INTERMEDIATE1
Comprehension Question
오늘의 주제에 대해 이해해 보세요.
- 1. Why did China send pandas to the U.S. in 1972?
2. How has China's approach to panda diplomacy changed over time?
3. What is the purpose of loaning pandas instead of gifting them?
4. What role do pandas play in wildlife conservation efforts?
Discussion Question
오늘의 주제에 대해 강사님과 토론해 보세요.
- 1. How do you feel about animals being used for diplomatic purposes? Is it ethical?
2. Should China continue loaning pandas to other countries, or should it focus on conserving them within its own borders? Why?
3. How does the shift from gifting pandas to loaning them impact conservation efforts?
4. Do you think panda diplomacy will continue in the future, or will it eventually lose its significance? Why?
Panda Diplomacy 
Giant pandas have long played a critical role in international relations, with China’s practice of gifting or loaning giant pandas to strengthen diplomatic ties dating back to the Tang Dynasty. This “panda diplomacy” gained prominence in 1957 when China sent two “panda ambassadors” to the Soviet Union as a goodwill gesture. The trend continued with China gifting pandas to countries like the U.S. and Japan when diplomacy needed a boost.