Channel Ten’s The Project is under fire after Australian journalist Vicky Xu goes off-script in a foul-mouthed rant about pandas

The Project has once again sparked controversy and divided viewers after a guest launched an expletive-laden rant about pandas.

Chinese-born Australian journalist and writer Vicky Xu appeared on the program on Monday evening to discuss Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s current visit to Australia and his recent announcement of a panda swap at the Adelaide Zoo.

Ms Xu has been an outspoken advocate against human rights abuses in China and remains unconvinced by Beijing’s so-called ‘panda diplomacy’ with countries such as Australia.

She was one of the first journalists in Australia to highlight the incarceration of Uighurs in China.

Ms Xu was asked by panelist Sam Taunton if she was excited about the arrival of new pandas at Adelaide Zoo.

“I think… no, I’m not… I’m not,” Ms. Xu admitted.

Ms. Xu then dropped a bombshell about the panda’s reproductive habits.

“I think pandas are too lazy to fuck and might even become extinct.”

Ms. Xu’s comment was met with shock and laughter by The Project’s presenters.

“I think they deserve what they have to offer,” she continued.

Ms. Xu then compared herself to the pandas.

“I think they deserve what they have to offer,” she said.

“And look, look at me, this outfit… I’m so much cuter than those giant fat non-damn pandas.”

This comment drew gasps and more laughter.

‘Is Australia so lucky to have me and the pandas? We can let them go,” Ms. Xu continued.

The Project later weighed in on Ms. Xu’s comments.

“This could be the boldest reaction to the news that Australia is getting two new Chinese pandas,” the program tweeted.

The tweet sparked mixed reactions from viewers.

“Man, that’s disgusting,” one person commented.

Another added: ‘Koalas are ‘too lazy’ and ‘deserve what’s coming to them’. Oh wait, they’re pandas. Okay to laugh, laugh now! Just a cool and normal TV show in Australia.”

Many viewers jumped to Ms. Xu’s defense.

‘Your guest was good! I like her reaction to the new pandas! Panda diplomacy sucks! Stop begging for these pandas! I like our koalas better!’ one commented.

Another said: ‘I’m just watching this and all I would say is ‘f*** the pandas too’, give us Vicky Xu!’

Others were amused.

“I saw this live and it was pretty funny,” one viewer tweeted.

Ms. Xu’s comments come next Prime Minister Li announced a panda swap at the Adelaide Zoo on Sunday, which has since sparked outrage.

Two new giant pandas would replace Wang Wang and Fu Ni, who have lived at the zoo for 15 years.

The pandas were part of an international breeding program, but they were unable to produce offspring during their time in Australia.

“(Wang Wang and Fu Ni) will return to China before the end of the year,” Premier Li said.

“But what I want to tell you is that we will provide a new pair of beautiful, sweet and adorable pandas as soon as possible.”

Prime Minister Li’s visit is the first by a Chinese premier to Australia in seven years and comes after a period of turbulence for the country’s largest trading partner, while recent military incidents in international waters have threatened the diplomatic thaw.

The zoo visit was disrupted by protesters, who say panda diplomacy obscures the black and white of a troubling human rights record.

Ted Hui, an Australian lawyer based in Hong Kong, said panda diplomacy should not distract from China’s human rights record.

“While pandas are undeniably cute and a symbol of conservation, we should not let their presence distract us from the serious problems at hand,” Mr Hui said.

Ramila Chanisheff, president of the Australian Uyghur Tangritagh Women’s Association, said the use of panda diplomacy was a smokescreen to divert attention from human rights abuses in China, especially against the Uyghur people.

“We cannot be blinded by their propaganda,” Ms. Chanisheff said.

“Our protest is a stand for those who cannot speak for themselves and a reminder that human rights cannot be overshadowed by superficial gestures.”

On her website, Ms. Xu describes herself as “a journalist, researcher and artist.”

She has reported on China and Australia for the ABC and the New York Times.

She was born and raised in Gansu, one of China’s poorest and most remote provinces, before emigrating to Australia at the age of 19.

Her gaffe on the Channel Ten program comes a year after queer comedian Reuben Kaye shocked The Project presenters with an X-rated joke about Jesus live on air.