New York, NY — Committee of 100, a nonprofit organization of prominent Chinese Americans, today commented on the impending arrival of giant pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao from China, which are arriving at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. this week. 

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 the giant pandas returning to the National Zoo,” said Cindy Tsai, Interim President of Committee of 100. “These pandas are more than beloved animals, they serve as a powerful gesture of goodwill and cooperation between the U.S. and China. As cultural and diplomatic ambassadors, pandas remind us that even though the relationship between the U.S. and China is complex, collaboration on shared global issues can build bridges and foster understanding between nations. We hope Bao Li and Qing Bao enjoy their new home in Washington, DC.”  

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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Contacts:

Charles Zinkowski
Sr. Director of Marketing & Communications 
czinkowski@committee100.org

Sam Jones
Public Relations & Social Media Manager 
sjones@committee100.org