Quotable

"It is the first time China is taking initiative to make an international rule on return of cultural property. The more specific topic we choose, the stronger this recommendation will be. This time, we choose clandestine excavation, which is commonly considered to be a difficult issue. It's a trial and a good start.

Modification of international conventions is uneasy, which will face conflicts of different interests. However, international ethical principles have to step before laws. We can have broader explanation of some definitions, like "inventory", mentioned in those conventions."

Huo Zhengxin, a professor from faculty of international law at China University of Political Science and Law, who participated in drafting the recommendation