In mid-January, China's Premier Li Qiang paid a two-day state visit to Ireland meeting with President Michael D. Higgins and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, and while Irish officials were keen to emphasize the 45th anniversary of Ireland-China diplomatic relations, little was said publicly about China's human rights abuses and ongoing aggression in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea. And although Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheal Martin previously echoed support for the EU's decision to de-risk trade with China, the top message from the Irish government would appear to be that the economy takes precedence and that Ireland remains committed to free global trade.
Trade between Ireland and China has increased significantly in recent years, to about €40 Billion in two-way goods and services. There are more than 40 Chinese companies in Ireland concentrated mainly in IT, finance and aviation leasing and Ireland has established more than 500 foreign-invested enterprises in China.
The increasing focus on trade supported by pro-PRC business groups and coupled with a deficit of independent China expertise has raised concerns among analysts and academics about the dangers this poses to Ireland's values and interests.
My guest in this episode of Perspectives with Neilo is Alexander Dukalskis (@AlexDukalskis), Associate Professor in the School of Politics and International Relations at University College Dublin (UCD) and Director of the UCD Centre for Asia-Pacific Research. I sat down with him recently to discuss the takeaways from Li Qiang's visit, how Ireland is strategically equipped to engage with China, and the apparent lack of China competency when it comes to dealing with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Date of Recording: February 7th, 2024
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| Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Chinese Premier Li Qiang meet in Dublin on January 17th |
DIVE DEEPER:
Additional information and references on the topics covered in this episode:
- China and Ireland seek stronger ties during Chinese Premier Li Qiang's visit - Sylvia Hui, AP (January 17th, 2024)
- Irish beef exports to China to resume after suspension last November over atypical BSE case - Hayley Halpin, The Journal (January 17th, 2024)
- Ireland Ignores Beijing's Brutality for the Sake of Beef Exports - Alyssa Fong, CFHK Foundation (January 23rd, 2024)
- Taoiseach raises rights issues with Chinese Premier Li - Sandra Hurley, RTE (January 17th, 2024)
- Micheal Martin's China visit leaves Tanaiste with plenty of food for thought - Ciara Phelan, Irish Examiner (November 11th, 2023)
- Chinese Premier meets with Irish leaders in Dublin - CGTN [China State Media] (January 17th, 2024)
- Irish Taiwan policy 'unchanged' despite Chinese reports - Varadkar - Tony Connelly, RTE (January 17th, 2024)
- What is the 'one China policy' and why does it matter? - Yvonne Murray, RTE (January 21st, 2024)
- The fate of Ukraine is a litmus test for Europe - Letters to the Editor, Southern Star (January 31st, 2024)
- New China defence minister holds video talks with Russia's Shoigu - Reuters (January 31st, 2024)
- China Influence in Ireland - BreakingNews.ie paid advertising.
- ETNC Report - Ireland China Relations - Interview with Alexander Davy of MERICS (August 2023)
