UK Returns 12 Looted Chinese Artifacts in Ceremony at Chinese Embassy in London
SingTao · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago5 MIN
Summary
The United Kingdom returned 12 looted Chinese cultural artifacts to China at a ceremony held at the Chinese Embassy in London on September 23. The items were seized by the Metropolitan Police during criminal investigations and repatriated under the UNESCO 1970 Convention framework. This marks Britain's second such return to China in recent years, following a 2020 handover of 68 artifacts after a 25-year pursuit. Chinese officials described the return as a "just act" that safeguards human civilization and respects cultural rights of all nations.
Key Points
- The handover ceremony took place at the Chinese Embassy in London on September 23, with Chinese Ambassador Zheng Zeguang presiding over the event
- The 12 artifacts were seized by the London Metropolitan Police during investigations and subsequently returned under the 1970 UNESCO Convention framework
- Chinese Vice Minister of Culture and Tourism Rao Quan (饒權), who also serves as Administrator of the National Cultural Heritage Administration, delivered remarks via video link at the ceremony
- This represents the UK's second return of looted Chinese artifacts in recent years, following the 2020 repatriation of 68 items after a 25-year negotiation process
- China has recovered more than 300 batches totaling over 150,000 artifacts since 1949 through various means including law enforcement cooperation and judicial proceedings
Why It Matters
The successful return demonstrates growing international cooperation in combating illegal antiquities trafficking, with both nations reaffirming their commitment under the UNESCO framework . For Hong Kong readers, this diplomatic achievement highlights how cultural heritage protection transcends borders, and as a Special Administrative Region bound by international conventions, Hong Kong benefits from and contributes to these global efforts to recover looted Chinese artifacts.
The successful return demonstrates growing international cooperation in combating illegal antiquities trafficking, with both nations reaffirming their commitment under the UNESCO framework . For Hong Kong readers, this diplomatic achievement highlights how cultural heritage protection transcends borders, and as a Special Administrative Region bound by international conventions, Hong Kong benefits from and contributes to these global efforts to recover looted Chinese artifacts.