Campaigners have written an open letter urging Nottingham City Council to end its partnership with Ningbo, a city in China. The partnership was established in 2004, when the University of
Nottingham opened a 14-acre campus in Ningbo. However, the Nottingham Stands with Hong Kong group has objected to the partnership, citing alleged oppression and persecution of people in Hong Kong. Last year, the group presented a petition to the council outlining their concerns.
While acknowledging the significant economic and cultural impact of the twinning arrangement, the group called for the partnership to be based on the principles of upholding human rights and democratic values. In their open letter, the campaigners highlighted the need for the city to safeguard such values, stating that international relationships should be based on shared principles and tangible benefits for the city and its residents.
Responding to the campaigners' concerns, David Mellen, the council leader, announced that all the authority's twinning and international arrangements were being reviewed, including the one with Ningbo. He emphasized that Nottingham is a city that celebrates diversity and inclusion, and that any international relationships must be based on shared principles and tangible benefits for the city and its residents.
The campaigners' letter reflects the growing awareness and concern about human rights abuses in China, particularly in relation to Hong Kong. As China seeks to exert greater control over Hong Kong, there have been reports of suppression of free speech, censorship, and the persecution of pro-democracy activists. In response, human rights groups and campaigners around the world have called for greater international pressure on China to respect human rights and democratic values.
The situation highlights the complex nature of international partnerships and relationships, particularly in the current political climate. As cities and institutions seek to expand their global reach and influence, they must navigate a complex web of political, cultural, and economic factors. At the same time, they must also uphold their own values and principles, and be accountable to their own citizens and communities.
The campaigners' call for Nottingham to end its partnership with Ningbo reflects this tension, as well as the growing awareness of the need to uphold human rights and democratic values in international relationships. As more cities and institutions seek to establish global partnerships, they will need to navigate these challenges and ensure that their relationships are based on shared principles and tangible benefits for all involved. Photo by Necrothesp at the English-language Wikipedia