Photo: Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun

"We welcome Japanese people to visit giant pandas in China as always," the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated Tuesday in response to a question by a Japanese reporter regarding two giant pandas from Ueno Zoo in Tokyo, Japan, that depart for China today, which will leave Japan without any giant pandas. The reporter also asked the Chinese spokesperson how he evaluates the role that giant pandas have played in advancing the development of China-Japan relations.

In response, Guo stated that "we have addressed this matter on multiple occasions." In accordance with the relevant agreement between China and Japan, the giant pandas Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, which have been residing in Japan, are departing for China on Tuesday, Guo said. 

We welcome Japanese people to visit giant pandas in China as always. For the specific questions you raised, we suggest you refer them to the competent Chinese authorities, the Chinese spokesperson added.

Global Times