Cultural Grant Aid to China for the Museum of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region

February 26, 2001

The Government of Japan has decided to extend a cultural grant aid of up to 32,100,000 yen to the People's Republic of China to enable the Museum of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region to purchase equipment for the preservation of its cultural heritage (microscopes, hygrothermographs, ultra-deep refrigerators, display cases, etc.). Notes to this effect were exchanged on February 26 (Mon) in Beijing between Mr. Sakutaro Tanino, Japanese Ambassador to the PRC, and Mr. Zhang Wenbin, Director General, State Administration of Cultural Heritage of the PRC.
The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China, which stands at a historical and cultural crossroads of the Silk Road, is a treasurehouse of cultural heritage. About 30,000 objects of cultural value are owned by its Museum, which is distinguishing itself in the restoration and preservation of cultural assets as well as in archeological research. The Museum is also actively engaged in international academic and cultural exchanges, including the holding of cultural exhibitions in Japan.
However, the valuable objects possessed by the Museum are deteriorating severely because of the harsh climate, and preservation and restoration work is urgently needed. Lack of funding, however, makes it difficult for the Museum to purchase the necessary materials.
Under such circumstances, the Government of China has requested a cultural grant aid from the Government of Japan for the necessary funding that will enable the Museum to purchase equipment to preserve its cultural heritage.

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