New Delhi, Sept. 28 -- Two giant pandas sent by China arrived in the United States on Sunday, reviving Beijing's long-running use of the animals as symbols of friendship and diplomatic goodwill.

The arrival of giant pandas, named Ping Ping and Fu Shuang, at Zoo Atlanta came days after Chinese President Xi Jinping announced their transfer during his visit to Washington and meeting with US President Donald Trump.

Xi described the giant panda as an "envoy of friendship" between China and the US.

The pandas left Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport on a chartered flight early Saturday and arrived in Atlanta after a roughly 16-hour journey. They are expected to remain at Zoo Atlanta for 10 years, according to CNN.

"Panda diplomacy" refe...