Friday, December 26, 2008
China gave two panda "Tuan Tuan" and "Yuan Yuan" to Taiwan to strengthen their relationship. Tuan Tuan, one of the two giant pandas from China, is seen in the quarantine area in Taipei zoo in Muzha December 23, 2008. The Panda bears are a goodwill gift from Beijing and the latest sign of improving ties between the political rivals. (Photo is obtained from http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Panda-Bears/ss/events/sc/071805pandabears#photoViewer=/081226/photos_ts/2008_12_26t044718_348x450_us_taiwan_pandas_net) Labels: China, improve ties, pandas, political rivals, Promote Relationship, Reunion, Taiwan, Tuan Tuan, Ya'an, Yuan Yuan
Giant pandas Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan
(Photo is obtained from http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1007/20080815/001109b42f730a0f385d14.jpg)The panda couple were selected as envoys to Taiwan since 2006 but their arrival was only made possible after Beijing-friendly President Ma Ying-jeou took office earlier this year.
The pro-independence former president Chen Shui-bian banned the import of pandas during his term, accusing Beijing of trying to curry favour with the Taiwanese people through so-called 'panda diplomacy.'
Beijing still considers the island to be part of its territory awaiting reunification, by force if necessary, despite their split nearly 60 years ago.
Feeding time for Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan at their new home
(Photo is obtained from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1100559/Panda-diplomacy-charms-Taiwan-Tuan-Tuan-Yuan-Yuan-jet-Taipei.html)
This is the panda's original habitat in China
(Photo is obtained from http://www.bjreview.com.cn/special/txt/2008-06/06/content_125808.htm)
"Tuan Yuan" in mandarin means reunion. In this case it has the significant of two countries reconcile together again after so many years of "separation".
Tuan Tuan (L) and Yuan Yuan play in a breeding base in southwest China's Sichuan Province
(Photo is obtained from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1100559/Panda-diplomacy-charms-Taiwan-Tuan-Tuan-Yuan-Yuan-jet-Taipei.html)
People wave as a truck carrying the two panda bears leave Ya'an
(Photo is obtained from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1100559/Panda-diplomacy-charms-Taiwan-Tuan-Tuan-Yuan-Yuan-jet-Taipei.html)
In this photo released by China's Xinhua News Agency, giant pandas Tuan Tuan, top, and Yuan Yuan play in a breeding base in Ya'an, southwest China's Sichuan Province on Feb. 17, 2006. The pair of pandas left China Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2008 on a long-awaited goodwill journey to their new home in Taiwan in the latest move symbolizing the warming ties between the rivals.(Photo is obtained from http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Most-Recommended-Photos/ss/1750;_ylt=AtLrX0xy1B6uCkkGUDRe6ZXmWMcF)
Pandas Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan, names together mean 'reunion', eat bamboo at a panda base in Ya'an, southwest China's Sichuan province, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008. The pair of pandas that have long been offered to Taiwan by mainland China since 2005 are scheduled to arrive Taiwan before Christmas.(Photo is obtained from http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Most-Recommended-Photos/ss/1750;_ylt=AtLrX0xy1B6uCkkGUDRe6ZXmWMcF)
Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan should be ready for public viewing by the Chinese New Year - within a few weeks!(Photo is obtained from http://blog.foolsmountain.com/2008/12/24/tuan-tuan-and-yuan-yuan-arrives-in-taiwan/)
“We are ready for the pandas, and will get them a supply of some 170 pounds (80 kilograms) of their favorite bamboo a day,” said zoo official Chao Ming-chieh, adding the animals were expected to double the zoo’s number of visitors to 5 or 6 million a year.(Photo is obtained from http://blog.foolsmountain.com/2008/12/24/tuan-tuan-and-yuan-yuan-arrives-in-taiwan/)
References
Thanks to all the blogs i referred to (countless) for html code help :) (esp. cyn' and sixseven)
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