The latest trip would be the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council’s third such visit to the country in recent years following a twinning agreement with the city of Huangshi. It is believed to be the first time that the Chinese Consulate has offered to pay for a council trip. The correspondence, dated January 5th, 2026, extends a formal invitation to six Fermanagh and Omagh District Councillors for a one-week fact-finding tour to China during 2026, preferably between late April and June. A spokesperson for Fermanagh and Omagh District Council said: “Fermanagh and Omagh District Council approved the signing of a Friendly Co‑operative Cities Agreement with Huangshi, China in 2018. The Council has received a further invitation from the Chinese Consulate to consider a visit between April and June 2026.