YORK hopes to improve its links with China as it seeks to agree a twinning arrangement with the city of Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu province in southern China.

James Alexander, leader of City of York Council , said there had been correspondence between the Nanjing local government and the council over the possibilities and both sides appeared to be looking at the opportunity favourably.

The links with Nanjing were started with the University of York , which has been a long-standing partner of Nanjing University.

The University of York bestowed an honorary degree upon Professor Jun Chen, president of Nanjing University and a world-renowned geologist, earlier this month.

Coun Alexander said he discussed the idea at length with Prof Chen, as well as the possibility of holding a York day in Nanjing and a Nanjing day in York to raise awareness of the two cities with each others’ residents.

Coun Alexander said: “We are very supportive of the move and would be willing to pursue those objectives with Nanjing.

“There will be possibilities around bringing tourists and international students to York, and more importantly, opportunities for inward investment and for Chinese companies to buy skills, services and products from York and companies in the surrounding area.”

Brian Cantor, vice-chancellor of the University of York, said: “We’re extremely pleased that our longstanding friendship with Nanjing University has evolved into a broader relationship between our two great cities.

“As leading research institutions, the universities of York and Nanjing collaborate across science, social science and humanities.”

Like York, Nanjing has ancient and largely intact city walls. It was the capital of China in six dynasties and in the early years of the Republic of China. It is a national hub of education, research and tourism.