**Title: Unveiling Silk Road Civilizations: A Joint Archaeological Effort in Bagan, Myanmar**

**Interviewer: Alina, China News Service**

**Interview with Xi Lin, Deputy Director of the Silk Road Archaeology Research Department, Shaanxi Provincial Archaeological Research Institute**

**Alina:** What are your thoughts on the architectural materials used in the early phases of the Habyuny Pagoda in Bagan, Myanmar?

**Xi Lin:** I’m glad you asked! The cylindrical and flat tiles we discovered in the early structures of the Habyuny Pagoda closely resemble traditional Chinese roofing techniques. Furthermore, our excavations revealed remnants of celadon and blue-and-white porcelain that date back to the Yuan through the late Ming dynasty. These artifacts provide compelling evidence of the vibrant exchanges that occurred between China and Southeast Asia along the Silk Road.

**Alina:** Since the “Belt and Road” initiative began, how has the collaboration between China and Myanmar evolved?

**Xi Lin:** Our joint archaeological efforts have made significant progress. We’ve conducted field investigations, excavations, and research in Myanmar, which have helped us uncover and analyze the historical interactions between China and the countries participating in the Belt and Road initiative. This collaboration has greatly enhanced our understanding of these intricate connections.

**Alina:** What preparatory steps did your team take for the archaeological work in 2023?

**Xi Lin:** We undertook thorough preparations. Our team carried out aerial surveys and mapping of the excavation site around the Habyuny Pagoda, and we established a Geographic Information System to support our work. During our excavation, which covered approximately 500 square meters, we successfully identified the northern wall of the pagoda and its northwest corner, confirming details about its earliest construction phase. In total, we recovered over 500 artifacts, yielding promising initial results.

**Alina:** How has this joint archaeological effort impacted the understanding between the teams involved?

**Xi Lin:** This collaboration has created a valuable platform for exchange. We’ve shared not only archaeological techniques and methodologies but also gained deeper insights into each other’s customs, ways of life, and historical cultures. Our interactions with local archaeologists and communities have led to strong friendships.

**Alina:** Can you elaborate on the structure of the Silk Road Archaeology Research Department at the Shaanxi Provincial Archaeological Research Institute?

**Xi Lin:** We’ve integrated our work focused on archaeology in Central Asia and Southeast Asia, forming specialized, cross-disciplinary teams. This strategic framework enhances our international collaboration, allowing us to improve our excavation techniques, deepen our research, and develop a comprehensive talent development system.

**Alina:** What do you consider the significance of your joint archaeological findings in terms of understanding Chinese civilization?

**Xi Lin:** The results of our joint archaeological work provide crucial insights into the status and characteristics of Chinese civilization. They’ve significantly contributed to cultural exchanges and connections between China and the countries in Central and Southeast Asia. We aim to continuously strengthen archaeology’s role in promoting cultural communication through our collaboration.

**Alina:** What ongoing projects are you currently pursuing at your institute?

**Xi Lin:** We are actively translating and organizing archaeological and historical documents related to our joint projects into languages such as Russian, English, and Burmese. This initiative aims to boost the efficiency of our research and broaden the scope of our shared findings. Some of our discoveries have already been published, and we plan to expand our cooperation with regions like Central and Southeast Asia. Our future research will adapt to the unique features of Shaanxi’s cultural relics and incorporate modern technologies, such as aerial surveys and 3D mapping, to ensure effective cultural heritage preservation. Through these efforts, we aspire to restore the historical landscape of the Silk Road and promote its cultural legacy, fostering deeper connections among countries involved in the Belt and Road initiative.