China announces it will help Greece return Elgin marbles to Athens

There is a resounding new development on the affair of the Elgin Marbles, the decorations from the Parthenon in Athens that were brought to England in the 19th century by Thomas Bruce, Earl of Elgin, and that Greece would like to see returned (today they are kept in the British Museum). In fact, Chinese President Xi Jinping has offered to help Greece get the marbles back.The statement was made yesterday during a state visit by Xi Jinping to Athens, where he met with Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos. The two heads of state visited the Acropolis Museum, and Pavlopoulos took the opportunity to ask China for support in the dispute between Greece and the United Kingdom.

Xi Jinping thus expressed solidarity with Greece and pledged his cooperation. The Greek newspaper Ekathimerini reported the news: “Not only do I agree with the return of the Parthenon sculptures,” said China’s president, “but I will guarantee you our support, since we also have many Chinese artworks abroad and we are trying to get them back.” During the visit, the Chinese president also met with Greek Premier Kyriakos Mitsotakis to sign agreements on economic investment in transportation, agriculture, finance, security and culture.

Pictured: the Elgin marbles at the British Museum. Ph. Credit Andrew Dunn

China announces it will help Greece return Elgin marbles to Athens

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