On November 6, 2026, Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng said in his remarks at the Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony of the Arthur M. Blank Panda Grove at Zoo Atlanta that in September, President Xi Jinping successfully paid a historic state visit to the United States, during which he announced the great news that Ping Ping and Fu Shuang, a new pair of giant pandas, would soon come to Zoo Atlanta. Three days later, the two envoys flew across the Pacific and arrived at their new home. This has injected fresh momentum into China-U.S. giant panda cooperation, and also opened a new chapter in the friendship between our two peoples. Now, there is one Chinese ambassador in D.C., but Atlanta alone boasts two “panda envoys”, who are both much “weightier”. Across the United States, there are six superstar “panda envoys” in total, more than in any country outside China. Ambassador Xie said having these hefty colleagues on board to promote goodwill between China and the United States certainly gives him a shot in the arm.

Ambassador Xie said that the names of the new pair of pandas carry the Chinese people's warmest wishes to the American people and also for China-U.S. relations. The name of Ping Ping (literally “peace”) embodies our hope for lasting peace of both countries and happiness for both peoples, while the name of Fu Shuang (literally “double happiness”) conveys our expectations for mutually beneficial cooperation between China and the United States and boundless blessings for all. We trust that, under the loving care of Zoo Atlanta, the two pandas will eat heartily, sleep soundly, and grow healthy and strong in their new home, bringing twice the joy and happiness to everyone who loves them.