"From Jingjing and Sihai to Suhail and Thuraya ": China's Panda Diplomacy towards Qatar

Abstract: The "animal question" or the animal factor in international relations is becoming increasingly prominent. The fundamental reason for the diversity in international relations of degrees and fields of attention to animals lies in the reshaping of human–animal relations. China's panda diplomacy is a living example of global animal diplomacy. In 2022, China launched its first panda conservation research cooperation in the Middle East with Qatar. China's panda diplomacy towards Qatar and Qatar's sports diplomacy during the FIFA World Cup complement each other, reflecting China's firm support for the Gulf state. Qatar's strong economic strength, stable political situation and protection of endangered animals and biodiversity have made it the only Middle East country where giant pandas are currently to be found. On the one hand, panda diplomacy is the outcome of the China–Qatar strategic partnership in the Xi Jinping era whereby the two countries continue to promote in-depth cooperation in energy, infrastructure, humanities and pandemic control under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. The fact that pandas—the world's most threatened and rare species—have been introduced to Qatar reflects China's strategic emphasis on the Gulf state. On the other hand, panda diplomacy will continue to serve as a unique bridge in China–Qatar relations, promoting the image of China's representative animal to Qatar and the Arab world through two panda "ambassadors" which symbolise peace.