World · East Asia & Pacific · 5 hrs ago
Panda loan plans stall as Japan-China relations worsen
A planned loan of giant pandas from China to Japan fell through as the two countries’ relations worsened.
The pandas were expected to go to Wakayama Prefecture, a political base of former Japanese ruling party official Toshihiro Nikai.
In August 2024, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had told Nikai that a new loan would be possible.
The plan was expected to be announced at a summit involving Japan, China and South Korea, but the meeting was postponed amid political changes in South Korea and Japan.
Relations worsened further after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi spoke in November 2025 about a possible crisis involving Taiwan, and China opposed holding the summit.
Japan returned its last two pandas to China in January 2026, leaving the country without any pandas.
The stalled plan reflects how strained ties have also halted a symbolic sign of friendship, and no new loan is currently being discussed.
Plans to loan giant pandas from China to Japan fell through as relations between the countries worsened.
The loan was being arranged for Wakayama Prefecture, the political base of former Japanese politician Toshihiro Nikai.
China said it would not agree to a planned Japan-China-South Korea summit after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made remarks about a possible Taiwan contingency.
The last two pandas in Japan were returned to China in January 2026.
- Who
- Japan and China. The planned loan involved giant pandas and Japanese officials.
- What
- A planned Chinese loan of pandas to Japan fell through.
- When
- The discussions began in August 2024. The plan fell through after relations worsened in November 2025.
- Where
- The pandas were to be sent to Wakayama Prefecture, Japan.
- Why
- Japan-China relations deteriorated after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made remarks concerning a possible Taiwan contingency.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Toshihiro Nikai visited Beijing and discussed a new panda loan with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was removed after declaring martial law, and plans for a Japan-China-South Korea summit were postponed.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced he would step down.
Sanae Takaichi made Diet remarks concerning a possible Taiwan contingency, after which Japan-China relations deteriorated and China said it would not agree to the three-way summit.
Japan returned its last two pandas to China.
- Planned destination
- Wakayama Prefecture, Japan
- Panda loan discussions
- Raised during Nikai's August 2024 visit to Beijing
- China's position
- It would not agree to the planned Japan-China-South Korea summit
- Last pandas in Japan
- Two returned to China in January 2026
What people are saying
It will be fine. Leave it to me.
Now, not even the first syllable of 'panda' comes up in talks with China.