Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, the two giant pandas China loaned to Japan and are currently living at Ueno Zoo in Tokyo, will be returned to China before February, according to the agreement between the two countries, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Wednesday.

Guo made the remarks after being asked whether China will extend the loan agreement.

"We understand that there are a large number of giant panda fans in Japan," Guo said. "We welcome Japanese people to come to China and see giant pandas."