The Carabinieri Art Squad suspected the relics had been stolen from archaeological sites.

Alberto Bonisoli, the Italian minister of cultural heritage and activities, said in Rome that the return of the relics to Chinese people marked a great occasion. He expected that the National Museum of China in Beijing would hold an exhibition to display the treasures.

China has signed agreements and memorandums of understanding with 21 countries to cooperate in the fight against illicit international trade in cultural properties and facilitate the return of stolen artifacts. A repatriation agreement was reached with the United States on Feb 28, securing the return of over 360 artifacts.