Principal charms

"Well, I suppose I'm the one who should be blamed for this because I introduced those exhibits to Beijing," he smiles.

For this reason, neither side should really feel the need to apologize for building up cultural links.

"The Palace Museum embraces different civilizations from all over the world," Wang says. "Such cultural communications are an important way to make people feel more connected."

And the Monegasque side have confirmed they currently have no plans to take the exhibition to other Chinese museums, because "its dynastic glory is best suited to the Forbidden City".

Contact the writer at wangkaihao@chinadaily.com.cn