China opposes auction of relics

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Source: CCTV.com | 02-25-2009 11:58

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Chinese lawyers say they will continue to strongly oppose the proposed sale of two cultural relics at an auction in France. The bronze sculptures of a rabbit and a rat are expected to sell for 8-million and 10-million euros respectively.

Ren Xiaohong (R), a lawyer for the Association for the  Protection of Chinese Art in Europe (APACE), the plaintiff,  speaks to the media with her colleague Ayagh at the Tribunal  de Grande Instance in Paris, capital of France, Feb. 23,  2009. The Paris court on Monday ruled against stopping  the sale of two looted Chinese bronze sculptures which  come up for auction at Christie's on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Zheng Suchun)

The State Heritage Administration of China says China has unquestionable title rights to all and any cultural relics pillaged and taken out of the country. It says it will not attempt to buy back the pieces since they should be returned to their rightful owner.

The lawyers say they hope the court will understand and respect the reasonable demands of the Chinese people. The relics were stolen from the imperial summer resort of Yuanmingyuan, the old Summer Palace. They are part of a collection that belonged to the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and have been put up for auction by his partner, Pierre Berge.

Editor:Liu Anqi