China sends two giant pandas to the United States during Xi Jinping's visit to Washington

China has sent two giant pandas to the United States, state media reported, following a summit in Washington full of symbolism but lacking significant breakthroughs. The relocation of the pandas had already been agreed, but the departure was announced on Thursday during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Washington.

These black and white mammals enjoy enormous popularity around the world; China lends them out as part of a "panda diplomacy" program aimed at fostering ties with foreign countries.

Ping Ping and Fu Shuang departed Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport aboard a chartered plane, state news agency Xinhua reported. They are headed to a zoo in Atlanta, Georgia, where they will spend the next ten years.

Before departure, the Chengdu Research Base for Giant Panda Breeding organized a farewell ceremony for the two specimens. Earlier this year, Beijing recalled two of its pandas from Japan following a diplomatic dispute, which arose when the Japanese prime minister hinted that Tokyo might intervene militarily in the event of an attack on Taiwan.