Taipei - (AFP) - The Taipei Zoo said that a male giant panda , presented by China to Taiwan fourteen years ago as a symbol of the warm relations between them at the time, died Saturday after suffering a series of strokes.

"Our medical team has confirmed that Tuan Tuan's heart stopped beating at 13:48 (0548 GMT)," the zoo said in a brief statement, which did not mention the cause of death.

Earlier Saturday, a separate statement said the panda's condition had reached a "point of no return" and he could no longer "live the good life".

Veterinarians first noticed in August that 18-year-old panda Tuan Tuan was ill when he began having seizures, appearing increasingly agitated and lethargic.

Medical examinations showed that he was suffering from a brain ailment, and he was given anti-convulsant medication.

Last month, the zoo suspected Tuan Tuan had a brain tumour, and transferred him for palliative care.

Tuan Tuan and his breeding mate Yuan Yuan were given to Taiwan by Beijing in late 2008, at a time when relations between them were friendlier.

China considers Taiwan part of its territory, and has previously pledged to return the self-governing democratic island to its sovereignty, by force if necessary.

In reference to this goal, the names of the two pandas mean "reunion" or "unity".

China uses pandas as gifts to strengthen relations with other countries, the so-called "panda diplomacy".