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The irony in Malaysia’s ‘Orangutan Diplomacy’
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Context
Malaysia's commodities minister Johari Abdul Ghani has proposed gifting orangutans to trade partners who purchase the country's palm oil, drawing inspiration from China's successful "panda diplomacy" using giant pandas for diplomatic outreach.
Use of Animals in Diplomacy:
- Historical Significance: Throughout history, animals have been utilized in diplomacy to symbolize nations' values and intentions, such as the use of dogs, horses, and ermines in royal portraits to convey fidelity, power, and purity, respectively.
- China's Panda Diplomacy: China's "panda diplomacy" has been a notable example, leveraging the appeal of giant pandas to foster diplomatic relations and improve international perceptions, particularly during periods of strained relations with other nations.
- Malaysia's Orangutan Diplomacy: Malaysia's proposal to gift orangutans as a diplomatic gesture aims to mitigate accusations of unsustainability surrounding palm oil plantations, echoing China's use of pandas to soften diplomatic tensions and promote its interests.
Challenges and Ironies:
- Unintended Consequences: Despite the symbolic value of diplomatic animal gifts, history shows that they do not always yield the desired outcomes, as seen in the case of Soliman the elephant, whose arrival as a wedding gift led to strain in the recipient's marriage.
- Environmental Concerns: Malaysia's proposal to gift orangutans comes at a time when the country faces scrutiny from environmental groups over deforestation linked to palm oil production, potentially overshadowing the diplomatic gesture with unintended irony.
- Ethical Considerations: The use of animals in diplomacy raises ethical questions regarding their welfare and exploitation, highlighting the need for careful consideration of the consequences of such gestures.
Mains Question:
Discuss the historical significance of using animals in diplomacy.
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