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 4 months ago
Yay – Peterson is in the Patrol Vehicle!!!
The Orange Mailman 4 months ago
Takenoko board game is based on this concept. Super fun.
rekam Premium Member 4 months ago
Poor Joe.
The Humanist 4 months ago
Why doesn’t Australia use koala diplomacy?
crookedwolf Premium Member 4 months ago
Peterson isn’t being pedantic enough; he needs to specify Giant Panda!
David Huie Green LoveJoyAndPeace 4 months ago
More of a loan.
Ellis97 4 months ago
He’s probably having the time of his life.
jtburgess Premium Member 4 months ago
I’m sure China sells the bamboo.
StoicLion1973 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 months ago
Just one or two stalks; bamboo takes over quickly. It really is just a giant grass.
elbow macaroni 4 months ago
China stopped sending out pandas years ago…
jsimpso1 4 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 4 months ago
Hmm, Joe seems to be a little disappointed with Mr. Encyclopedia as his partner.
Mike Baldwin creator 4 months ago
Enough to bamboozle them. Evil Geniuses.
[Unnamed Reader - 14b4ce] 4 months ago
In Philadelphia they used “Gorilla diplomacy”.
A multi-generation colony has been at the Philly Zoo for a long time
Fuzzy Kombu 4 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 4 months ago
Say it like Tim Conway said it…koooallla