Xinhua Asia-Pacific news summary at 1600 GMT, Sept. 26

HONG KONG -- A pair of giant pandas gifted by the central government to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of China arrived at the Hong Kong International Airport on Thursday morning.

The pair's arrival is among the most anticipated celebratory events leading up to the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, which falls on Oct. 1. (Hong Kong-Giant Pandas)

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