Cultural heritage cooperation between China and Vietnam flourishes as an essential aspect of their interactions. Over recent decades, both nations have fostered deeper mutual understanding through valuable collaborations in museums and cultural heritage protection, enhancing their historical ties and shared narratives.
The cornerstone of this collaboration was laid in October 2006 with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, guiding efforts in various areas such as museums, archaeology, cultural heritage laws, technology transfer, and personnel training.
From 2006 to 2007, an archaeological team from China, including experts from Shaanxi and Sichuan, joined forces with Vietnam’s National Museum of History. This collaboration marked the first time China engaged in international archaeological excavations, focusing on the Yili site in Vietnam, uncovering significant finds like pottery and jade artifacts.
Recently, the breadth of cooperation has broadened notably. In October 2023, a programme aimed at restoring ancient manuscripts commenced, featuring experts from China’s National Library who held workshops in Vietnam, imparting knowledge on paper analysis, digitisation, and conservation techniques.
Additionally, museums, universities, and research institutes from both countries partnered on heritage conservation initiatives and academic forums. Noteworthy is the Letter of Intent signed in December 2023 between the Vietnam National Museum of History and Yunnan Provincial Museum in China, which promises further collaborative research on cultural heritage protection and exhibition exchanges.
The cooperation in cultural heritage between China and Vietnam has deepened over the years, marked by a 2006 agreement. Joint archaeological projects at the Yili site and recent manuscript restoration initiatives are highlights. Collaborative efforts extend across museums and educational institutions, fostering mutual understanding and cultural exchange between the two countries.
In conclusion, the cultural heritage partnership between China and Vietnam has made significant strides since the foundational agreement in 2006. This collaboration, reflected in joint archaeological projects, manuscript restoration programmes, and extensive academic exchanges, strengthens mutual understanding and fosters enduring cultural ties between the two nations. The ongoing efforts highlight the importance of preserving shared heritage and promoting cultural dialogue.
Original Source: news.cgtn.com
