China Celebrates Return of Buddhist Statue and Dinosaur Fossils

Beijing praised the United States for handing over a prized Buddha torso along with a range of prehistoric fossils that had been confiscated during investigations. The Buddhist artifact, originally displayed on the northern section of the western wall of Cave 17 in Thienmen Shan, was accompanied by clay figurines, dinosaur skeletal pieces, fish fossils, and well‑preserved dinosaur egg fossils. Chinese cultural heritage officials, together with embassy and consular representatives, oversaw the hand‑over ceremonies in the capital of the United States and in New York City, ensuring the items were returned in secure conditions.