The Economist

Chinese nationalists are up in arms over the treatment of pandas

Chinese nationalists are calling for the return of a sick panda on loan to a US zoo, raising concerns about the mistreatment of pandas and the practice of panda diplomacy.

Chinese nationalists are upset over the mistreatment of pandas on loan to America, with one dying and another losing clumps of fur.
The bears are part of China's 'panda diplomacy' and are rented out to zoos for up to $1m a year.
Critics say the pandas make China seem cuddly despite its authoritarianism.
An online campaign to bring the sick bear, Ya Ya, back home to China has been launched.
Ya Ya is expected to return to China in April, but the incident has caused some in China to question the practice of panda diplomacy.

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