Core Points - The return of the earliest known Chinese silk texts, the "Wuxing Ling" and "Gongshou Zhan," marks a significant achievement in China's efforts to reclaim cultural artifacts lost abroad through "source research and proactive reclamation" [1][2][3] - The silk texts, discovered in 1942 and illegally exported in 1946, are the only known texts from the Warring States period and hold immense value for the study of ancient Chinese literature and thought [1][2] - The return was facilitated by a collaborative effort between Chinese researchers and the Smithsonian Institution, highlighting a growing consensus on the ethical return of cultural artifacts [2][3][4] Summary by Sections Artifact Details - The returned silk texts consist of 132 pieces, including "Wuxing Ling," which discusses seasonal guidelines based on the five elements, and "Gongshou Zhan," which provides strategic advice on siege warfare [1][2] Institutional Background - The artifacts were housed at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art since their donation in 1992, where they were recorded, studied, and preserved [2] - The Smithsonian's 2022 policy on ethical return of artifacts reflects a shift towards addressing the moral implications of artifact acquisition [2][4] Reclamation Process - The Chinese government initiated a thorough source investigation and established a solid evidence chain regarding the illegal export of the artifacts, leading to a formal request for their return in April 2024 [2][4] - The "Qingdao Proposal," launched in 2024, aims to address the international issue of reclaiming artifacts lost due to colonialism and unethical practices [2][4] Significance of the Return - The successful return of the silk texts is seen as a landmark case for China's proactive reclamation efforts and serves as a reference for other nations seeking to reclaim lost cultural heritage [3][5] - The collaboration between China and the U.S. on this issue underscores the importance of dialogue and mutual respect in cultural heritage discussions [3][4]