Group 1 - The core point of the article highlights China's election as the chair country of the UNESCO 1970 Convention, reflecting its growing international influence in cultural heritage protection and restitution [1] - China has actively implemented the principles of the Convention since its accession in 1989, enhancing domestic laws to combat illegal import and export of cultural properties [1][2] - As the chair country, China aims to lead discussions and promote international cooperation in the field of cultural heritage governance [1] Group 2 - Recent developments in China's cultural property restitution include the new cultural heritage law effective from March 1, which establishes the right to reclaim lost cultural properties without time limitations [2] - China has taken a proactive role in international rule-making, exemplified by the 2014 Dunhuang Declaration and the upcoming Qingdao Proposal in 2024, addressing the issue of lost cultural properties [2] - China has signed bilateral agreements with 27 countries to prevent cultural property theft and illegal trafficking, demonstrating its commitment to international cooperation [3] Group 3 - Since the 18th National Congress, 2,310 pieces of lost Chinese cultural properties have returned to the country, with notable cases such as the return of the Zhitankou Silk Manuscripts from the Smithsonian Institution [3] - The return of the Zhitankou Silk Manuscripts is seen as a successful example of China's efforts in tracing and reclaiming cultural properties that are not directly covered by international conventions [5] - There is a growing trend among Western museums to reassess the legitimacy of their acquisitions during colonial periods, indicating a shift in the international dialogue on cultural property restitution [5]

Core Viewpoint - The return of the Bullet-Ku silk manuscripts marks a significant achievement in the repatriation of cultural heritage, emphasizing the importance of both material and non-material cultural heritage in understanding ancient Chinese civilization [1][5]. Group 1: Significance of the Return - The Bullet-Ku silk manuscripts, which were lost for 79 years, are crucial for the study of ancient Chinese knowledge systems, including cosmology, nature, and social practices [1]. - The manuscripts are considered the earliest known silk texts in China and are vital for research in various fields such as ancient literature, mythology, and cultural heritage [1][3]. Group 2: Relationship Between Material and Non-Material Heritage - Material and non-material cultural heritage are interdependent; non-material aspects like language and customs exist alongside material forms, enhancing cultural identity [2][3]. - The return of the manuscripts provides tangible evidence for the study and protection of non-material cultural heritage, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of cultural narratives [3][4]. Group 3: Impact on Cultural Heritage Protection - The return facilitates systematic restoration and research, which can lead to breakthroughs in understanding the cultural significance of the manuscripts [4]. - The interplay between material and non-material heritage can enhance the protection and transmission of cultural practices, ensuring that ancient knowledge continues to inform contemporary life [4][5]. Group 4: Future Expectations - The manuscripts' return fills a gap in the cultural heritage landscape, and there are expectations for further research and public engagement with the findings [5]. - There is hope for the return of the first volume of the Bullet-Ku manuscripts, which would further enrich the understanding of Chinese cultural heritage [5].

