On Thursday, Hong Kong welcomed two giant pandas named An An and Ke Ke, a gift from the Chinese government commemorating 75 years of Communist Party rule. This event is part of a broader initiative by local authorities aimed at fostering patriotism among residents.
The five-year-old pandas arrived at Hong Kong International Airport around 11 a.m. to a celebratory reception. However, local fans eager to see them will have to wait until December, as the pandas will spend 30 days in quarantine to adjust to their new habitat at Ocean Park.
The journey of the pandas from the Chengdu breeding center in Sichuan province was carefully orchestrated. Staff began preparations at 2 a.m. on the day of the pandas’ departure, ensuring everything was in place for their trip. An An and Ke Ke were loaded into crates with snacks and transported under the watchful escort of elite police motorcyclists to their new home at Ocean Park, where they would join four other pandas.
Hong Kong Welcomes Pandas An An and Ke Ke as Part of 75th Anniversary CelebrationsHong Kong’s Chief Executive, John Lee, introduced the pair, highlighting their distinct personalities: An An is described as strong and clever, while Ke Ke is gentle and skilled at climbing.
The gifting of these pandas is a notable example of “panda diplomacy.” Unlike pandas sent to other countries, which must be returned after a certain period, An An and Ke Ke will have permanent residency in Hong Kong, along with any cubs they may have. This arrangement highlights Beijing’s preferential treatment towards the city and reinforces the ties between Hong Kong and the mainland government.
The timing of the pandas’ arrival is politically significant, coinciding with the upcoming celebrations for the 75th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China on October 1. In recent years, Hong Kong has seen a decline in pro-democracy protests, largely due to the enforcement of a national security law in 2020 that has drawn criticism for limiting civil liberties.
Officials from both the Chinese and Hong Kong governments argue that this law has restored stability to the region, emphasizing their commitment to cultivating a sense of Chinese patriotism while addressing perceived foreign interference.
As the anniversary draws near, Hong Kong is adorned with Chinese flags and promotional billboards celebrating the occasion, accompanied by various events intended to boost patriotic sentiment, including a grand fireworks display.
Kevin Yeung, the city’s minister for culture, sports, and tourism, expressed his hope that the pandas’ arrival would enhance local appreciation for the central government, illustrating the connection between cultural events and political messaging in the city’s current context.