Part 10/12:
Throughout the late 20th and early 21st centuries, panda diplomacy has played an essential role in China's strategy to shape its global image. From initial use during wartime to restore goodwill, to leveraging pandas as symbols of peace and friendship in a complex geopolitical landscape, China has expertly employed these animals as diplomatic ambassadors.
The non-threatening, adorable face of the panda masks a sophisticated diplomatic instrument—one that costs relatively little but yields immense soft power dividends. Cow emphasizes that despite current tensions, it’s unlikely China would permanently withdraw pandas from the U.S., as these creatures have become part of a broader cultural and diplomatic fabric.