To be clear, the issue being raised here is the manner in which some of the pieces are being returned: through theft. Regardless of morality, past deeds, and rightful ownership, it’s unacceptable to take matters like this into one’s own hands. Keep in mind that cars were lit on fire as a distraction: innocent people who had nothing to do with the original lootings were harmed.

If we’re going to avoid grouping the Chinese together as a giant monolith, then we must do the same for the West: it’s not acceptable to set fire to cars so you can reclaim art.