<p>China is spreading falsehoods about the treatment of its precious Pandas in the United States.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per reports, Chinese social media has been flooded with content fanning anti-America sentiments in recent months, amid already frigid Washington-Beijing ties.</p>

<h2><strong>Eclipsing 'panda diplomacy'</strong></h2>

<p>A report by AFP news agency said researchers have warned that "clout-chasing influencers" amplified these anti-American perceptions. This, they say, is casting a shadow on China's "panda diplomacy".</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/tears-flow-as-japan-send-xiang-xiang-the-giant-panda-home-to-china-564339/#the-teary-farewell-564326">Tears flow as Japan sends Xiang Xiang the giant panda 'home' to China</a></strong></p>

<p>Reportedly, the latest narrative on Weibo and Douyin claims that Mei Xiang, a China-loaned panda was abused at the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, DC. The rumours fuelled by a video also claimed that the beloved panda was made to undergo painful artificial insemination dozens of times.</p>

<p>Such posts triggered earnest pleas to rescue her, with the hashtag "Save Mei Xiang" garnering millions of views on Weibo, AFP reported.</p>

<h2><strong>Was Mei Xiang abused?</strong></h2>

<p>There is no proof of that. The video that purportedly shows Mei Xiang, as per an AFP fact check, is from 2015, and actually showed a different male panda undergoing a health check-up in Singapore.</p>

<p>Another post purportedly "shows" Mei Xiang's mate, Tian, sedated and restrained during an examination. However, as per Atlantic Council's Digital Forensic Research Lab (DFRLab), it is from 2005 and depicts a panda in China's Fujian province undergoing an examination.</p>

<p>"Amid increased competition between the US and China, the deterioration of US-China relations is now echoed in Chinese narratives," DFRLab said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/rescued-from-alleged-neglect-panda-ya-ya-thrives-in-china-after-time-at-us-zoo-597998">'Rescued' from alleged neglect, panda 'Ya Ya' thrives in China after time at US zoo</a></strong></p>

<p>"The narratives are deeply rooted in Chinese nationalism and mistrust of the West and have been amplified across Chinese media and social media," it said.</p>

<p>Giant Pandas have been a part of American zoos since 1972. However, amid the frosty talks between the US and China, many have been recalled, some with reports of mistreatment.</p>

<p>In May, a Panda called Ya Ya, a resident of the Memphis Zoo, was transported back to China. The narrative after her "recall" was all about her escaping neglect and thriving back in China.</p>

<h2><strong>What is panda diplomacy?</strong></h2>

<p>Panda diplomacy is China's unique tool of diplomacy. From 1941 to 1984, Beijing used to gift pandas to other nations. However following the status change of pandas to 'endangered' in 1984, it started leasing the animals.</p>

<p>Any baby pandas born to the leased pandas are automatically the property of the People's Republic of China.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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China is spreading falsehoods about the treatment of its precious Pandas in the United States. As per reports, Chinese social media has been flooded with content fanning anti-America sentiments in recent months, amid already frigid Washington-Beijing ties.

China is spreading falsehoods about the treatment of its precious Pandas in the United States. As per reports, Chinese social media has been flooded with content fanning anti-America sentiments in recent months, amid already frigid Washington-Beijing ties. Eclipsing 'panda diplomacy' A report by AFP news agency said researchers have warned that "clout-chasing influencers" amplified these anti-American perceptions. This, they say, is casting a shadow on China's "panda diplomacy". Also read | Tears flow as Japan sends Xiang Xiang the giant panda 'home' to China Reportedly, the latest narrative on Weibo and Douyin claims that Mei Xiang, a China-loaned panda was abused at the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, DC. The rumours fuelled by a video also claimed that the beloved panda was made to undergo painful artificial insemination dozens of times. Such posts triggered earnest pleas to rescue her, with the hashtag "Save Mei Xiang" garnering millions of views on Weibo, AFP reported. Was Mei Xiang abused? There is no proof of that. The video that purportedly shows Mei Xiang, as per an AFP fact check, is from 2015, and actually showed a different male panda undergoing a health check-up in Singapore. Another post purportedly "shows" Mei Xiang's mate, Tian, sedated and restrained during an examination. However, as per Atlantic Council's Digital Forensic Research Lab (DFRLab), it is from 2005 and depicts a panda in China's Fujian province undergoing an examination. "Amid increased competition between the US and China, the deterioration of US-China relations is now echoed in Chinese narratives," DFRLab said. Also read | 'Rescued' from alleged neglect, panda 'Ya Ya' thrives in China after time at US zoo "The narratives are deeply rooted in Chinese nationalism and mistrust of the West and have been amplified across Chinese media and social media," it said. Giant Pandas have been a part of American zoos since 1972. However, amid the frosty talks between the US and China, many have been recalled, some with reports of mistreatment. In May, a Panda called Ya Ya, a resident of the Memphis Zoo, was transported back to China. The narrative after her "recall" was all about her escaping neglect and thriving back in China. What is panda diplomacy? Panda diplomacy is China's unique tool of diplomacy. From 1941 to 1984, Beijing used to gift pandas to other nations. However following the status change of pandas to 'endangered' in 1984, it started leasing the animals. Any baby pandas born to the leased pandas are automatically the property of the People's Republic of China. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Amid US-China tensions, pandas become the latest choice of weapon online

