Chinese President Xi Jinping highlighted the symbolic role of the giant panda as a diplomatic envoy during a recent state dinner with former U.S. President Donald Trump, announcing the dispatch of a pair of pandas to the Atlanta Zoo. This gesture underscores the longstanding practice of “panda diplomacy,” wherein China loans giant pandas to foreign countries as a sign of goodwill. However, these loans are typically temporary and contingent on diplomatic relations, with pandas often recalled if the host country’s actions displease Beijing.

Since 1984, the panda has served as more than just a cultural symbol; it has acted as a subtle indicator of a country’s political alignment and level of dependence on China. The practice involves substantial financial arrangements, with loan fees around $1 million per year. A recent China Exposure Index developed by National Taiwan University alongside Berlin-based think tanks GPPi and Merics assesses various countries’ vulnerabilities to Chinese influence across trade, technology, and soft power domains.

According to the index, Britain ranks among the most susceptible nations, though its relative exposure has fallen from first place in 2022 to seventh currently. While trade dependencies—particularly supply chains critical for manufacturing and technology—pose significant concerns, the index suggests that in Britain’s case, soft power channels may present a greater risk. The United Kingdom hosts numerous Confucius Institutes, Chinese government-supported cultural and language centers embedded within universities. These institutes have been criticized for allegedly monitoring Chinese students and encouraging self-censorship on politically sensitive subjects such as Taiwan.

The United States has historically been highly exposed to Chinese influence, topping the index from 2013 to 2020. Under the Trump administration’s confrontational policies, U.S. vulnerabilities showed signs of decline. Exposure fluctuated during President Joe Biden’s term, with some reduction, but has been declining again following Trump’s recent return to the political stage. Despite the recent display of diplomatic warmth demonstrated by Xi’s panda announcement, analysts suggest that any respite in tensions between the two nations may be short-lived, and it remains uncertain whether the goodwill gesture will endure or if the pandas might be recalled amid renewed hostilities.