Pandas hit the spotlight as China goes global

In fact, not only major events, but many domestic and international organizations use the panda as their logo. The most famous are the World Wildlife Fund, China Wildlife Conservation Association and the UN's development program animal ambassador.

In the seminar, Zhang Hemin, deputy chief of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, also introduced China's efforts in panda conservation and the rare animal's role in international exchanges.

By the end of October 2018, China had carried out cooperative research on giant pandas with 18 countries, with 59 giant pandas and their cubs living overseas.

"The International Union for Conservation of Nature downgraded the giant panda from 'endangered' to 'vulnerable' on its red list of threatened species on Sept 2016, thanks to the effective international cooperation in panda conservation, " Zhang said.

The giant panda is endowed with the essence of gentleness, friendship, a green lifestyle concept and the sharing of Chinese culture, which embodies the concept of respecting life, harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, and sustainable development, said Chen Lujun, director of China Intercontinental Communication Center. 

"As a result, a representative panda image can further promote China's cultural exchanges with other countries," Chen said.

International activities regarding giant pandas widely spread the influence of the animal abroad. It's a good way to better promote China's friendly exchanges with other countries in the world, Chen added.

The international image of China's giant panda will be unveiled on June 5. A group of film and television works, as well as cultural exchange activities, will be launched around the new panda image, according to those at the seminar.