100 Years of Ireland-China Relations: What have we learned?
May 18, 2026
Exploring 100 years of Ireland-China relations and how people-to-people exchange builds trust and replaces misunderstanding with informed perspective.
Welcome to the Historical Connections section of the Ireland China Blog. Here, we delve into the rich history shared between Ireland and China, exploring significant events, influential figures, and historical milestones. Uncover the stories that connect Ireland and China across centuries.
Exploring 100 years of Ireland-China relations and how people-to-people exchange builds trust and replaces misunderstanding with informed perspective.
This article presents Ireland & China: A Century of Partnership and Exchange, Part 2, the second and final instalment of a two-part documentary produced by the Europe Sino Institute. Some Footage Courtesy of CCTV+ and AMSP.
This article looks at Ireland & China: A Century of Partnership and Exchange, the first part of a two-part documentary co-produced by the Europe Sino Institute and CCTV+. The documentary traces a century of Ireland–China relations.
On February 18, 2025, Governor of Liaoning province Wang Xinwei appointed Pat McCarthy as an Investment Ambassador for Shenyang, recognizing his and his team’s significant contributions to strengthening bilateral ties between Ireland and Liaoning. These efforts have particularly enhanced cooperation in investment, trade, education, and tourism.
In a recent interview with CGTN, Patrick McCarthy, Chair of the Ireland Sino Institute, emphasized the significance of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to Ireland on February 17, 2025. This landmark visit underscores the deepening ties between Ireland and China, presenting a unique opportunity to enhance bilateral relations, especially in trade, investment, tourism and education.
In January 2025, Chairman Pat McCarthy of the Ireland Sino Institute (Chinese name Zhang Xiaoai 张小爱), was conferred the title of Honorary Ambassador for Tourism and Culture by the Chinese Government.
On January 12, 2025, Professor Pat McCarthy, Chairman of the Ireland Sino Institute, delivered a compelling address at Dalian University of Foreign Languages, a prestigious institution ranked among the top 1% globally. His speech underscored the enduring partnership between Ireland and China, highlighting the significant contributions of the Irish community within China.
Professor Pat McCarthy of the Ireland Sino Institute has been appointed as a leading expert by the European Commission, the primary executive arm of the European Union. He is an Irish and EU Citizen and a graduate of Linköping University, consistently ranked among the top 1% of universities worldwide.
The Ireland Sino Institute: From Boundary Broker to Nurturer of Ireland-China Mutual Development. The Ireland Sino Institute (ISI) plays a crucial role in sustaining the sister city relationship between Belfast and Shenyang. As Northern Ireland and China continue to strengthen their ties, the ISI supports this bond through the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the joint college, CQC.
Discover the Michael Collins and Ireland Sino Institute Connection. Learn about the transformative impact of the Ireland Sino Institute, a dedicated non-profit registered with the Ministry for Civil Affairs in Northeast China and affiliated with the EU Chamber and Irish Chamber of Commerce. Since 2012, the Institute has been a pivotal force in strengthening Ireland-China relations through its innovative educational initiatives.
Typically replies within an hour
I will be back soon
