On Wednesday, October 28, 2026, Australia returned two limestone statues from the Northern Song Dynasty to China’s National Cultural Heritage Administration (NCHA) in Canberra. The statues, heads of a military official from the Yongyu Mausoleum and a civil official from the Yongchang Mausoleum, were handed over by the National Gallery of Australia (NGA) during a ceremony at the NGA’s Canberra headquarters.
The ceremony was attended by Tang Wei, deputy director of the NCHA, Chinese Ambassador to Australia Liu Jinsong, and NGA director Nick Mitzevich. Officials noted that the statues originated from Henan Province in central China.
China said that returning displaced cultural relics to their countries of origin is an important step toward safeguarding heritage, respecting cultural rights and national sentiments, and protecting the achievements of human civilization. The Chinese side also said the handover would promote people‑to‑people exchanges and empathy between the two peoples.
Australia said the return represents more than the physical transfer of objects; it reflects respect for cultural heritage, a sense of responsibility and the importance of international partnerships. Australian officials added that the handover would strengthen Australia‑China relations and encourage continued cooperation in protecting cultural heritage.
