China’s state-run media, through the Beijing-based Global Times, has claimed a “pioneering role” in restoring Paris’ Notre Dame Cathedral after its devastating 2019 fire, asserting that China was “the first country to participate” through an intergovernmental agreement with France signed shortly after the blaze.
Chinese involvement centered on expertise in preserving fire-damaged wooden relics, a skill honed during work on the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, home to the renowned terracotta warriors. Chen Jiachang of the China Academy of Cultural Heritage explained that France sought China’s advice on stabilizing and presenting damaged artifacts. Zhou Ping, deputy director of a Chinese museum, noted that Chinese specialists were the “first non-French professional team to ascend the spire of Notre-Dame” post-reopening.
In contrast, Western outlets have largely overlooked China’s role, instead emphasizing contributions from private citizens and international groups like Carpenters Without Borders. This organization, which relies on traditional methods from centuries past, played a significant part in reconstructing the cathedral.
Volunteer Hank Silver from Carpenters Without Borders described the painstaking task of replicating the cathedral’s centuries-old imperfections. “As carpenters here, we’ve had to do things that the original craftsmen never did,” he remarked, adding that the experience had profoundly impacted him. “I’ll be dining out on the fact my craftsmanship is now part of a UNESCO world heritage site.”
While China touts its role, the broader restoration effort remains a testament to international cooperation and historic preservation.
