Panda Pair Welcomed in Hong Kong as Beijing Celebrates 75 Years

A pair of pandas received a warm welcome in Hong Kong amid Beijing's celebration of 75 years of communist rule in China. The arrival of these iconic animals symbolizes the strong ties between Hong Kong and mainland China. This event not only highlights the significance of pandas as national symbols but also showcases the cultural connections and heritage shared between the two regions.

Hong Kong officially welcomed two giant pandas on Thursday, gifted by the Chinese government to commemorate 75 years of Communist Party rule. This gesture is part of a broader initiative by local authorities to foster a sense of patriotism.

The pandas, named An An and Ke Ke, both five years old, arrived at Hong Kong International Airport around 11 a.m. to a festive welcoming ceremony. However, those eager to see them will have to wait at least a month, as the pandas will undergo a 30-day quarantine in the southern Chinese city.

The pair of pandas is currently in Chengdu, Sichuan province, China. Elite police motorcyclists, typically assigned to escort VIPs, will guide the pandas to their new residence at Ocean Park, where they will join four other pandas, according to the police department. An An and Ke Ke traveled from a breeding center in Sichuan province. Staff from Chengdu began their preparations as early as 2 a.m. to transport the pandas to the airport for their 1,350-kilometer (840-mile) journey, loaded in crates with a supply of food. Forklifts were utilized to load the pandas onto a truck while staff waved farewell from the curb, as shown in footage from Hong Kong’s public broadcaster RTHK.

A panda keeper from Ocean Park has been in Chengdu since July to help the bears acclimatize to his scent and voice, as mentioned on the theme park's Instagram page, noting that they have also started introducing bamboo from southern China into their diet. An An, a male weighing 130 kilograms, is described as “strong, nimble, and clever,” while Ke Ke, a 100-kilogram female, is characterized as “good at climbing, gentle, and cute,” according to Chief Executive John Lee during a press conference on Tuesday.

With their arrival, Hong Kong's panda population now totals six, joining Le Le and Ying Ying, who were gifted to the city in 2007. Ying Ying gained attention in August for giving birth to twins, making her the oldest known first-time panda mother. The concept of “panda diplomacy” is also at play. Although these pandas remain in China, their journey carries a diplomatic significance, as Beijing loans pandas to over 20 countries as symbols of friendship, which can reflect the state of international relations.

Likewise, the arrival of An An and Ke Ke is politically motivated, coinciding with efforts by Hong Kong officials to rally support for the 75th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China on October 1. “I want to extend my sincere gratitude to the central government for its care and support for Hong Kong in gifting these beloved giant pandas,” Lee stated on Tuesday. Historically, activists in Hong Kong have protested for greater democracy on October 1. However, extensive crackdowns by local authorities have largely imprisoned or exiled opposition figures since the imposition of a sweeping national security law in 2020.

Chinese and Hong Kong officials assert that this law has restored stability in the financial hub after significant protests in 2019. They aim to instill a renewed sense of Chinese patriotism among Hong Kong residents while countering what they term “foreign interference.” The U.S. government, along with its allies and human rights organizations, have condemned the national security law for undermining individual freedoms and ending the vibrant, outspoken culture once prevalent in the international business hub. In anticipation of this year’s celebrations, Chinese flags are prominently displayed throughout the city, accompanied by large billboards celebrating the anniversary, with preparations underway for various events designed to enhance patriotism, including an extensive fireworks show scheduled for Tuesday evening.

Kevin Yeung, the city's minister for culture, sports, and tourism, expressed hope on Wednesday that the pandas’ arrival would deepen Hong Kong’s appreciation for the central government's support.

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Source: CNN‍