Core Viewpoint - The disparity in the treatment of cultural heritage protection in China is highlighted, with some sites like the Song Dynasty Zheng Juan Tomb suffering from neglect, while others, such as the recently returned "Bullet Library Silk Manuscripts," receive significant attention and care [1][2]. Group 1: Current State of Cultural Heritage Protection - The Song Dynasty Zheng Juan Tomb in Fuzhou is in a state of disrepair and has been misused by passersby, prompting local museum responses, yet the environment remains poor [1]. - The return of the "Bullet Library Silk Manuscripts," a significant cultural artifact that had been lost overseas for 79 years, underscores the increasing societal emphasis on cultural heritage protection [1][2]. Group 2: Challenges in Cultural Heritage Protection - There are systemic issues such as insufficient management capabilities and weak enforcement of cultural heritage laws at the grassroots level, leading to a lack of effective protection [2]. - There is a notable difference in the awareness and responsibility towards cultural heritage, with some regions prioritizing economic development over cultural preservation, resulting in practices like "demolishing the genuine and building the fake" [2]. - The perception of the value of cultural heritage varies significantly, with many ordinary artifacts lacking effective value interpretation and support, complicating their protection [2]. Group 3: Recommendations for Improvement - A balanced cultural heritage protection system is essential for fostering cultural confidence, and a multi-layered, comprehensive protection network should be established [3]. - Local community engagement in cultural heritage protection should be promoted, integrating local life, education, and tourism to enhance the role of museums in society [3]. - The treatment of cultural heritage should reflect respect for all historical remnants, ensuring that every piece of history is valued and preserved for future generations [3].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the historical journey of the precious silk manuscripts, detailing their loss to overseas and the efforts made by individuals and the state to reclaim them. Group 1: Historical Context - The silk manuscripts were unearthed during the Anti-Japanese War and were acquired by antique dealer Cai Jixiang. In June 1946, American intelligence agent Ke Qiang took the manuscripts to the U.S. under the pretext of photographing them [1] - The first volume of the manuscripts was stored at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in the U.S., while the second and third volumes were held at Harvard University's Fogg Museum. The first volume was sold in 1964 and later acquired by Dr. Sackler in 1966 [2] Group 2: Efforts for Repatriation - Dr. Sackler, a prominent psychiatrist and art collector, recognized the manuscripts' questionable provenance and expressed a desire to return them to China. His wish was documented in publications around the opening of the Sackler Museum in 1987 [2] - After Dr. Sackler's death in 1987, the first volume remained with the Sackler Foundation, while the second and third volumes were held by the Freer-Sackler Museum, now part of the Smithsonian Institution [2] Group 3: Recent Developments - Professor Li Ling has been researching the silk manuscripts for 45 years and has collaborated with international scholars to trace their history and illicit acquisition [3] - In 2022, a significant policy shift occurred when the Smithsonian Institution announced a policy for returning artifacts obtained through unethical means, leading to the agreement to return the second and third volumes to China [3] - The National Cultural Heritage Administration of China is also working on the return of the first volume, indicating a positive outlook for its repatriation [3]

Core Viewpoint - The return of the "Bullet Library Silk Manuscripts," specifically the second volume "Five Elements Order" and the third volume "Attack and Defense Divination," from the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Asian Art to China marks a significant cultural event, as these manuscripts are the only known silk manuscripts from the Warring States period and hold immense historical and academic value [1][3][19]. Summary by Sections Manuscript Details - The Bullet Library Silk Manuscripts consist of three volumes: the first volume "Four Seasons Order," the second volume "Five Elements Order," and the third volume "Attack and Defense Divination," with the first volume being relatively complete while the latter two are fragments [5][12]. - The second volume "Five Elements Order" includes a "Month Name Chart" and text detailing the seasonal and monthly appropriateness based on the five elements, which divides the year into five segments of 72 days each [8]. - The third volume "Attack and Defense Divination" contains military guidance on siege and defense strategies, with text arranged in a circular format indicating directions and auspicious days for military actions [10]. Historical Context - The manuscripts were excavated from a Warring States Chu tomb in 1942 and have been lost overseas for 79 years before their return [14][16]. - The first volume is still being sought after, as it was sold and has a complex history of ownership, complicating its repatriation [18]. Cultural Significance - The Bullet Library Silk Manuscripts are approximately 2,300 years old and represent a crucial part of Chinese intellectual and cultural heritage, reflecting ancient philosophical thoughts and practices [19].

Core Points - The article discusses the successful return of the "Bullet Library Silk Book" volumes two and three from the Smithsonian Institution to China, highlighting their historical and cultural significance [1][2]. - The "Bullet Library Silk Book" is recognized as the earliest known silk book from the Warring States period, with a total of over 900 characters, making it invaluable for research in ancient Chinese texts and history [1][2]. - The National Cultural Heritage Administration of China plans to continue efforts to retrieve the first volume of the "Bullet Library Silk Book" [5]. Summary by Sections - **Cultural Significance**: The "Bullet Library Silk Book" is the first known ancient text of its kind in China, crucial for the study of ancient Chinese characters and academic history [1]. - **Historical Context**: The silk book was looted from a Chu tomb in Changsha in 1942 and has been in the United States since 1946, marking a 79-year period of being abroad [2]. - **Future Efforts**: The National Cultural Heritage Administration is actively working to bring back the first volume of the "Bullet Library Silk Book" [5].