Today, Global Times pushed the “Embrace the Panda Faction” (拥抱熊猫派 / “Panda Huggers”) narrative - framing a new wave of Americans who are more open to China, Chinese culture, travel, and cooperation.

But the strongest lore behind this entire moment is much simpler and more meaningful: Xi Jinping himself framed the pandas as symbols of China–U.S. friendship. During his recent visit to Washington, Xi said:

“The giant panda has been an envoy of friendship between the Chinese and American peoples.”

That makes 友谊使者 — “Envoy of Friendship” probably the cleanest thesis for this event. It comes directly from Xi’s own words and connects the pandas, their arrival in America, and the broader China–U.S. friendship narrative in one phrase.