Xi Jinping suggests China may send U.S. more giant pandas

Chinese President Xi Jinping has suggested that the People's Republic may send the United States a new pair of giant pandas after one of the few remaining pairs in the country returned home after 23 years, earlier in November.

Mei Xiang and Tian Tian had resided in the Smithsonian National Zoo since 2000. During that time, they became a nationwide attraction and their departure followed heavy foot traffic at the zoo, with tourists swarming the facility to see them off during the "Panda Palooza" event.

"I was told that many American people, especially children, were really reluctant to say goodbye to the pandas, and went to the zoo to see them off. I also learned that the San Diego Zoo and the Californians very much look forward to welcoming pandas back," Xi said during a diplomatic trip to San Francisco, Politico reported. "Pandas have long been envoys of friendship between the Chinese and American peoples."

"We are ready to continue our cooperation with the United States on panda conservation, and do our best to meet the wishes of the Californians so as to deepen the friendly ties between our two peoples," he continued.

Xi made the remarks on Wednesday at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit. 

The only remaining pandas in the U.S. are at the Atlanta zoo, and those are slated to return to China next year.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.