New York, NY (June 3, 2024) — Committee of 100, a non-profit organization of prominent Chinese Americans, offered comments on the formal announcement that China will be sending two giant pandas to the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. later this year.
The return of the giant pandas to our nation’s capital zoo is a significant gesture, following President Xi’s statement during his visit to the U.S. last year, where he referred to the pandas as “envoys of friendship” between the peoples of China and the United States. This move revitalizes the longstanding tradition of ‘panda diplomacy’ first established in 1972.
“We are delighted by the news of giant pandas returning to the National Zoo,” said Cindy Tsai, Interim President of Committee of 100. “These pandas are more than beloved animals. They symbolize the complex yet enduring relationship between the U.S. and China, representing a bridge of diplomacy and cultural exchange that transcends political and economic differences. For Chinese Americans, the pandas also represent a deep connection to our cultural heritage and the universal themes of peace and friendship.”
About Committee of 100
Committee of 100 is a non-profit U.S. leadership organization of prominent Chinese Americans in business, government, academia, healthcare, and the arts focused on public policy engagement, civic engagement, and philanthropy. For over 30 years, Committee of 100 has served as the preeminent organization committed to the dual missions of promoting the full participation of Chinese Americans in all aspects of American life and constructive relations between the United States and Greater China. Visit https://www.committee100.org/ or follow Committee of 100 on social media for more information.
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