[VIDEO] Watch How California Welcomes Two New Giant Pandas from China in Historical Arrival

According to SAEDNEWS, California rolled out the red carpet on Thursday for the arrival of two giant pandas from China, marking the first such delivery to the United States in 21 years. The young bears, Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, were warmly welcomed at the San Diego Zoo by children donning panda hats, dignitaries, and a vibrant celebration featuring traditional Chinese dances.

Despite the festivities celebrating their arrival amidst a thawing in U.S.-China relations, the pandas appeared largely indifferent to the performances. After traveling nearly 7,000 miles (11,000 kilometers) from Sichuan Province, they quickly became the main attractions at the San Diego Zoo.

"My children only wanted to see two things in America: orcas and pandas," remarked Guillaume Courcoux, a Swiss tourist in attendance. "They were very impressed."

California Governor Gavin Newsom declared August 8 "Panda Day" in the state, celebrating what he termed "panda mania." He emphasized that the occasion signifies more than just the two pandas, stating, "It's about celebrating our common humanity. It's about celebrating the things that bind us together."

Until recently, the prospect of receiving the pandas seemed uncertain due to escalating tensions between the U.S. and China over trade, Taiwan, and human rights issues. This strain had led to the return of pandas previously loaned to zoos in Washington, DC, Atlanta, and Memphis.

However, during a significant summit in November between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, it was announced that Beijing would continue its panda loan program in the United States. The pandas symbolize diplomatic relations as well as efforts to support the survival of this vulnerable species. In addition to San Diego, pandas are slated to return to zoos in Washington and San Francisco by 2025.

This venture into panda diplomacy dates back to 1972, when China first offered pandas to the U.S. under President Richard Nixon. The presence of these black-and-white bears has historically been used by China to convey diplomatic messages, with notable instances including the recall of pandas after President Barack Obama's meeting with the Dalai Lama in 2010.

The San Diego Zoo has a long-standing partnership with Chinese authorities, having previously received two pandas in 1996 that produced six cubs. All of these pandas were repatriated to China in 2019 as per the terms of their agreements.

The return of the pandas not only draws thousands of visitors to the zoo but also aids in the conservation of a species that faces significant challenges in the wild. Zoo officials describe Yun Chuan, a four-year-old male, as "mild-mannered, gentle, and lovable." His name honors his grandmother, Bai Yun, one of the original pandas sent to San Diego.

The three-year-old female panda, Xin Bao, is characterized by zoo officials as a "gentle and witty introvert," with her name translating to "new treasure of prosperity and abundance." "We hope she will bring you good luck to California, to San Diego," stated China's ambassador to the United States, Xie Feng.