
100 Years of Ireland-China Relations: What have we learned?
Exploring 100 years of Ireland-China relations and how people-to-people exchange builds trust and replaces misunderstanding with informed perspective.

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.

As global trade landscapes evolve and tariff uncertainty continues to challenge traditional markets, the 2025 China International Consumer Electronics Exposition (CICEE) presents a timely and strategic opportunity for international businesses. Scheduled for September 17–22, 2025, at the Qingdao International Convention and Exhibition Centre, CICEE is recognized as one of China’s foremost national-level events in the consumer electronics sector.

Amid rising protectionism and global trade tensions, China is signaling openness and opportunity. From June 15–21, 2025, the China Business Connection Programme — featuring the Global Sourcing & Investment Summit and Dalian Business Engagements — will showcase this message on the world stage. Learn more about this event and how to book your VIP spot.

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.

CEIBS (China Europe International Business School) in Shanghai recently witnessed a significant event that underscored its role as a vital bridge between China and Europe. The visit by Irish Tánaiste Micheál Martin, a senior leader from a European Union state, brought not only international media attention but also passionate advocates for deeper China-Europe ties to the school’s campus. The event gained additional significance with the attendance of Pat McCarthy, founder of the Ireland China Institute, and his wife.

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