China's Art Heists: Repatriation Pursuit

In a string of audacious art heists across European cities from 2010 to 2015, Chinese artifacts were stolen, raising suspicions about the Chinese government's involvement. The robberies began in Stockholm, Sweden, with a diversion tactic of burning cars that allowed thieves to target Chinese antiques from the Swedish royal residence. Similar thefts occurred in Norway, England, and France, all involving Chinese items looted by foreign armies in the past. These thefts bore striking similarities, with professional criminals often leaving high-value objects untouched.

The thefts coincided with China's growing wealth and renewed interest in repatriating its plundered art. China's elite, including billionaires, actively sought to acquire Chinese artifacts, and the market for historical Chinese art boomed. The return of art linked to China's past humiliations was particularly significant. While some stolen art was repatriated through these means, others vanished into private collections. A combination of patriotism, newly acquired wealth, and the desire to preserve China's heritage drove this cultural repatriation movement.