东西问丨段勇：被日本掠夺的唐鸿胪井碑为何是中国流失国宝的“头号追索目标”？

Core Viewpoint - The Tang Honglujing Stele, a significant cultural artifact from the Tang Dynasty, is considered China's "number one target for repatriation" due to its historical value and the circumstances of its looting by Japan during the Russo-Japanese War [3][10]. Group 1: Historical Significance - The Tang Honglujing Stele, inscribed in 714 AD, serves as a direct historical evidence of the relationship between the Tang Dynasty and the Bohai Kingdom, reflecting China's governance over its northeastern territories [4]. - The stele weighs 9.5 tons, making it one of the most substantial lost cultural treasures, symbolizing national unity and territorial integrity for China [10]. Group 2: Repatriation Efforts - The recent publication of "The Complete Collection of Tang Honglujing Stele Archives" compiles extensive documentation and evidence of the stele's illegal acquisition by Japan, reinforcing China's claim for its return [8][10]. - The ongoing efforts to repatriate the stele have garnered support from both Chinese and Japanese scholars, indicating a shared moral stance on the issue among the citizens of both nations [6][10]. Group 3: International Legal Framework - The repatriation of cultural artifacts is supported by international agreements such as the 1954 Hague Convention and the 1970 UNESCO Convention, which emphasize the illegality of cultural property acquired through war [11]. - Despite some progress in the repatriation of colonial artifacts by Western countries, Japan has lagged in aligning with contemporary international norms regarding the return of looted cultural heritage [11].