Céad Míle Fáilte [100,000 Welcomes] for New Chinese Ambassador to Ireland

In the following article, Gearóid Ó Machail, a member of the National Executive Committee of the Communist Party of Ireland (CPI), as well as of the Friends of Socialist China Advisory Group, reports on the welcome extended to the new Chinese Ambassador to his country against a backdrop of high-level bilateral exchanges and an increasingly fraught international situation.

The Chinese Embassy in Ireland  hosted a grand reception on February 17 to welcome newly appointed Ambassador Zhao Xiyu an and Madame Li Yi and to celebrate the Chinese New Year with a vibrant Spring Festival Gala. The event brought together more than 400 dignitaries, government officials, political and community representatives to mark the occasion in a spirit of friendship and cooperation.

2025 sees the 46th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Ireland, with Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s visit in January 2024 injecting new momentum into their strategic partnership for mutually beneficial cooperation based on mutual trust, respect and support. Ireland was the only EU stop for China’s No 2 official on a trip that also took in a speaking slot at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

The Reception and Gala at The Helix in Dublin City University followed Ambassador Zhao Xinyuan’s presentation of his credentials to President Michael D. Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin [The Presidential Residence] in Phoenix Park, Dublin. Following the ceremony, he inspected the Irish Defence Forces Guard of Honour. The event was attended by Secretary General to the President Orla O’Hanrahan, Minister of State Emer Higgins, and Minister Counsellor Yang Tong of the Chinese Embassy.

Ambassador Zhao conveyed Chinese President Xi Jinping’s warm greetings and best wishes to President Higgins and the Irish people. He noted that, under the strategic guidance of both countries’ leaders, China-Ireland relations have steadily advanced in recent years, yielding fruitful cooperation. He emphasised China’s commitment to national rejuvenation through Chinese-style modernisation and reaffirmed Ireland’s role as an important partner, expressing hope for stronger bilateral ties.

President Higgins asked Ambassador Zhao to extend his sincere greetings to President Xi Jinping and the Chinese people. He fondly recalled hosting President Xi during his visit to Ireland in 2012 [as China’s Vice President] and his own state visit to China in 2014. President Higgins reiterated Ireland’s commitment to deepening cooperation with China, upholding multilateralism, and fostering the continued growth of Ireland-China relations.

The evening reception for Ambassador Zhao Xiyuan and Madame Li Yi showcased a stunning variety of musicians, dancers, singers and performers who had travelled from the People’s Republic of China to welcome the arrival of Spring and the Chinese New Year of the Snake in Ireland. It took place on the same day that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had been in Dublin to meet his Irish counterpart Simon Harris TD and Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Micheál Martin.

In his address, Ambassador Zhao reflected on China’s remarkable achievements in economic growth, scientific innovation, and modernisation over the past year. He emphasised his country’s commitment to advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through a Chinese path to modernisation, which will generate new opportunities for global partners, including Ireland. Highlighting Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to Ireland that day, he reaffirmed China’s dedication to strengthening high-level mutual trust, expanding cooperation, and fostering deeper, more practical, and mutually beneficial relations between the two nations.

The reception and gala were attended by Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy TD (Chairperson of Dáil Éireann, the lower house of the Irish parliament), former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, representatives of major political parties, including Micheál Mac Donncha of  Sinn Féin, and other distinguished guests from the Irish government, the Communist Party of Ireland (CPI), county and city councils, the diplomatic corps, and various local communities. Along with the Chinese artists, attendees also enjoyed captivating performances from their Irish counterparts,, collectively making for a vivid celebration of the rich cultural ties between the two nations. In a warm and friendly atmosphere, guests engaged in meaningful discussions about China’s development and the promising future of China-Ireland relations.

Both the Gala and Reception for the new Ambassador in February came off the back of a frenzied weekend of diplomacy at the Munich Security Conference where Comrade Wang Yi met with top diplomats from the United States, the European Union and Germany, among others. The visit to Ireland by a senior Chinese leader comes at a volatile point in international politics and when there are sinister forces attempting to realign Irish foreign policy and undermine Ireland’s cherished neutrality. Trading partnerships are also facing realignment in the wake of US President Trump’s introduction of protectionist economic measures and trading tariffs, including threats to impose them on the EU and Ireland.

In over a decade as Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic, and in more than 70 trips to Europe – including Russia and the Caucuses, Wang had never previously travelled to Ireland.

In terms of trade with the People’s Republic of China, Ireland punches way above its weight. It is one of the only European countries to have a trade surplus with China – almost US$13 billion last year, according to calculations based on Chinese customs statistics.

During his visit, Foreign Minister Wang stated that China is willing to work with Ireland to be constructive forces in multipolarisation, and contribute to world peace, stability and development, according to a readout released by the foreign ministry. Comrade Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during a meeting with Irish Taoiseach Micheal Martin.

Taoiseach Martin and Tánaiste Harris met Comrade Wang at Government Buildings, with bilateral relations between Ireland and China the focus of discussions. The Chinese Foreign Minister said the facts have proved that the mutually beneficial strategic partnership between China and Ireland serves both countries’ interests and brings benefits to their people. China seeks to strengthen dialogue, enhance mutual trust, and properly manage differences with Ireland, adding that “both sides can serve as a constructive force in the process of global multi-polarisation, making joint efforts to safeguard global peace, stability, and development.”

At present, China is committed to promoting broader and deeper reform across the board, advancing Chinese modernisation, and building a higher-standard open economy, which will bring new opportunities to all countries, including Ireland.  China appreciates Ireland’s positive, pragmatic, and friendly policy towards China and stands ready to work with Ireland to implement the consensus reached by leaders of the two countries, consolidate high-level mutual trust, and expand high-level cooperation, Wang added.

China hosted the Taoiseach in Beijing and Shanghai in November 2023, before Premier Li Qang’s historic visit Ireland the following year.

Meeting Wang Yi this time, the Taoiseach stated:

“China is now Ireland’s largest trading partner in the Asia Pacific region. At a time of growing global uncertainty, we need to work with all partners to effectively address our shared challenges.”

China’s modernisation and accelerated green transformation have brought significant opportunities to the world, he added, and Ireland attaches great importance to and cherishes its relations with China and is willing to develop a closer partnership while continuing to adhere to the one-China policy.

“At a time when unilateralism and protectionism are on the rise, Ireland is willing to work with China to uphold multilateralism, support free trade, safeguard the stability of industrial and supply chains, and commit to resolving differences and disputes through dialogue”.

Amid growing global uncertainties and instability, Comrade Wang highlighted China’s call for building an equal and orderly multipolar world, which he noted represents the broadest consensus of the international community.

At the reception, the delegates from the National Executive Committee of the Communist Party of Ireland extended their solidarity and best wishes to both Ambassador Zhao Xiyuan and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in this increasingly fraught geopolitical era. The Communist Party recognises that both China and Ireland are still faced with the essential task of national reunification and stressed that our Parties will continue to strive towards the realisation of those noble and just aspirations.

We also extended our solidarity to our comrades in the Communist Party of China and wish them every success in their efforts to build a peaceful, prosperous and modern socialist China for the 21st century.