"The tradition of using animals as diplomatic gifts dates back thousands of years. Elephants, horses, oxen, zebras and other exotic species have all been used in that fashion, but no animal has generated the sort of attention that pandas have. In the field of animal diplomacy, the Giant Panda reigns supreme.
In the face of such an overwhelming reception for their cuddly ambassadors, China has been wielding this soft power with increasing finesse. It’s been found that in recent decades, panda leasing deals are often granted as a grand gesture of friendship after major critical trade deals are signed with China. For the receiving countries, the Giant Pandas then become a potent symbol of the health of the relationship with China on both the economic and diplomatic fronts."
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