Japan may be left without pandas in the near future, reports the Kyodo news agency. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
Due to the cooling relations with the Chinese government, the last two pandas in Japan will be returned to their homeland early next year. Pandas are considered a national symbol and treasure of China.
They are leased by the Chinese government to zoos in foreign countries. According to Kyodo agency, although the pandas living in Japan were born in this country, they are considered Chinese property.
China first sent pandas to Japan in 1972 to improve diplomatic relations between the two countries. Over the years, the pandas have won the affection of the Japanese people and have become one of the country's popular tourist attractions.
However, recently relations between Tokyo and Beijing have become tense. Japanese Prime Minister Sane Takaichi's statement that China's possible actions towards Taiwan could involve Japan in a conflict has escalated the situation.
The situation was further complicated by a statement from the Chinese consul in Osaka insulting Takaichi. As a result, new conflicts are emerging in the relations between the two countries.
