Japan to Return Last Pandas Amid China Tensions

Japan is sending back its last two pandas, Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, to China next month.

These pandas have been living in Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo since they were born in 2021.

Normally, pandas are loaned to other countries as a symbol of friendship, a practice called 'panda diplomacy.'

Japan has been hosting pandas since 1972.

The early return of these pandas comes at a time when Japan and China are not getting along well.

This is because the Japanese Prime Minister made some comments about Taiwan that China didn't like.

As a result, China has canceled some Japanese cultural events and told its people not to visit Japan.

It's not clear if the pandas' early departure is directly related to these tensions, but it's happening at the same time.

Other countries like France and Australia have recently received pandas from China, showing that these bears are still being used to improve relationships.

In Japan, many people are worried about the worsening relationship with China.