China said in May 2005 it would give the island two giant pandas, but their departure was delayed for more than three years.

CNN: China sends goodwill pandas to Taiwan

Two different red pandas escaped in 1999 and 2002.

BBC: Coati missing from Belfast Zoo thought still alive

Any cubs would remain in Edinburgh for two years before the pandas are returned to the Chinese.

BBC: Edinburgh Zoo pandas: Enclosure swap ahead of mating

Improved ties between the two sides made the delivery of the pandas possible, Xinhua reported.

CNN: China sends goodwill pandas to Taiwan