The Prophet (S.A.W) said, “Whoever takes a bath on Friday, purifies himself as much as he can, then uses his (hair) oil or perfumes himself with the scent of his house....
BITS ‘N’ PIECES
Narrated by Salman-Al-Farsi (R.A)
The Prophet (S.A.W) said, “Whoever takes a bath on Friday, purifies himself as much as he can, then uses his (hair) oil or perfumes himself with the scent of his house, then proceeds (for the Jumma prayer) and does not separate two persons sitting together (in the mosque), then prays as much as (Allah has) written for him and then remains silent while the Imam is delivering the khutba, his sins in-between the present and the last Friday would be forgiven.”
Sahih Bukhari, Volume 2, Book 13, Number 8
China owns all the giant pandas and their offspring in the world.
Panda diplomacy is a unique form of cultural and diplomatic exchange employed by China, wherein giant pandas are loaned to foreign countries as symbols of goodwill and friendship. This practice has its roots in ancient history but gained prominence in modern international relations during the 20th century, reflecting China's use of soft power to enhance its global influence.
Historically, the first recorded instance of panda diplomacy dates back to the Tang Dynasty, when Empress Wu Zetian gifted pandas to Japan in the 7th century. In the modern era, panda diplomacy began in earnest during the 1950s, when the People's Republic of China gifted pandas to allies such as the Soviet Union and North Korea. However, the practice reached new heights in the 1970s when China gifted pandas to the United States and Japan, coinciding with efforts to improve diplomatic relations during the Cold War.
Today, China's approach has shifted from gifting pandas to leasing them under strict terms. Pandas are loaned to zoos worldwide through agreements that typically last ten years and come with a fee of about $1 million annually. This fee is designated for panda conservation efforts in China. Additionally, any cubs born during the loan remain the property of China and are eventually returned to the country to support breeding programs.
Panda diplomacy serves multiple purposes for China. On the surface, it is a gesture of goodwill that fosters positive relations with other nations. However, it also subtly reinforces China's geopolitical influence by using these iconic animals as living symbols of the country’s cultural heritage and commitment to wildlife conservation. The presence of pandas in a foreign zoo often attracts significant public interest, creating a sense of affinity between the host nation and China.
Moreover, panda loans are often strategically timed to coincide with key diplomatic negotiations or agreements. For example, pandas have been sent to countries that sign major trade deals with China or support its policies in international forums. This tactic underscores the role of panda diplomacy as both a tool of environmental collaboration and a lever in political and economic strategy.
Ultimately, panda diplomacy exemplifies how soft power can be wielded to strengthen international relationships, promote conservation, and subtly assert global influence, all while captivating the hearts of millions worldwide.
