Pandas

Japan's Ueno Zoo is returning the country's last two pandas to China at a time when relationships between the two countries have hit an all time low.

Given that Ying Ying is the oldest giant panda on record to have given birth safely, the birth "is a true rarity", officials said.

For years China has engaged in 'Panda diplomacy' leasing out the giant bears to foreign zoos as a sign of positive relations.