Jackie Chan antiques plan angers Chinese
CHINA: A plan by Hong Kong film star Jackie Chan to move
ancient Chinese buildings to Singapore has sparked controversy in a
nation already sensitive about losing its artifacts, state media said
Tuesday.
Beijing has pressured overseas auction houses to cancel the sale of
antiques it says were looted during the 19th century in events it
considers a national humiliation. Ironically in a new film the martial
arts actor -- who has also drawn attention for making pro-Beijing
comments -- plays a character who steals bronze statues from France to
return to China.
But Chan now plans to give a Singapore university four of 10
traditional Hui-style sandalwood buildings that he bought 20 years ago,
saying on his website: "I think it's such a waste if they're not
displayed for people to appreciate". He said his decision came after he
and the Hong Kong government failed to find land for the homes, whereas
the Singapore University of Technology and Design showed care and
enthusiasm about hosting the old buildings. But the Xinhua state news
agency cited officials and social media users as arguing that the
structures should stay in China, particularly in the eastern province of
Anhui where the architectural style originates.
AFP |