Viral Chinese TikTok video calls for return of artifacts

A bizarre viral TikTok video about a Chinese teapot trying to escape from the British Museum has revitalised a row between the two countries about the return of historical artefacts.

- MAROOSHA MUZAFFAR

The three-part series, entitled Escape from the British Museum, has already been viewed more than 310 million times since its release at the end of August on China’s version of TikTok.

The success of the series has sparked calls for the return of an actual jade teapot made in 2011 currently showcased in the British Museum, where former UK chancellor George Osborne sits as chair of the board of trustees.

As chancellor, Mr Osborne pushed for closer ties between Britain and China, calling on a visit to Shanghai in 2015 for the founding of a “golden decade for the UK-China relationship”.

He said during the trip: “Let’s stick together to grow our economies. Let’s stick together to make Britain China’s best partner in the West. Let’s stick together and create a golden decade for both of our countries. Britain and China: we’ll stick together.”

Despite this, China’s government and state-run media have continued to call for the return of precious artefacts, effectively thumbing its nose at his remarks.

In the live-action series, the teapot turns into a woman before encountering a Chinese journalist on the bustling streets of London, who lends a helping hand in her quest for freedom.

The success of the series has been such that its creators, who claim to be independent filmmakers with no links to the government, have gained over five million new followers in a week.