A growing trend of misinformation spreading on Chinese social media platforms has led to false claims of abuse towards pandas at US zoos, sparking an outcry from Chinese citizens and further damaging the already tense relationship between the US and China. Despite fact-checking efforts, influencer posts have continued to circulate, causing concern for the future of Chinese "panda diplomacy," where the bears are often gifted to other countries as a symbol of friendship. The false claims are seen as a reflection of the growing competition and animosity between the two global powers.