Photo: State Council Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Peng Qing'en

 

If "Taiwan independence" separatist forces dare to use giant pandas as a tribute to curry favor with Japan, they will inevitably face the wrath of compatriots on both sides of the Straits, said Peng Qing'en, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, in response to a question regarding claims by certain Japanese lawmakers that the giant pandas at the Taipei Zoo were gifted by the mainland and that negotiations are underway for animal exchanges between Japanese zoos and the Taipei Zoo as the lease agreement between China and Japan is about to expire, and the last two giant pandas in Japan will return to China in early 2026. 

Absurd remarks made by certain Japanese politicians are nothing but a pipe dream, said Peng.

It must be emphasized that the giant pandas gifted to the Taiwan region in 2008 were presented by mainland to their counterparts. They represent an important achievement in the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations and are deeply cherished by Taiwan compatriots, especially the younger generation, bringing them joy and fond memories, Peng said.

As a "national treasure," giant pandas deserve to be cherished by compatriots on both sides of the Straits. If "Taiwan independence" separatist forces dare to use giant pandas as a tribute to curry favor with Japan, they will inevitably face the wrath of compatriots on both sides of the Straits, Peng said.

Global Times