From 1958 to 1982, China gave away 23 pandas to nine countries to
mark the beginning of diplomatic relations.
Loans of giant pandas to American and Japanese zoos formed an important
part of the diplomacy of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in the 1970s, as
it marked some of the first cultural exchanges between the People's Republic
and the West. This practice has been termed ‘Panda diplomacy’.
Panda, a highly endangered species is a native to central-western
and south western China - the Sinchuan Region.
It is considered as a symbol of world peace and represents the Yin and
Yang concept. In fact, Panda is known to
be China's longest serving ambassador as it was presented as a gift to Japan
during the Tang Dynasty around 685 AD.
By 1984, however, pandas were no longer given as gifts. Instead,
the PRC began to offer pandas to other nations only on 10-year loans, under
terms including a fee of up to US$1,000,000 per year and a provision that any
cubs born during the loan are the property of the PRC.
Pandas feed on bamboo shoots.
It has a low birth rate and is greatly threatened with extinction whereby
as at 2004, only 1,600 are believed to be still living in the wild.
Because of this, Panda is considered as a national treasure of
China and was one of the five mascots in Beijing Olympics Games 2008.
Taking the significance of the species for the country, China’s
decision to lend two pandas for 10 years to Malaysia in itself, symbolizes the
significance of China-Malaysia relations.
Nevertheless, during the era of Tun Abdul Razak, Malaysia-China
relation had been strengthened through a “Ping Pong Diplomacy” in 1974. Ever since, both countries have always
maintained good social, political and economic relations.
With this already strong relation, the “Panda Diplomacy” must have
brought a deeper meaning than just to mark a lasting good relation. It means China’s recognition of Malaysia's
achievement in research and conservation.
In addition to that, by entrusting Malaysia with its national
treasure, China is also acknowledging Malaysia’s commitment towards increasing
the number of the endangered species.
We believe that China’s friendship, trust and acknowledgment
towards Malaysia would lead to more fruitful dealings that would benefit both
countries. By gaining the trust of one
of the greatest economic power of the world is evidence of a dynamic leadership
of our Prime Minister.
Still, it is sad that some Malaysians do not see the significance
of Panda Diplomacy, and have to ridicule the government’s call to help name the
pandas. While a world’s superpower is
showing us their respect, the Malaysians themselves are showing the world of
how low their mentalities are.
I bet these same Malaysians are the ones claiming to be loyal,
rationale, open-minded citizens though they sounded more like retarded
Malaysians.
However, let’s not be bothered by these few retards, but pity them
for their poor upbringing.
So, let’s all truly loyal, rationale, open-minded citizens of
Malaysia take part in the contest so that we could find the best names for
these two treasures of the world, that are now in our care.
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