Two loveable animal cartoon characters are now serving as a metaphor for growing cultural ties between China and the Czech Republic. Timed to coincide with Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit, "Panda and the Little Mole" - a jointly produced cartoon series - is being broadcast in both countries.

The two animals have come to symbolize their respective countries. And now they are joining forces.

Medea, the largest Czech media agency, has high hopes for this 52-episode series - a joint production of China Central Television and the Prague-based Little Mole Company.

"This new series, 'Panda and the Little Mole', will be popular because it's very well known among adults. But we also expect it to be popular with kids. We plan to first run it on our main channel," said Jaromir Soukip, chairmann of Medea.

The Little Mole cartoon character first came to China in the 1980s, winning cohorts of fans among both young and old.

The stories about this cute, fuzzy friend with big eyes are rendered in a simple yet intimate style.

And almost three decades later, he still holds a place in Chinese hearts.

"I was born in the 1980s. I remember when I was young, there were not many cartoons to watch. Whenever the Little Mole was on air, all the kids would gather and watch. It was fun."

It all began when Czech animator and illustrator Zdeněk Miler tripped on a mole hill, igniting a 45-year-long work on the character and his adventures.

In this new series of humorous and heartwarming tales, the Little Mole meets his new companion, Panda, in China. And China provides the backdrop for most of the action that follows.

But unlike the original Little Mole series, this version will include dialogue - a precursor to Life imitating Art!

"For more than two years, we have been broadcasting Chinese content, especially documentaries and content for kids. It's very successful. If these two symbols are helpful to relations between the two countries and peoples, we'll be very pleased," Jaromir Soukip said.

The 52 episodes will be aired on CCTV's Children's Channel 14 from 7 p.m. weekly, with two 12-minute episodes per transmission.