In a recent interview with Greek media, Dr. Shan Jixiang, director of the Palace Museum in Beijing's Forbidden City has called for Britain to return the Parthenon sculptures to Greece so they may be displayed in their original context.
"All nations with ancient civilisations share the same desire: that scattered cultural heritage should return home," Dr. Shan said. "The best choice, when an object has been preserved, is that it should appear in its original location. Its initial origins are the best home. I think that China, Greece and other countries with ancient civilisations must unite and join hands for the return of objects that have been taken from our countries," he added.
"We are fortunate to have the assistance of the Greek agency for preserving cultural heritage and the Greek government," he said, expressing a desire to further broaden cooperation with Greek museums.