The Chinese mainland is sending two experts to the Taiwan region for the treatment of a giant panda at Taipei Zoo that has recently fallen ill, a mainland spokesperson said on Friday.

Tuan Tuan, the 18-year-old male panda, one of the two giant pandas that were gifted by the mainland to the Taiwan region in 2008, has been suspected of suffering from a malignant brain tumor, causing concerns across the Taiwan Straits.

Ma Xiaoguang, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said on Friday that the mainland-based China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda has selected two veterinary experts to help with the treatment of the beloved panda since it received an assistance requirement from Taipei Zoo on Thursday.

"Now the experts are seeing their traveling documents to Taiwan being processed with the facilitation of relevant authorities on the mainland," said Ma.

He added that the research center has formed an expert team since late September and been in close contact with Taipei Zoo to provide support.

"I hope, with the common care and support from different parties on both sides of the Taiwan Straits, Tuan Tuan will have better treatment and care to pull itself through this difficulty," said Ma.

Tuan Tuan and his mate Yuan Yuan, whose combined names mean "reunion," have been popular among Taiwan compatriots. They have had two cubs, one in 2013 and another in 2020.