Chinese museum director calls for Britain to return Parthenon Sculptures

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.

Dr. Shan said that he had visited Greece many times and observed Greek cultural affairs with great interest, including matters relating to the protection of cultural heritage and museum management in Greece. He noted the very good level of cooperation between the Palace Museum and Greek museums in preserving cultural heritage, as well as the very high Greek standards in this area.

"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.