The preservation and restoration of cultural heritage is a globally significant cause, one that requires international cooperation. Recognizing this, China and the United Kingdom have committed to deepen their collaboration in cultural heritage preservation, restoration, and the repatriation of lost artifacts. The agreement followed a visit by a delegation from China, led by Li Qun, vice minister of culture and tourism, and head of the National Cultural Heritage Administration, to the UK from Saturday to Monday. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism made the announcement on Thursday.
During his visit to the UK, Li engaged in extensive and productive dialogues with various British officials and scholars. These talks underscored the two countries’ commitment to strengthening their cultural ties and working together to safeguard cultural heritage.
One of the key outcomes of Li’s visit was his meeting with Stephen Parkinson, a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State of Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Both parties emphasized the importance of revitalizing existing cooperative projects. One such project is the “Wall to Wall Collaboration,” which was initiated in 2017. This project aims to boost tourism and deepen historical and cultural understanding of two UNESCO world heritage sites — the Great Wall of China and Hadrian’s Wall in the UK.
The representatives also agreed to reinforce efforts to protect the Chinese Beiyang Fleet Sailors’ Memorial. These tombs bear significant historical value, marking the origin of the Beiyang or Northern Fleet, the most formidable naval force assembled by China during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). This fleet was fortified by four battle cruisers purchased from Britain.
Li also held a series of separate meetings with Julian Radcliffe, founder and chairman of the Art Loss Register, and other British representatives. These meetings yielded significant consensus on the repatriation of lost cultural relics between the two countries and the promotion of academic collaboration in the field.
The British side mirrored Li’s calls for enhanced coordination, expressing its readiness to rejuvenate the “Wall to Wall Collaboration.” The UK also pledged to actively assist China in recovering lost artifacts, collectively protecting humanity’s shared cultural heritage.
As a part of the delegation’s visit, Li and the team paid their respects at the Northern Fleet Sailors’ Cemetery. The cemetery, restored by the Chinese, serves as a powerful symbol of history. The delegation commemorated the occasion by placing underwater archaeological photos and reports of the sunken “Zhiyuan cruiser” at the gravesite. The act served as a poignant reminder of the shared history between China and the UK, and their shared responsibility to preserve it.
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