Core Points - The return of the "Zidan Ku" silk manuscripts, specifically the second volume "Wuxing Ling" and the third volume "Gongshou Zhan," marks a significant cultural heritage cooperation success between China and the United States, enhancing cultural exchanges and friendship between the two nations [6][8][12] - The "Zidan Ku" silk manuscripts, discovered in 1942, are the only known silk manuscripts from the Warring States period, consisting of three volumes with over 900 characters, making them invaluable for the study of ancient Chinese philosophy, military strategy, and early Chinese writing [9][10][11] - The manuscripts' return is part of a broader effort by China to reclaim cultural artifacts lost overseas, with recent progress highlighted by the return of 213 items in 2024 from various countries, including the United States [14][15] Summary by Sections Cultural Significance - The "Zidan Ku" silk manuscripts are crucial for understanding ancient Chinese thought, military tactics, and the development of early Chinese characters, with the "Wuxing Ling" and "Gongshou Zhan" providing insights into lunar calendars and military strategies [9][10][11] - The manuscripts are considered the earliest known silk texts in China, contributing significantly to the fields of ancient literature and historical studies [9][10] Return Process - The return of the manuscripts was facilitated by a combination of legal frameworks, including the 1970 UNESCO Convention and the 1995 UNIDROIT Convention, which address the illegal export and transfer of cultural property [11][12] - The successful negotiation for the return involved extensive research into the manuscripts' provenance and historical context, culminating in a formal request submitted to the Smithsonian Institution [12][13] International Cooperation - The return of the manuscripts reflects a growing trend in international cooperation regarding cultural heritage, with the "Qingdao Proposal" serving as a framework for addressing the repatriation of artifacts acquired through colonial or unethical means [14][17] - The collaboration between Chinese authorities and U.S. institutions, such as the Smithsonian, highlights the importance of ethical stewardship in museum practices and the potential for future partnerships in cultural heritage preservation [13][14]