From AP: Hong Kong University economist Zhang Wuchang has rekindled a long simmering debate over whether economic imperatives trump historic preservation. Professor Zhang wrote:
“The cultural enlightenment from excavating the tomb of Qinshi Huang will surpass the pyramids of Egypt. Not starting excavations is the same as having nothing. Only by excavating will we find value capable of contributing to society.”
Naturally, archaeologists and historians have concerns over this rush to cash in on the site, potentially one of the richest sources of pre-Han artifacts ever uncovered by archaeologists.
Duan Qingbo, head of the excavation team of the Qinshi Huangdi mausoleum, replied:
“Many view this kind of thinking as the main problem facing China today. A lot of officials are only thinking about money and the benefits that such an excavation will bring to them. Meanwhile they ignore the science. If any dig is going to be undertaken we have to ensure that what is found can be preserved, otherwise we will be killing the chicken that lays the golden egg. Chinese archaeologists have ruined many objects because excavations were not properly done and the technology was lacking.”
Duan was referring in part, to the botched