The 100-day celebration of China’s giant pandas “Xingqiu” and “Yilan” in Australia was held at the Adelaide Zoo on the 21st, hosted by the South Australian Shanghai Chamber of Commerce. On the same day, the “Southern Hemisphere Giant Panda Heart Alliance” was officially launched.
Nearly 200 guests from various sectors attended the celebration, including Li Dong, the Consul General of China in Adelaide, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Gu Xiongwen, President of the South Australian Shanghai Chamber of Commerce, Zheng Jianhua, President of the Australia-Guizhou Chamber of Commerce, Li Zhifeng, President of the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Hubei, Zhang Shuyi, President of the Australian Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and many others.
In his speech, Li Dong stated that 100 days ago, the giant pandas “Xingqiu” and “Yilan” arrived in Australia from China, carrying the deep affection of the Chinese people, traveling thousands of miles across mountains and seas. As China’s “national treasure,” giant pandas symbolize peace, friendship, and cooperation. The celebration of their 100 days in Australia is not only a blessing for these two adorable pandas but also a hopeful gesture for the future development of China-Australia relations.
Li Dong emphasized that both China and Australia are supporters of free trade and common development. He expressed hope for even closer China-Australia relations and, using the panda cooperation as an opportunity, further strengthening exchanges and cooperation in areas such as ecological conservation, green development, tourism, culture, and sports, so that more people can benefit.
In her speech, Penny Wong highlighted the importance of Australia-China relations. She pointed out that economic and trade cooperation between the two countries is highly complementary, especially in the context of South Australia’s trade relations with China. She believes that the presence of giant pandas “Xingqiu” and “Yilan” will further promote tourism, culture, and economic development in South Australia.
According to Australian media reports, as of March 15, the pandas have attracted nearly 50,000 visitors.