China's panda diplomacy helps strengthen ties with Europe
When observing the China-EU relationship since 2012, it can be seen that pandas have played an important role in helping bring the two sides closer together.
When Xi Jinping made his first visit to the European Union as Chinese president in early 2014, he inaugurated a panda garden in Pairi Daiza, a zoo about 60 kilometers away from Brussels, with Belgium's King Philippe.
It is noteworthy that panda diplomacy was also a highlight during Xi's second state visit to Germany, in Hamburg in July this year. During the trip, as well as attending the G20 summit, Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan welcomed two Chinese pandas to Berlin Zoo together with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and her husband.
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