<p>China's sweetheart panda Ya Ya has once again become an internet sensation after the nation's media shared pictures of her arriving at her new home. On Sunday, the 23-year-old panda ended her quarantine and entered her new home in Beijing.</p>

<p>Ya Ya has returned home after spending 20 years in the United States. On China's Twitter alternate Weibo, a hashtag tracking the Panda's return as per a CNN report has quickly gained over 230 million views. On Monday, the hashtag topped the trending charts.</p>

<h2><strong>US-China and 'panda diplomacy'</strong></h2>

<p>Back in 2003, when US-China relations were experiencing a high point, Ya Ya the Panda was loaned to the Memphis Zoo under China's panda diplomacy endeavour. However, last month the Giant Panda's return journey was scheduled — a move that symbolises the deteriorating relations between the two superpowers.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shanghais-giant-panda-ya-ya-is-back-home-after-20-years-in-us-586797">Shanghai's giant panda Ya Ya is back home, after 20 years in US</a></strong></p>

<p>As per CNN, US-China relations have fallen to their lowest point in a century. But it's not just that. Ya Ya's return came after months of heated discussions on Chinese social media about the alleged neglect the giant panda faced at the Memphis Zoo.</p>

<h2><strong>The alleged neglect Ya Ya faced in the USA</strong></h2>

<p>The discussions followed accusations levied by animal advocates in 2021. According to Panda Voices, "As a senior panda, she has endured several miscarriages and is malnourished and underweight. She suffers from skin mites. The lack of quality bamboo, nutritious treats, and enrichment has caused her serious stereotypical behaviour."</p>

<p>All charges of neglect were repeatedly denied by the Memphis Zoo.</p>

<p>Ya Ya and her partner Le Le spent years of their lives in Memphis Zoo. Since 2019, visitors and panda fans had raised concerns over the sickly appearance of the two pandas. In February 2023, just months before they were to be transported home to China, Le Le died. His death triggered an outpouring of anger at the US Zoo authorities who dismissed speculations that the pandas were sick or malnourished and instead repeatedly insisted that the hair loss was due to hormones and that they were just small framed but healthy.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Let's check how Panda Ya Ya is faring one month after returning to China from Memphis Zoo in the US <a href="https://t.co/z7kIGPN3Hw">https://t.co/z7kIGPN3Hw</a> <a href="https://t.co/puOhfSS9RJ">pic.twitter.com/puOhfSS9RJ</a></p>
— Raam Beart 🥭 (@raam_beart) <a href="https://twitter.com/raam_beart/status/1663060507459477504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Photos and videos posted of Ya Ya online have garnered heaps of praise for the panda's current caretakers. Many have taken to comparing her current pictures to those from a month back.&nbsp;One of the posts on Weibo noted that "It’s only been a month and the panda looks like a different one now."</p>

<h2><strong>Panda Ya Ya's welcome to China&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Ya Ya was transported to Shanghai on April 4th. Her return was huge news and came with an "outpouring of nationalist sentiment online," reports CNN.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since her arrival in China, the elderly panda has been in a month-long quarantine that ended on Sunday. She is in the care of Beijing Zoo, which in a statement posted online said her condition was "stable."</p>

