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Council sets major conditions for art exhibitions in China

The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) yesterday outlined the major conditions for exhibitions of the National Palace Museum's art in China, saying that exchanges across the Taiwan Strait require efforts from both sides.

The Cabinet-level council, which charts Taiwan's policy toward China, said that firstly, Beijing must unveil a statute exempting the palace museum's exhibits from being impounded by Chinese judicial authorities.

Relevant Chinese government agencies must also make promises to ensure that all exhibits will be returned to Taiwan after the exhibition, the council said.

In addition, it went on, the exhibition must be staged under an appropriate designation based on the principle of parity.

Chinese authorities are known to be unhappy with the word "national" in the palace museum's formal title as they claim that Taiwan is not a sovereign country.

Chao Chieh-fu (趙傑夫), director of the MAC's Cultural and Educational Affairs Department, said if the above-mentioned conditions can be met, the council will not oppose having the National Palace Museum's collection displayed in China.

Nevertheless, Chao said, wishing alone cannot substantiate any cross-strait exchanges. "Concerted efforts from both sides are essential to promote cross-strait interchanges," he added.

The National Palace Museum in suburban Taipei boasts the world's largest collection of ancient Chinese art objects, including antique stone and bronze utensils, paintings, calligraphic works, porcelain items, wooden carvings, jade sculptures, lacquerware and many other exquisite items. In the past few years, the museum has displayed some of its dazzling collector items in the US and France, attracting large crowds of connoisseurs and arts fans. In arranging the exhibitions, both countries had signed agreements guaranteeing the safe return of the exhibits.

Several foreign museums, including those in Germany and Japan, have also expressed an interest in exhibiting National Palace Museum arts treasures. Terms are still being negotiated.
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