Official urges cross-Strait cultural relics agreement

The head of China's State Administration of Cultural Heritage on Monday called for the Chinese mainland and Taiwan to sign an agreement on cultural relics exchanges as soon as possible. Addressing a forum in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality on such exchanges across the Taiwan Strait, Li Xiaojie urged efforts to further remove restrictions and provide necessary support in terms of policies and regulations for the activity. Li also suggested measures to create better conditions for the exhibition of Taiwanese cultural relics collections on the mainland. The two sides should promote cooperation, including joint research, workshops and exhibitions, among museums as well as institutions of cultural heritage preservation and research, according to the official. They may also cooperate in related personnel exchanges and training, he said. The official called for more high-level exchange visits between the two sides and greater efforts in preserving Taiwan-related cultural relics. Cross-Strait exchanges in the cultural relics field have helped to maintain compatriot sentiments, enhance the cultural identification and fortify the basis of mutual trust across the Strait, Li said. The Chongqing forum was attended by over 200 experts and scholars from the two sides of the Strait.