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Consul General of China welcomed by York partners

Two women and two men stand in front of stone building and a tree trunk
Left to right are Tracy Lightfoot, Pro-Vice Chancellor at the University of York; Cllr Claire Douglas, Leader of City of York Council, Chinese Consulate General; and Matthew Seldon, from York Chamber of Commerce.

Published Friday, 7 November 2025

Ahead of the tenth anniversary of the sister city relationship between Nanjing in China and York, City of York Council has welcomed a visit by the Consul General of China in Manchester.

The relationship was forged in 2016 with a view to developing a mutual understanding and benefits to these two historic and prominent cities. Since then, Nanjing and York have enjoyed developing ties with the city’s civic party and academic partners.

At yesterday’s meeting (Thursday 6 November), Consul General Tang Rui was introduced to members of City of York Council, the University of York and the Chamber of Commerce.

The Consul General was presented with an overview of York, its history, values, and its ambitions.  Economic development, tourism, and areas of research and academic interest were explored in more detail in keeping with the sister city agreement.

Cllr Claire Douglas, Leader of City of York Council, said:

I’m delighted to have been able to welcome Consul General Tang Rui to York and introduce him to some of our key partners in the city. We were able to discuss plans to further our two cities relationship and areas of mutual interest.

“We look forward to celebrating the 10th anniversary of our sister city status next year, and working together in the future to enhance both cities and their residents.”

Consul General Tang Rui has visited Yorkshire a number of times. He recently paid a courtesy call to The Rt Hon The Lord Mayor of York Cllr Martin Rowley BEM and has met representatives from Make It York and others from the University of York.