Ambassador Xie Feng: The Repatriation of Cultural Property Builds a Bridge of Cooperation
Date: September 18, 2026
On September 16, during a handover ceremony for the repatriation of Chinese cultural property, Chinese Ambassador to the United States, Xie Feng, emphasized that this act fosters cooperation and broadens the path to mutually beneficial partnerships.
Ambassador Xie remarked that law enforcement collaboration aimed at protecting cultural treasure has emerged as a significant aspect of China-U.S. relations, yielding notable results. Since the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2009, both nations have actively engaged in efforts to combat the illegal trafficking and cross-border crimes involving cultural artifacts, successfully facilitating the return of numerous Chinese cultural items from the U.S.
Cultural institutions and museums in both countries are increasingly collaborating, implementing inter-museum loan programs, engaging in dialogues, showcasing digital revitalization efforts, and facilitating academic exchanges. A recent highlight was the exhibition “Selections from Three Millennia of Chinese Art” at the China Institute Gallery, which attracted substantial interest. Additionally, the University of Chicago’s virtual reconstruction of the Tianlongshan Grottoes has brought new life to ancient Chinese artistic treasures.
Community contributions have also played a crucial role. The Chinese Embassy and its Consulates-General received cultural relics returned by supporters from various sectors. One notable instance involved Ms. Suzanne Fratus from California, who returned two pottery figurines to China, stating, “It is not through money or politics that these figurines have come home to you. They were returned through the power of love and respect for you, the Chinese people.” This sentiment underscores the goodwill and connection between the two cultures.
