dexinwin Russia has expressed interest in keeping giant panda Katyusha at the Moscow Zoo for a longer period, prompting questions over whether China will agree to extend the panda's current stay.
On October 3, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun responded to a question about whether China would consider extending Katyusha's loan period. He did not directly confirm whether an extension had been approved.
During a regular press briefing, a reporter from Russia's RIA Novosti asked about reports that the director of the Moscow Zoo hoped Katyusha could remain in Russia and that discussions with China were already underway.
Guo said that Chinese giant pandas have been welcomed and loved by the Russian public, adding that their presence has helped strengthen understanding and friendship between the people of China and Russia.
China is willing to continue working with international partners, including Russia, on the conservation of giant pandas and other endangered species as well as biodiversity protection, Guo said. For the specific question of Katyusha's loan period, he referred reporters to the relevant Chinese authorities.
The response means that China has not publicly confirmed an extension at the diplomatic level. Instead, Beijing emphasized its willingness to maintain cooperation with Russia in wildlife conservation and biodiversity protection.
Katyusha was born at the Moscow Zoo to Chinese giant pandas Ru Yi and Ding Ding. In June 2019, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin witnessed the arrival of Ru Yi and Ding Ding in Moscow. Katyusha was born on August 24, 2023, and quickly became one of the zoo's most popular attractions.
Katyusha celebrated her third birthday on August 24 this year. According to the Chinese Embassy in Russia, the panda grew healthily under the care of the Russian team, with her weight increasing from around 60 kilograms to 98 kilograms over the previous year.
Large crowds gathered at the Moscow Zoo for the birthday celebration, with Russian children holding birthday cards and visitors taking part in traditional Chinese cultural activities, including dragon and lion dances.
For many Russians, Katyusha has become more than a popular zoo animal. She has also emerged as a symbol of friendship and people-to-people exchanges between China and Russia.
The Moscow Zoo has expressed its hope that Katyusha will remain in Russia, reflecting the strong popularity she has gained among Russian visitors.
However, China's latest response stops short of confirming that request. The Foreign Ministry's statement suggests that while China remains positive about continued cooperation, specific arrangements concerning the panda's stay will need to be addressed by the relevant authorities.
The management of international giant panda cooperation involves more than public popularity. It can include animal health, breeding programs, scientific research and endangered-species conservation. Such considerations can all play a role in decisions concerning the long-term arrangements for pandas living overseas.
For now, there is no official confirmation that Katyusha's stay in Moscow will be extended.
The question of whether the panda will remain in Russia will therefore depend on further discussions and decisions by the relevant authorities on both sides.
Regardless of the eventual outcome, China's latest statement makes clear that Beijing remains willing to cooperate with Russia on giant panda conservation, biodiversity and broader people-to-people exchanges.
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