Mainland hopes donated pandas can arrive in Taiwan smoothly
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2006-02-08 16:56

A Chinese mainland spokesman on Wednesday expressed his hope that the donated pandas can arrive in Taiwan smoothly.

The scheduled delivery of the pandas in coming March will "fulfill the long-cherished desire of Taiwan compatriots to see the pandas with their own eyes and enjoy panda's loveliness on the island," Li Weiyi, spokesman of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council said at a regular press conference on Tuesday.

Li made the comments in response to a question whether the mainland will extend its offer to donate the pandas to Taiwan, if Taiwan refuses to accept the pandas this March.

"We hope that no one will oppose the donation for political reasons and we will faithfully fulfill our solemn promise made to Taiwan compatriots," Li said.

The Chinese mainland announced it will donate pandas to Taiwan on May 3, 2005. The two pandas were chosen from 11 candidates last January. Last week it was reveled the pandas would be called Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan, which means reunion.