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]

5月18日3时55分，北京首都国际机场，从美国华盛顿飞来的CA818航班划过晨雾，稳稳降落在跑道上。 飞机滑动间，坐在机舱内的国家文物局子弹库帛书接收工作组一边"感到如释重负"，一边密切关注着旁 边座位上的几个箱子。 机上的大部分乘客并不知道，流失美国长达79年的珍贵文物——子弹库帛书《五行令》《攻守占》，就 存放在工作组人员身旁的4个文物包装箱中。 美国时间5月16日，国家文物局在中国驻美国大使馆接收了美国史密森尼学会国立亚洲艺术博物馆返还 的子弹库帛书《五行令》《攻守占》。经过查验封箱后，国家文物局工作组马不停蹄，带着它们踏上了 回家的路。 云中谁寄锦书来？ 子弹库帛书是目前出土的唯一的战国帛书。帛书分为《四时令》《五行令》《攻守占》三卷，字数多达 900余字，是迄今为止发现的中国最早的帛书和首个典籍意义上的古书，对于中国古文字、古文献研究 以及中国学术史、思想史研究，都具有无法替代的重要意义。 2300多年的历史、79年漂泊无定的海外岁月、一代代文物人的经年追索……长期研究子弹库帛书的北京 大学教授李零说，这一件文物70多年的流转史几乎可以折射出中国与世界的朝晖夕阴。 1942年，子弹库帛书于湖南长沙子 ...

Core Viewpoint - The return of the bullet library silk books "Five Elements Order" and "Offensive and Defensive Divination" from the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art to the Chinese National Cultural Heritage Administration signifies a successful collaboration in cultural heritage protection between China and the United States, highlighting the importance of ethical museum practices and international cooperation in the return of cultural artifacts [1][3][5]. Group 1 - The bullet library silk books were excavated in 1942 from a tomb in Changsha, Hunan, and were illegally exported in 1946, making them the only silk books from the Warring States period discovered to date [1][3]. - The return ceremony took place at the Chinese Embassy in the U.S., with remarks from Chinese officials emphasizing the cultural significance of the return and its role in enhancing Sino-U.S. cultural exchanges [3][5]. - The silk books will be displayed to the public for the first time at the "Ten Thousand Miles Homecoming - Achievements in Cultural Relics Repatriation in the New Era" exhibition at the National Museum of China in July 2025 [7]. Group 2 - The director of the National Museum of Asian Art stated that the decision to return the artifacts was well-considered and opens new avenues for research, indicating productive dialogues with Chinese partners [5]. - The Chinese National Cultural Heritage Administration aims to continue efforts to repatriate the remaining volume of the bullet library silk books, specifically the "Four Seasons Order," which is currently held by the Sackler Foundation [7].

Core Points - The return of the bullet library silk books "Five Elements Order" and "Offensive and Defensive Divination" from the National Museum of Asian Art to China highlights the commitment to cultural heritage protection and ethical museum practices [1][2] - The silk books are significant for their historical value, being the only silk book from the Warring States period discovered to date, and they will enhance research in ancient Chinese texts and thought history [2][3] - The successful return of these artifacts serves as a model for international cooperation in the repatriation of cultural heritage and strengthens Sino-American cultural exchanges [1][3] Group 1 - The National Museum of Asian Art's decision to return the silk books opens new avenues for research and collaboration with Chinese partners [2] - The silk books were illegally taken to the U.S. in 1946, and their return was facilitated by a solid evidence chain and mutual understanding between the two parties [2] - The silk books will be publicly exhibited for the first time at the "Thousands of Miles Together - New Era Cultural Relics Repatriation Exhibition" in July 2025 [3] Group 2 - The National Cultural Heritage Administration will continue efforts to expedite the return of the silk book "Four Seasons Order" [4]