US returns cultural artifacts to China ahead of summit
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The United States returned 58 cultural relics and fossils to China, just one week before a planned visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping and a US-China summit.
The handover took place at a ceremony attended by officials from both countries. Among the returned items was a Buddhist statue from the Tianlongshan Caves in Shaanxi province, which had been taken from China over a century ago.
The two countries have worked together since 2009 to prevent cultural property smuggling, combat cultural crimes, and facilitate the return of stolen artifacts. Officials stated the return demonstrates a commitment to cooperation following a historic meeting between the leaders of both nations in Beijing in May, where they agreed to build a more stable relationship.
Chinese Ambassador to the US, Xie Feng, described the return of the cultural relics as a “bridge of cooperation” and a “fast track” for stronger ties. He also expressed China’s desire to fulfill the common understandings reached between the two leaders and to further develop mutually beneficial cooperation. The ambassador believes this action proves that the two countries can achieve great things when they cooperate with equality, respect, and mutual benefit.
