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Panda politics

What a “gift" can reveal about global power

Collage of pages from the “Panda politics” teaching resource showing the cover and lesson plan

Published 20 March 2026

About this lesson

Everyone loves giant pandas. They come from China and are very rare. The Chinese government owns nearly all of them, and lends them to other countries as a symbol of friendship. But when it is angry with another country, it sometimes refuses to renew the loans. This happened with Japan in January 2026, and Japan had to return its last two giant pandas to China.

What is the difference between soft and hard power? And can “a gift” come at a cost?

Use this lesson to help students:

  • Understand how soft power is used to influence people
  • Explore how diplomacy shapes international relationships
  • Consider whether gifts between countries come with expectations

Skills and knowledge

  • Problem solving

    Step 11: Identifying influence
    I recognise when someone is trying to influence me.
    Did you listen to different ideas and opinions?

    Step 12: Comparing views
    I compare different points of view.
    Did you compare the perspectives?

    Step 13: Analysing views
    I explore why different views might come about.
    Did you explore different views in the negotiation?

  • Knowledge

    I know countries use hard and soft power to influence others and build international relationships.
    What are some examples of soft and hard power?

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