TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Taipei-Shanghai Twin-City Forum (雙城論壇), scheduled for Dec. 17, faces potential cancellation due to Chinese military exercises, threatening the "red panda diplomacy" between Taipei Zoo (台北市立動物園) and Shanghai Zoological Park (上海動物園). Insiders from the Taipei City Government on Wednesday (Dec. 11) expressed regret, noting that nearly all details were finalized.
The Mainland Affairs Council (陸委會) has not ruled out halting the forum, which could impact the memorandum of cooperation on panda species exchange and conservation. A knowledgeable source indicated that the memorandum's details, including species exchange and personnel interactions, were settled. They noted that if the forum is canceled, the timeline will be delayed, which is unfortunate for red panda exchanges.
Taipei Zoo remains prepared with contingency plans, drawing from its extensive experience in species exchange. Last year, Japan's red panda Future (未來) remained healthy, though not yet successful in breeding. The zoo hopes the memorandum will foster more exchanges. The zoo reported receiving unclear information and intends to monitor the situation, seek more collaboration opportunities, and maintain contingency plans.
This year, the zoo mourned the loss of red pandas Meike (美可) and YaYa, leaving 11 red pandas, including three over 15 years old, necessitating species propagation. Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (台北市長蔣萬安) advocated for this during last year's forum, and Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng (龔正) responded positively.
