美国归还361件中国纪念物和古器物
In another sign of increasing cultural exchange, the United States announced the repatriation of 361 pieces of Chinese relics and artifacts to China.
美国宣布将361件纪念物和古器物归还中国，以增加双方的文化交流。
Senior officials of the two countries celebrated the repatriation at an event held in the Eiteljorg Museum in Indianapolis, capital city of the U.S. state of Indiana, where 20 pieces of relics and artifacts were on display, attracting some 100 visitors.
The repatriation will bring back to China the largest batch of relics and artifacts from the United States since 2009, when the two nations signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in this regard, according to Chinese officials.
Also at the event, officials from China's National Cultural Heritage Administration and U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) signed and exchanged Certificate of Transfer, which formalizes the transfer of custody from the United States to China regarding these cultural relics and artifacts.
Hu Bing, deputy administrator of China's National Cultural Heritage Administration, said at the ceremony that these relics and artifacts are an inseparable part of China's cultural heritage.
Hu said that the repatriation is the fruit of the long-term cooperation between the United States and China, and will further enhance the trust and understanding between the two peoples, as the two nations celebrate the 40th anniversary of their bilateral diplomatic ties.