According to UNESCO's incomplete statistics, there are no less than 1 million items of Chinese antiquity housed in more than 200 overseas museums in 47 countries, while the number of those in the hands of private collectors overseas could be 10 times greater.

China began to lose large quantities of antiques and treasures from the Opium War in 1840, mainly through pillage, but also as "archaeological findings" brought back to Europe by explorers, and through illegal trafficking between Chinese warlords and overseas antiquaries.

China has reclaimed part of its treasures lost overseas through legal and diplomatic means by government, purchases at overseas auctions by museums, and donations by overseas Chinese or foreign friends.

Up to June 25, 2009, China had signed bilateral agreements with Peru, India, Italy, the Philippines, Greece, Chile, Cyprus, Venezuela, the United States and Turkey on the prevention of theft, illegal excavation and illegal trafficking of cultural properties.

Shan Jixiang, Director of the State Administration of Cultural Heritage, avers purchase overseas of relics and antiquities from illegal excavations is not "patriotism," but connivance over illicit excavation and trafficking.

(Source: The State Administration of Cultural Heritage)