CHENGDU -- A giant panda gave birth to twins on Monday in Chengdu City, capital of Southwest China's Sichuan province, the first twins this year anywhere in the world, according to the breeding base.

Ya Li delivered the first cub at 5:52 a.m. and the second ten minutes later at Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. The cubs, both female, weigh 144 grams and 113 grams.

The mother started to show reduced appetite on May 22 and became restless days later, before exhibiting prenatal behavior on Sunday, said Yang Kuixing with the base.

Ya Li was born with her twin sister Wen Li in July 2009. She also has a younger sister and a younger brother.