China has recovered 41 cultural relics from the U.S., adding to its ongoing efforts to reclaim lost artifacts.
On March 4 (Beijing Time), China’s National Cultural Heritage Administration received 41 cultural relics and artworks repatriated by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office in New York, USA.
These artifacts, dating from the Neolithic period to the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911), include a bronze money tree, pottery li vessels, bronze zun vases, and pottery figurines. They represent a diverse range of cultural relics, including pottery, jade, bronze, and Buddhist artifacts.
Experts confirmed that these artifacts hold significant historical, artistic, and scientific value and identified them as illegally exported from China.
In November 2024, the Administration, in collaboration with the Chinese Consulate General in New York, facilitated the successful return of these seized artifacts.
China and the United States signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2009. The agreement was renewed three times in 2014, 2019, and 2024. So far, 594 cultural relics and artworks have been repatriated in 20 batches.
In addition, reports indicate that in recent years, Chinese officials have facilitated the return of 43 batches, totaling more than 1,900 lost cultural relics to China.
Besides, China will strengthen cooperation with global cultural heritage departments. Efforts will focus on protection, restoration, research, and display of returned relics. Cultural relics will serve as a bridge to promote exchange and mutual learning between civilizations.
Written by Chen Wang, additional reporting from CNS.
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