China opposes sale of 18th century relic

BEIJING, Nov. 7 (UPI) -- China's State Administration of Cultural Heritage said it opposes the recent auction sale of an 18th century Qing Dynasty seal.

The Chinese agency voiced strong opposition of the sale of any relics looted from China and spread worldwide during the colonial era, The Daily Telegraph reported Friday.

Sotheby's of London sold the former seal of Chinese emperor Qian Long Wednesday for $5.98 million amid a barrage of bids from eight collectors, the British newspaper said.

The green jade seal's catalogue notes claim the relic was purchased by a European collector in France during the 1970s.

The auction featured 261 lots and earned $13.79 million.

Chinese residents also voiced opposition on the Internet regarding the sale of the historical seal.

"Bandits have seized our treasures and are now selling them off at auction for ridiculous profits. How can we tolerate such behavior," an unidentified Sohu Internet portal user said.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization estimates 200 museums currently house 1.67 million Chinese relics and millions more sit in personal collections worldwide.