As France passes law on returning loot, should China pop the champagne?

AI Summary

The article discusses France’s recent legislation regarding the return of cultural artifacts looted during colonial times, drawing attention to past grievances held by China. It raises questions about the implications for diplomatic relations and heritage restitution.

In November 1861, during his self-imposed political exile, French writer Victor Hugo penned a blistering condemnation of his country. The author of Les Misérables described two “bandits” – France and Britain – who had attacked the Old Summer Palace, or Yuanmingyuan, in Beijing the previous year. “One plundered, the other burned.” “All the treasures of all our cathedrals put together could not equal this formidable and splendid museum of the Orient,” he said. “The French empire has pocketed half...