the Chinese language authorities a $1 million annual charge for the privilege.
This association will not be distinctive to the Nationwide Zoo, though it was the primary in america to host pandas. So did the Memphis Zoo and the San Diego Zoo for some time, till the Chinese language determined these cities weren’t eligible. (One died on Memphis’ watch, justifiably.) Atlanta nonetheless has pandas, however not for lengthy: They’re scheduled to go away on the finish of this yr. Each time it occurs, it is a nationwide occasion, with farewell ceremonies, hours of tv protection and the standard fretting over whether or not we’ll ever get pandas once more. We might, we might not; All of it will depend on Chinese language will.
Panda diplomacy is good for the Chinese language. There are just one,800 pandas left on the planet, and China has a monopoly on their existence (the truth that pandas can barely reproduce with out human intervention signifies that it most likely all the time will.) And their shortage makes them useful to sentimental, animal-loving individuals all over the world. As of 2022, there have been pandas in 22 zoos in 18 nations, and so they have been hits in each one. This has bought to be one of many lowest-effort, highest-reward soft-power performs on provide.
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Nevertheless, it isn’t like pandas imply a lot to the powers that be in China. Simply earlier this yr, the regime drew criticism from panda-watch organizations for its therapy of repatriated bears. Movies that went viral on Chinese language social media confirmed individuals poking at them with their cages contained in the airport and touching them round them. A stay stream of a panda, particularly beloved when it was on mortgage in South Korea, revealed a multitude of mangy fur, main many to suspect it was sick and never being cared for. None of this needs to be too stunning: pandas are diplomatic instruments like every other, and once they’re not getting used, there is no motive to take care of them. And People don’t have any motive to take part on this recreation. The whole lot should come to an finish, and a few issues are higher left prior to now.
If the Nationwide Zoo actually needed a long-lasting panda exhibit, it might open the naked concrete and glass enclosure to the general public. Over time, the place will decay and accumulate overwhelming vitality that solely ruins can point out. Panda’s recollections will turn into extra intoxicating than his presence. Quickly, as we kind via the stays, we’ll regard the panda as a dinosaur: a wierd, magnificent beast past our comprehension.
I do know it should by no means occur. However the thought beats the truth: $1 million a yr to look at an impotent bear chew a stick.
