The National Palace Museum says its artifacts belong in Taiwan and do not need to be returned back to China. That came from Premier Su Tseng-chang (蘇貞昌) on Tuesday, while answering lawmakers’ questions about damaged artifacts.
Reports say the museum tried to hide evidence about broken items in its collection, although it denies these allegations. The damaged pieces include a bowl, teacup, and plate from the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Museum director Wu Mi-cha (吳密察) says the museum will investigate the situation surrounding its damaged artifacts and report any findings to the public within two months.
After the damaged pieces were discovered, some netizens questioned if the museum's collection should be returned to China. Premier Su says the artifacts do not belong to China but rather to mankind and that Taiwan has the responsibility of taking good care of them.
The premier adds that Taiwan is a model for showing proper admiration and respect for art and there is no reason to send the collection to China. He says if Taiwan does lend any artifacts to China or other countries, it will follow established protocol for exhibition loans.