<p>The zoo, as per its statement, has prepared a special feeding ground for panda Ya Ya.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/tears-flow-as-japan-send-xiang-xiang-the-giant-panda-home-to-china-564339">Tears flow as Japan sends Xiang Xiang the giant panda 'home' to China</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>When can the public meet Ya Ya?</strong></h2>

<p>Due to her advanced age, the elderly panda would not be put on public display, said the Zoo, citing Ya Ya's need to adapt to the change in environment. However, the zoo will keep the public abreast with regular updates on its Weibo page.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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China's sweetheart panda Ya Ya has once again become an internet sensation after the nation's media shared pictures of her arriving at her new home. On Sunday, the 23-year-old panda ended her quarantine and entered her new home in Beijing.

China's sweetheart panda Ya Ya has once again become an internet sensation after the nation's media shared pictures of her arriving at her new home. On Sunday, the 23-year-old panda ended her quarantine and entered her new home in Beijing. Ya Ya has returned home after spending 20 years in the United States. On China's Twitter alternate Weibo, a hashtag tracking the Panda's return as per a CNN report has quickly gained over 230 million views. On Monday, the hashtag topped the trending charts. US-China and 'panda diplomacy' Back in 2003, when US-China relations were experiencing a high point, Ya Ya the Panda was loaned to the Memphis Zoo under China's panda diplomacy endeavour. However, last month the Giant Panda's return journey was scheduled — a move that symbolises the deteriorating relations between the two superpowers. Also read | Shanghai's giant panda Ya Ya is back home, after 20 years in US As per CNN, US-China relations have fallen to their lowest point in a century. But it's not just that. Ya Ya's return came after months of heated discussions on Chinese social media about the alleged neglect the giant panda faced at the Memphis Zoo. The alleged neglect Ya Ya faced in the USA The discussions followed accusations levied by animal advocates in 2021. According to Panda Voices, "As a senior panda, she has endured several miscarriages and is malnourished and underweight. She suffers from skin mites. The lack of quality bamboo, nutritious treats, and enrichment has caused her serious stereotypical behaviour." All charges of neglect were repeatedly denied by the Memphis Zoo. Ya Ya and her partner Le Le spent years of their lives in Memphis Zoo. Since 2019, visitors and panda fans had raised concerns over the sickly appearance of the two pandas. In February 2023, just months before they were to be transported home to China, Le Le died. His death triggered an outpouring of anger at the US Zoo authorities who dismissed speculations that the pandas were sick or malnourished and instead repeatedly insisted that the hair loss was due to hormones and that they were just small framed but healthy. Let's check how Panda Ya Ya is faring one month after returning to China from Memphis Zoo in the US https://t.co/z7kIGPN3Hw pic.twitter.com/puOhfSS9RJ — Raam Beart 🥭 (@raam_beart) May 29, 2023 × Photos and videos posted of Ya Ya online have garnered heaps of praise for the panda's current caretakers. Many have taken to comparing her current pictures to those from a month back. One of the posts on Weibo noted that "It’s only been a month and the panda looks like a different one now." Panda Ya Ya's welcome to China Ya Ya was transported to Shanghai on April 4th. Her return was huge news and came with an "outpouring of nationalist sentiment online," reports CNN. Since her arrival in China, the elderly panda has been in a month-long quarantine that ended on Sunday. She is in the care of Beijing Zoo, which in a statement posted online said her condition was "stable." The zoo, as per its statement, has prepared a special feeding ground for panda Ya Ya. Also read | Tears flow as Japan sends Xiang Xiang the giant panda 'home' to China When can the public meet Ya Ya? Due to her advanced age, the elderly panda would not be put on public display, said the Zoo, citing Ya Ya's need to adapt to the change in environment. However, the zoo will keep the public abreast with regular updates on its Weibo page. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Rescued' from alleged neglect, panda 'Ya Ya' thrives in China after time at US zoo

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Amid US-China tensions, pandas become the latest choice of weapon online

'Rescued' from alleged neglect, panda 'Ya Ya' thrives in China after time at US zoo