Problem initially with a Far Eastern animal (5)

I believe the answer is:

panda

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'far eastern animal' is the definition.
'panda' can be an answer for 'animal' (I've seen this before). I am unsure of the 'far eastern' bit.

'problem initially with a' is the wordplay.
'initially' says to take the initial letters.
'with' becomes 'and'.
The initial letter of 'problem' is 'p'.
'p'+'and'+'a'='PANDA'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for panda that I've seen before include "See 17" , "Bear-like creature" , "Endangered creature" , "giant animal" , "Black-eyed animal" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.

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