As international cooperation on giant panda protection plays a pivotal role in enhancing the conservation of endangered species and people-to-people friendship, China is ready to work with all parties to promote better conservation of endangered species and global biodiversity, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a press briefing in Beijing on Thursday.
"Giant pandas are a precious endangered wild species and are loved by people around the world. They are emissaries of friendship from the people of China. Carrying out international cooperation on giant panda conservation has played an important role in better informing the foreign public of the progress China has made in giant panda and wildlife conservation and ecological conservation, and in enhancing people-to-people friendship. China's effort in this area is also a significant contribution to the research on giant panda breeding and conservation in the wild as well as talent cultivation in this field," Lin said.
"China attaches great importance to the health and safety of overseas Chinese giant pandas and has constantly improved the management system and technical standards. Every year, field examination and assessment and all-year-round regular health monitoring and evaluation are conducted that cover all overseas institutions that have cooperation with China on giant pandas. Going forward, China's competent authorities will continue to strengthen regulation, ensure the health and safety of overseas giant pandas, share with the public regular updates on their status and share more scientific knowledge with the public about giant pandas. We are ready to work with all parties to contribute to the better conservation of endangered species and global biodiversity," Lin added.
This year has witnessed smooth progress in the international cooperation on giant panda conservation. China has recently started a new round of international cooperation on giant panda conservation with Spain, and will launch a new round of international cooperation on giant panda conservation with the San Diego Zoo and the National Zoo in Washington DC of the United States and the Adelaide Zoo in Australia.
At present, the two sides are making good preparations for the exit and entry of giant pandas. In accordance with the cooperation agreements of giant pandas between China and other countries, more than 10 overseas giant pandas are scheduled to return to China this year when relevant programs expire or when cubs reach the breeding age.
International giant panda protection cooperation contributes to conservation of endangered species: spokesman
A youth summer camp aimed to carry forward the spirit of the Flying Tigers and promote friendship and cultural exchanges between Chinese and American students was opened in Beijing on Wednesday.
The Flying Tigers, officially known as the American Volunteer Group of the Chinese Air Force, was formed in 1941 by U.S. General Claire Lee Chennault to help oppose the Japanese invasion of China during World War II.
After over eight decades, the stories about the Flying Tigers have been passed down from generation to generation in both China and the United States, with mutual friendship continuing to flourish, and with new vitality.
The summer camp, officially known as the Chinese Bridge Flying Tigers Summer Camp for American Students, was organized by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation under China's Ministry of Education and the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation (SAAHF), and has attracted over 100 teachers and students from the United States and various regions of China.
Before the launching ceremony, the organizers, along with many Chinese students, prepared various Chinese folk activities and games for the overseas friends, such as trying traditional Chinese musical instruments, playing the Touhu or pitch-pot game, and experiencing paper-cutting techniques.
"I'm going to try the Chinese flute," said an American student.
"I pretty much enjoyed the pitch-pot game," said another American student.
Most of the students participating in the event were from friendly schools of the Flying Tigers, and some were even descendants of the Flying Tigers.
"Yes, he was in the Flying Tigers before I was born. He flew hundreds of mission. [I am expecting] to see a lot more history about the Flying Tigers, to have a lot more learning about it," said another summer camp student. "I think this is a wonderful moment to commemorate our solidarity with the students of the Flying Tigers summer camp and to strive for progress together," said Zhang Yiyuan, a Chinese student from central China's Hunan Province.
At the opening ceremony, Jeffrey Greene, chairman of the SAAHF, said that he hoped the campers can cherish and enjoy this journey, spend a fulfilling and meaningful time in China, and share the story of the Flying Tigers with more people.
Organizers said that they will launch five such youth summer camps in the next five years to deepen bilateral friendship and pass on the Flying Tigers spirit.
After the trip to Beijing, the campers will also go to southwest China's Yunnan Province, the birthplace of the Flying Tigers, to learn more about the stories of these war heroes, according to organizers.
Flying Tigers youth summer camp opens in Beijing
Flying Tigers youth summer camp opens in Beijing
