Its 1949 and Pandas are more popular than ever. Within  Communist China, they achieve a rock star status, they appear on every product imaginable, and fuel attempts at scientific reform.

Outside of China, as Pandas die in captivity one after another, they become the poster child for conservation and the highest prize imaginable for zoos to obtain.

As China normalizes its relationship with most of the world Post 1972, Pandas would continue to be many things to many different people, National Symbol, Conservation Project, Money Maker, and Political Bargaining chip.

Books mentioned:
 
The Last Panda
by George B.Schaller

Panda Nation: The Construction and Conservation of China's Modern Icon
by E.Elena Songster