Why French law on returning looted artefacts is of ‘great importance’ to China

The destruction of the imperial gardens by British and French troops in 1860 is still regarded as a symbol of the aggression and humiliation inflicted on China by the Franco-British alliance. © Wikimedia Commons CC BY sa 3.0/颐园新居

China has welcomed France's new law easing the restitution of colonial-era looted artworks – which could help it recover some of its treasures looted during the sacking of the Old Summer Palace in 1860 by British and French forces.

A French law easing the restitution of artworks looted during the colonial era between 1815 and 1972 was published in the Official Journal last weekend, following its final approval by MPs.