Giant panda Tian Tian enjoys an ice cake at Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington DC, the United States, on Aug 27, 2023. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

BEIJING - China is ready to continue its work with cooperation partners including the United States to enhance cooperation on the conservation of endangered species, a foreign ministry spokesperson said Thursday.

According to reports, the three giant pandas from Washington DC's National Zoo are set to return to China by December. Three other US zoos that have Chinese pandas in Atlanta, San Diego and Memphis have either turned over the pandas or will see them return to China by the end of next year.

READ MORE: Species beginning to recover in Yangtze

At a daily press briefing, spokesperson Mao Ning said that the United States is one of China's earliest partners and has more institutions than any other country that participates in the cooperation. A total of four US zoos have participated in the cooperation.

China engages in giant panda conservation and research cooperation with many countries. The purpose is to better protect endangered species and promote global biodiversity conservation.

Mao Ning, Spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry 

"The two sides have formed good cooperative relations, achieved fruitful results, and played a positive role in protecting endangered species," Mao said, noting that with concerted efforts of the two countries, a total of 17 cubs were successfully bred.

At present, seven of these giant pandas still live in the United States. They have been creating joy for the American people and bringing hearts closer between the two peoples, said the spokesperson.

ALSO READ: Giant panda Tian Tian's 26th birthday celebrated in US

"We have learned from relevant authorities that the three giant pandas at the National Zoo in Washington -- Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, and Xiao Qi Ji -- will return to China at the end of this year as previously scheduled. The Chinese and US cooperation participants are in consultation over relevant procedures to prepare for their return," she added.

Mao stated that giant pandas are not only China's national treasure but also ambassadors of friendship adored by people around the world.

READ MORE: 'Climate change': Endangered species moves further west

"China engages in giant panda conservation and research cooperation with many countries. The purpose is to better protect endangered species and promote global biodiversity conservation," Mao said.

"We stand ready to continue our work with cooperation partners including the US side to enhance cooperation on the conservation of endangered species," she added.