Former FM denounces relics' auction

Former foreign minister Li Zhaoxing yesterday denounced Christie's auction of two bronzes stolen from China's Old Summer Palace, saying the sale "will not bring glory to the homeland of the auctioneers."

"It doesn't matter which country you are from or what you do. You still don't want to hurt your country's reputation," Li, spokesman for this year's session of the NPC, said alluding to Paris' Christie's and Pierre Berge's insistence on the sale, despite objections from China.

Li cited an old Chinese saying - "nothing will block the route of justice" - and added: "China cherishes its friendly relations with France and the bilateral ties will follow the route of justice."