What is China's "panda diplomacy"?

from If You're Listening · host Australian Broadcasting Corporation

China's pandas are not just pandas. They're diplomats.You're friendly to China? You get a panda. You criticise China? You get no pandas.In recent years China has been hostile toward the West, with the most literal symbol of their displeasure being the withdrawal of their pandas from zoos around the world.And yet, Chinese President Xi Jinping appears to be having a change of heart.This may indicate something very important — a return to a more peaceful relationship with the West.But why? And why are pandas the key to understanding it?Please participate in our listener survey!Subscribe to If You're Listening on the ABC Listen app.Check out our series on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzM1L3Nrc-I