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Law vs. Justice: UK Blocks Return of China's Cultural Relics, Political Analyst Says
Law vs. Justice: UK Blocks Return of China's Cultural Relics, Political Analyst Says
Sputnik Africa
Law vs. Justice: UK Blocks Return of China's Cultural Relics, Political Analyst SaysThere is a growing demand for the return to homeland of looted relics from... 01.08.2025, Sputnik Africa
2025-08-01T17:58+0200
2025-08-01T17:58+0200
2025-08-01T18:25+0200
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Law vs. Justice: UK Blocks Return of China's Cultural Relics, Political Analyst SaysThere is a growing demand for the return to homeland of looted relics from the British Museum, which holds 23,000 Chinese artifacts — the largest such collection in the West, Zhou Chengyang told Sputnik. Key barriers to return, according to the expert:▪British Museum Act 1963: Article 3 bans deaccessioning, even for restitution;▪Bilateral agreements can’t override UK law;▪Repatriation depends on political will and diplomatic ties: strained relations make artifact return more difficult.Relics held in the British Museum "represent pivotal chapters of China's historical experience" — their return would boost national identity, honor patriotic aspirations, and open doors for dialogue, the speaker noted."In order to truly strengthen relations between the two countries, it is necessary to find a constructive solution to the problem of repatriation of cultural heritage," Chengyang emphasized.AI-generated image
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sputnik africa, international, china, united kingdom (uk), africa insight, art, artifact, heritage
Law vs. Justice: UK Blocks Return of China's Cultural Relics, Political Analyst Says
There is a growing demand for the return to homeland of looted relics from the British Museum, which holds 23,000 Chinese artifacts — the largest such collection in the West, Zhou Chengyang told Sputnik.
Key barriers to return, according to the expert:
▪British Museum Act 1963: Article 3 bans deaccessioning, even for restitution;
▪Bilateral agreements can’t override UK law;
▪Repatriation depends on political will and diplomatic ties: strained relations make artifact return more difficult.
Relics held in the British Museum "represent pivotal chapters of China's historical experience" — their return would boost national identity, honor patriotic aspirations, and open doors for dialogue, the speaker noted.
"In order to truly strengthen relations between the two countries, it is necessary to find a constructive solution to the problem of repatriation of cultural heritage," Chengyang emphasized.
