05.12.2025 23:16
French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to China was accompanied by First Lady Brigitte Macron, who met with the giant panda Yuan Meng, born in France years ago, at a panda conservation center in the southwest of the country. Macron described the meeting with the panda as "an emotional moment."
During her official visit to China, France's First Lady Brigitte Macron experienced emotional moments on the last day of the program. Macron made a notable visit by reuniting with the giant panda Yuan Meng, who was born in France years ago and later sent to China as part of conservation efforts.
Yuan Meng, born in France in 2017, was the first giant panda born in the country and garnered significant attention. Brigitte Macron also attended the naming ceremony held for the panda and formed a special bond with it.
SENT TO CHINA IN 2023
Yuan Meng was sent to China in 2023 after reaching adulthood, in accordance with international agreements. Therefore, Brigitte Macron's visit marks the first reunion with the panda after many years.
During her inspection at the center, Macron remarked, "When he was born, he was the size of two of my fingers; now he has grown into a big young man." Brigitte Macron stated during the visit, "This panda is not just an animal; it is a symbol of friendship between the two countries, a commitment to nature, and hope for a shared future."
PANDA DIPLOMACY IS ON THE MOVE AGAIN
The visit is considered an important step within the framework of "panda diplomacy," symbolizing cultural and diplomatic cooperation between China and France. It has been reported that an agreement was reached to send two new pandas to France in 2027.
This development is interpreted as a sign that ecological conservation projects between the two countries will be expanded.
Macron's discussions in China included many critical topics such as nuclear energy, cultural cooperation, and economic relations, while the panda visit is noted to have added a soft power quality to diplomatic contacts.