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Interview: China's Panda Diplomacy

16.01.2024

In an interview, Alfred Gerstl discusses his views on China's 'Panda diplomacy' and its implications for relations with Western nations.

Among various strategies in foreign policy is one particular approach characteristic of China – the use of pandas. Panda diplomacy has attracted attention since 1972 when China donated two pandas to Washington as a symbol of friendship.

In a recent interview on ORF1 ZIB-Magazin, Alfred Gerstl explained his view on Panda diplomacy as an indicator of the dynamics of relations between China and the West, especially when these relations could be better.

However, since China is one of Austria's top three trading partners, a few pandas still live at the Schönbrunn Zoo, demonstrating the positive state of economic relations between Peking and Vienna.

 

You can access the full broadcast (in German) by clicking here.