What is panda diplomacy, and is it happening in Australia?

The Chinese Premier has announced that two new pandas will be loaned to Adelaide Zoo in the first visit from such a high level Chinese official in 7 years. The act of loaning pandas is part of a diplomatic tool known as panda diplomacy and is often done so as countries are normalising or building relations with China. Pro-democracy and human rights activists say the reality of the exchange is not so black and white.