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0 An article in The Global Times criticizes the UK’s colonial history and calls for the British Museum to return all Chinese cultural relics acquired through questionable means to China without charge, amidst ongoing controversies surrounding thefts at the London-based institution.
Published on August 28 in an op-ed piece, The Global Times asserts that the British government should collaborate in legal and procedural efforts to facilitate the restitution process, viewing it as a test of Britain’s sincerity in addressing its colonial legacy and rectifying historical wrongs. The Global Times is affiliated with the People’s Daily, the official newspaper of the Chinese Communist Party.
The editorial argues, “The recent scandal has exposed significant deficiencies in the British Museum’s management and security of cultural objects, undermining the long-standing claim that ‘foreign cultural objects are better protected in the British Museum.'” The call for repatriation comes at a time when Nigeria and Greece are also intensifying their demands for the return of cultural treasures.
The commentary goes beyond the specific case to address a broader political agenda, framing the British Museum’s troubles as a symbol of the UK’s global reputation. It questions the sustainability of Britain’s stance, stating, “Britain’s unyielding and evasive conduct tarnishes not only the image and reputation of the British Museum but the entire country. Time will tell how long Britain can avoid addressing this issue.”
Furthermore, the editorial criticizes the UK’s historical colonial record, describing it as “bloody, ugly, and shameful.” It highlights the UK’s tendency to assert moral superiority over other nations and interfere in their internal affairs while questioning the source of this moral stance.
The British Museum houses approximately 23,000 Chinese artifacts, spanning various dynasties, such as the Tang, Shang, and Zhou. Recent media reports have implicated Peter Higgs, a senior curator of Greek and Roman art employed at the British Museum for three decades, in the alleged theft of priceless artifacts. Higgs’s family has refuted these allegations.
The op-ed also casts doubt on the efficiency of the ongoing theft investigations. It points out delays in releasing photos and detailed descriptions of stolen artifacts, suggesting that the British Museum may still be uncertain about the extent of its losses, potentially exceeding 2,000 pieces.
Addressing the legal aspect, the editorial highlights the 1963 British Museum Act, which currently prevents the restitution of artifacts, including the Parthenon Marbles. It characterizes this legal barrier as the UK locking its own door and then telling the artifact owners that it cannot return them because they cannot pass through the door—a stance viewed as hypocritical and unreasonable.
The issue of thefts at the British Museum has ignited discussions on Chinese social media. The hashtag “The British Museum please return Chinese antiquities” has gained widespread attention on Weibo, with over half a billion views, according to the BBC.
