Pandas from China have served as fluffy diplomats between the Communist China and the Democratic United States. In 1972, the Smithsonian National Zoo first received their first pair of pandas from China as “gesture of goodwill” following President Richard Nixon’s historic visit to China. Panda diplomacy continues today as a newborn panda's name was unveiled at the National Zoo. Listen to the story and learn more about the newest link between the world’s two largest economies.
Story Length: 2:11
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August 30, 2015
4:14
Since June 2015, the stock market in China has been posting losses, falling as much as 11% in one week. The crash in China has spilled over into global markets. Last week the Dow Jones, a U.S. stock market index, closed below 17,000 for the first time in almost a year, possibly due to fear that the plunging Chinese economy will bring others down with it. The government in China has been trying to manage its economy by cutting rates and announcing a surprise currency devaluation, but these efforts are not stopping the drop. What more can they do? Listen to hear from investment experts about the stock market crash in China.
Read MoreJune 16, 2015
5:53
We all know that a panda’s primary food source is bamboo. But a new study about giant pandas has found that their digestive system is built to support a carnivorous diet, not their vegetarian one. Listen to learn more about what and how pandas eat and how this is part of a panda paradox.
Read MoreJune 9, 2015
5:11
Since the end of World War II, the United States has served as a dominant military and political power in Asia. The enormous economic growth of China has some former U.S. diplomats worried. When China’s economy shifted from pure government control to a more mixed model they widened their international impact and their scope of interest. Should we continue to see China as a solid ally in the region or as a powerful potential rival? Listen to hear why to former diplomats argue that China is a threat.
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