In 2012, China used “panda diplomacy” when the nation gifted brand new, state-of-the-art headquarters to the African Union in Addis Addaba, Ethiopia. It was quickly discovered that the HQ had multiple cyber-security concerns. As alleged by the French newspaper La Monde, the HQ had multiple listening devices and digital backdoors installed during construction. At the center of the allegations was the Chinese equipment manufacturer Huawei. FYI, the US Gov’t has banned this same manufacturer from any federal construction projects and leases, both in existing federal buildings and privately owned buildings housing federal agencies.
Long story, short, ALWAYS look a gift horse in the mouth.
Not a gift. I believe that it’s a lease, and that as in the past, the China Wildlife Conservation Association retains ownership of the pandas and of any offspring, all of which must be returned at some point. “Zoos typically pay a fee of $1 million a year for two pandas, with the money earmarked for China’s conservation efforts, according to a 2022 report by America’s Congressional Research Service.” —
Rhetorical_Question about 2 months ago
Yay – Peterson is in the Patrol Vehicle!!!
The Orange Mailman about 2 months ago
Takenoko board game is based on this concept. Super fun.
rekam Premium Member about 2 months ago
Poor Joe.
Mindache about 2 months ago
Why doesn’t Australia use koala diplomacy?
crookedwolf Premium Member about 2 months ago
Peterson isn’t being pedantic enough; he needs to specify Giant Panda!
David Huie Green AmericaIsGreatItHasUs about 2 months ago
More of a loan.
Ellis97 about 2 months ago
He’s probably having the time of his life.
jtburgess Premium Member about 2 months ago
I’m sure China sells the bamboo.
StoicLion1973 about 2 months ago
In 2012, China used “panda diplomacy” when the nation gifted brand new, state-of-the-art headquarters to the African Union in Addis Addaba, Ethiopia. It was quickly discovered that the HQ had multiple cyber-security concerns. As alleged by the French newspaper La Monde, the HQ had multiple listening devices and digital backdoors installed during construction. At the center of the allegations was the Chinese equipment manufacturer Huawei. FYI, the US Gov’t has banned this same manufacturer from any federal construction projects and leases, both in existing federal buildings and privately owned buildings housing federal agencies.
Long story, short, ALWAYS look a gift horse in the mouth.
GaryCooper about 2 months ago
China doesn’t give away those pandas, it rents them out, for a lot of money. At least, that’s how ot is with the ones in U.S. zoos.
snappyboy about 2 months ago
I’m thinking the new guy would be a perfect partner for Joe’s daughter Sunny. They could talk nature and science the entire shift.
Solomon J. Behala Premium Member about 2 months ago
Just one or two stalks; bamboo takes over quickly. It really is just a giant grass.
elbow macaroni about 2 months ago
China stopped sending out pandas years ago…
jsimpso1 about 2 months ago
It’s not really a gift since they retain ownership, can demand them back at anytime and have ownership of any offspring
DaBump Premium Member about 2 months ago
Hmm, Joe seems to be a little disappointed with Mr. Encyclopedia as his partner.
Mike Baldwin creator about 2 months ago
Enough to bamboozle them. Evil Geniuses.
[Unnamed Reader - 14b4ce] about 2 months ago
In Philadelphia they used “Gorilla diplomacy”.
A multi-generation colony has been at the Philly Zoo for a long time
Fuzzy Kombu about 2 months ago
Not a gift. I believe that it’s a lease, and that as in the past, the China Wildlife Conservation Association retains ownership of the pandas and of any offspring, all of which must be returned at some point. “Zoos typically pay a fee of $1 million a year for two pandas, with the money earmarked for China’s conservation efforts, according to a 2022 report by America’s Congressional Research Service.” —
carlosrivers about 2 months ago
Say it like Tim Conway said it…koooallla