On December 15, Japan called on China to return the giant pandas, saying that they had made a big contribution to improving Japan-China relations!
On the same day, Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Kiwami Takahashi mentioned the topic of giant pandas during a regular press conference, saying, "We look forward to continuing through the exchange of giant pandas," and especially pointed out, "the exchange of giant pandas has been making contributions to improving the feelings between the people of Japan and China so far."
Japan was one of the first countries to receive giant pandas from China. In 1972, shortly after the normalization of diplomatic relations between China and Japan, China gifted a pair of giant pandas, "Kangkang" and "Lanlan," to the Ueno Zoo in Tokyo. At that time, the Japanese society's enthusiasm for giant pandas was almost at a fever pitch - corresponding to the development of economic relations between Japan and China, the contribution also increased.
Since then, giant pandas in Japan have not only been an animal but also become a barometer for the temperature of Sino-Japanese relations.
But now? The proportion of Japanese people who view China as an enemy country exceeds 70%, can the goodwill of pandas change this situation? Where is the key issue?
Whether China responds to Japan's call probably depends not only on sentiment but also on the overall situation. Presenting oneself as an innocent victim or a polite good person will be of little help to the entire situation.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1851628142429195/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.