China appreciates France's sense of responsibility in promoting the return of lost cultural property to their countries of origin, looks forward to the early completion of the bill's legislative process and stands ready to carry out cooperation with France in this area, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a press conference on Thursday, in response to media inquiries over the pass of cultural property restitution bill in the French National Assembly.

With 141 votes in favor and none against, the French National Assembly on Wednesday approved a draft law on the restitution of cultural property acquired through illicit appropriation. The bill seeks to establish a clearer and simpler legal framework for returning cultural assets acquired by France through illicit means, including looting, theft and sales conducted under coercion. It applies to cultural property acquired between 1815 and 1972, excluding military items and certain archaeological objects, according to Xinhua News Agency.

Lin said on Thursday that China and France have had multiple successful cases of cooperation in preventing cultural property smuggling and facilitating the return of lost cultural property.

"We are willing to work together with France and all other relevant parties to continue advancing the protection and return of lost cultural property through dialogue and cooperation, and to promote people-to-people bonds and mutual learning among civilizations," the spokesperson noted.