Bogor, Jan 9: China has congratulated Indonesia on the birth of its first-ever giant panda cub, calling the event a landmark achievement in wildlife conservation and a reflection of strong bilateral ties between the two countries.
The cub was born at the Indonesia Safari Park (TSI) in West Java to female panda Hu Chun, following years of coordinated efforts by conservation experts from China and Indonesia. Officials described the birth as a major milestone in Indonesia’s participation in global panda conservation programmes.
Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia Wang Lutong said the successful breeding was the outcome of close scientific cooperation and dedicated animal care, adding that the event carried symbolic value beyond conservation. According to him, the panda cub represents the depth of friendship between China and Indonesia and serves as a model for effective international collaboration.
Ambassador Wang also noted that China places high importance on ecological protection and biodiversity, pointing to broader cooperation between the two countries in areas such as endangered species preservation, mangrove and coral reef rehabilitation, and plant genetic research. He said Chinese President Xi Jinping had been informed of the birth and expressed pride in the achievement.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto named the cub Satria Wiratama, meaning “virtuous knight”. The cub’s Chinese name is Li Ao, while it is affectionately known as Rio. The birth was officially marked during a ceremony held 40 days after the cub was born.
Indonesia’s Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni said the occasion was significant not only for Indonesia but also for the global conservation community. He emphasised that the panda’s birth demonstrated how environmental protection can align with diplomacy, scientific progress, and international friendship.
Officials also highlighted the long timeline of the panda cooperation initiative, which began during the presidency of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, saw the arrival of the panda pair Cai Tao and Hu Chun in 2017 under President Joko Widodo, and culminated in the historic birth during President Prabowo’s term.
The event reinforces panda diplomacy as a key element of China–Indonesia relations, underscoring how conservation partnerships can strengthen international ties while contributing to global biodiversity goals
