York's lord mayor defends Nanjing trip despite 'genuine reservations' over China
York’s lord mayor has defended a recent trip to China despite having reservations about some of the country’s actions.
Coun Martin Rowley said the sister city link with Nanjing was an important bridge for York which would mark its 10th anniversary next year.
The Conservative lord mayor added the relationship would bring economic benefits for York including encouraging more people to visit from Nanjing which has a population of almost 9.5m.
It comes after the lord mayor faced criticism from opposition Liberal Democrat Coun Darryl Smalley over the September visit.
Coun Smalley said he was deeply concerned about the trip in light of the country’s alleged human rights abuses against the Uyghur minority, which China denies.
York Council’s Labour human rights spokesperson Coun Katie Lomas said at the time personal views about China had to be separated from the apolitical role of lord mayor.
The council recently hosted the Chinese Consul General Tang Rui for talks about York’s ties with Nanjing ahead of the 10th anniversary of the sister city relationship.
Speaking at the council’s full meeting on November 6, Coun Rowley said there were plans for both cities to light beacons together on their walls to mark the anniversary.
The lord mayor said: “Despite our geniune reservations over some of China’s actions, our sister city link with Nanjing is an important bridge.
“The economic benefits will I’m sure be seen over time in an increase in visitors from Nanjing.”