Cooperation with Cairo breaks new ground for Chinese archaeologists

Archaeologists study a wooden coffin as part of the China-Egypt Joint Investigation, Research and Digitalization Project on Ancient Egyptian Antiquities, in Egypt in June. CHINA DAILY Major cooperation projects between China and Egypt focusing on the digital scanning, photography, sorting and research of some 1,000 humanoid wooden coffins unearthed in Saqqara, Egypt, have been underway since May, according to the Shanghai International Studies University. Li Yansong, president of the Shanghai International Studies University, says that he expects the project to enhance the school's studies of countries and regions, provide fresh support for China-Arab cooperation under the Global Civilization Initiative, and boost mutual learning and exchange with all parties in Egypt. "This marked an important beginning for the continuation of the cultural traditions of China and Egypt, for conducting dialogue among civilizations on an equal footing, and for carrying out international cultural cooperation in a new form," says Zhu, who is also director of the World Arthistory Institute and a professor of history at Peking University.