And worse still if Transport Ministry forget to air freight their special diet to Singapore in time for their meals, who is going to be made responsible or accountable for the loan ?

Are we going to run to US to enlist their help ?

China gave Japan a panda back then (1990s?)… albeit in exchange for a panda borned in Japan. I think he was called Ling Ling or something. I am pretty sure Japan owned the panda, until he died relatively recently.

Yes, they decide, but still they decide with diplomacy with respect to China’s wish. In other words, they are nothing but China’s puppet. It could be similar case where the Pappy will say that ShittyTimes is independent of political interference but yet political masters and MIW influence the content of ShittyNews.

Words and Meanings – My view is that if the pandas give birth, we should get to keep the offspring (provided the separation doesn’t cause any negative effects for the pandas).

Nic – Thanks for finding that out. But I don’t recall any instance in the past where the public had a say in naming our animals.

Old Friend – What’s BoP?

Pandas are notorious for their inability to reproduce, especially in captivity. I’m sure if we get lucky and get a cub while they are here, they already have an agreement in place- the cub is on loan too and will be headed back at the end of the loan period.

As for unexpected death, I think the trainers/handlers will be held accountable… unless of course it is something beyond their control or they did not receive the cooperation they needed from the Singapore Zoo.

BTW, the Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan pair in Taipei was named by the public in PRC. (It should have been named by the public in Taiwan, who would probably name them Tai2 Tai2 and Du2 Du2, where Tai Du is short for “Taiwan independence”.)

I wonder if PAP will let Singaporeans name the pandas… we might get Jing Jing and Ying Ying, where Jing Ying = elites if we left it to the bureaucrats; And Ah Beng and Ah Lian if we left it to the public.

//———-

As for the “loan”, it is very consistent with their “Panda diplomacy”, which started as far back as the Tang dynasty. China’s foreign policy has typically been that of “goodwill” and “diplomacy” first, economic and military options later. This is most evident during the Ming dynasty, where Cheng Ho went sailing around in “treasure boats” with gifts to other sovereign states to win their respect, and of course, the intent to trade.

But MM Lee’s comment about the need for a BoP remains: in this century, they NEED oil to keep going and force IS an option.

We should gain in terms of tourist numbers as it gives would be visitors another reason to visit Singapore- to see the pandas… along the lines of “feed the jackpot machines in our casinos while your kids feast with the pandas in the zoo… at your own risk!”

We probably need to give something back… heaven knows what that is. Perhaps another power station?

What does that mean?

When someone lends you something, he expects that it be returned in a future date (in this case, 10 years) and in good condition.

Sometimes a loan may also entails a certain fee or rent, like DVD loan, which has to be paid first before one can collect the loaned item.

And if the loaned item/s happen to get damaged, then a certain amount of compensation is expected from the borrower.

What will happen if the two pandas die before the 10-year period?

What if the two pandas give birth to a baby panda when under Singapore’s custody? Which country can claim the baby panda?