ISTANBUL

The US, an early partner in panda conservation and research with China, has raised 17 adorable panda cubs, with seven now living in the US, strengthening the bond between Chinese and American communities, said the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Thursday.

“The two sides have formed good cooperative relations, achieved fruitful results, and played a positive role in protecting endangered species,” the ministry’s spokeswoman Mao Ning added.

She said that breeding pandas in the US brings the two nations closer to each other.

“We have learned from relevant authorities that the three giant pandas at the National Zoo in Washington — Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, and Xiao Qi Ji — will return to China at the end of this year as previously scheduled. The Chinese and US cooperation participants are in consultation over relevant procedures to prepare for their return,” Mao said.

She also said that the aim is “to better protect endangered species and promote global biodiversity conservation.”

Beijing is prepared to collaborate further with its partners, including the US, to strengthen efforts in conserving endangered species, she concluded.

China has gifted pandas to improve diplomatic relations throughout the years.