Washington welcomes two new giant pandas(2)

Bao Li and Qing Bao are headed to Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, DC, on Tuesday for a 10-year stay. LI CHUANYOU/FOR CHINA DAILY

During a news conference on Tuesday, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said that in the future, experts will be sent to the US to conduct on-site inspections and evaluations and offer guidance.

"In accordance with the requirements and technical standards of international cooperation for giant panda conservation, China and the US will spare no effort to ensure the health and safety of giant pandas residing in the US," she said.

In anticipation of their arrival, the zoo in Washington, under the guidance of Chinese experts, has established a dedicated care team, ensured a stable source of edible bamboo, and enhanced the living quarters of the giant pandas.

The area where Bao Li and Qing Bao will live features a new grassland, pond and additional climbing structures.

In a post on social media platform X on Monday evening, the zoo said, "Something *giant* is coming to Washington, D.C. via the @FedEx Panda Express!"

The post also said the zoo would be closed to the public on Tuesday, and that "for the safety of the pandas and staff, we will not disclose any additional timing".

Bao Li and Qing Bao departed from the Dujiangyan base of the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda on Monday and were taken to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport.