From Westlife to education: The warmth of China-Ireland relations

As Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin's visit to China unfolds, cultural and educational exchanges between China and Ireland have emerged as a tangible reflection of their warm and enduring bilateral ties. From pop music to higher education cooperation, the connections between the two countries demonstrate a foundation of trust and mutual respect.

Cultural resonance: 'Overseas from coast to coast'

Irish pop sensation Westlife may never have imagined the depth of their popularity in China. Formed in 1998, the band's music coincided with China’s era of opening up. Albums and tapes featuring their smiling faces made their way from local record stores into Chinese campuses, creating an early bridge between the two cultures. For many millennials, songs like "My Love" were the first English-language songs they learned, and through Westlife's music, Chinese audiences came to associate Ireland with romance, sincerity, and cultural charm.

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, Westlife dedicated their first global online concert to Chinese fans. With over 27 million viewers and 100 million likes, the online show became a pioneering cultural event, connecting audiences across continents despite physical separation. Two decades after their debut, the band is set to launch a new tour in China in 2026, proving the lasting resonance of cultural exchange.

Speaking during his visit, Taoiseach Martin highlighted the thriving cultural exchanges between the two countries. Irish performances such as Riverdance, traditional music by bands like The Chieftains, and pop songs by Westlife continue to captivate Chinese audiences, reflecting the deep and enduring connection between the two cultures.

Education: Practical collaboration

Cultural resonance has naturally fostered practical educational cooperation. Ireland's stable and friendly relations with China have made it a reliable destination for Chinese students.

During Taoiseach Martin's visit, 13 Irish institutions, including Trinity College Dublin and Limerick Institute of Technology, signed new joint programs with Chinese universities such as Renmin University of China and Foshan University.

Chinese students have benefited from a welcoming environment in this English-speaking EU country, particularly amid global uncertainties in international education. Bilateral educational collaboration has grown steadily: 110 joint programs enroll more than 12,000 students across undergraduate, master's, and doctoral levels, covering fields such as engineering, medicine, and the digital economy. Graduates enjoy work visas of up to two years, further strengthening Ireland's appeal as a study destination.

Tourism exchanges: Bringing ties to life

Education and culture are complemented by tourism, which brings bilateral ties to life. During his visit, Taoiseach Martin visited the headquarters of Chinese travel giant Ctrip in Shanghai, reinforcing Sino-Irish tourism cooperation. China has maintained a visa-free entry arrangement for Irish passport holders, making travel between the two countries more convenient and enabling visitors to explore China's scenic landscapes and cultural heritage. During his trip, Martin visited the Palace Museum in Beijing to marvel at China's imperial palaces and history.

From Dublin's "Hello Beijing" tourism promotion events to regular visits by Chinese travel operators to Ireland, two-way tourism continues to flourish. When Irish bagpipes meet Chinese guzheng, when students from China join campuses in Cork, or when Shanghai visitors stroll through Dublin streets, bilateral ties transcend politics and trade, embedding themselves in daily life and shared experiences.

Looking ahead: Culture and education as bridges

From the resonance of music to academic collaboration and cross-border travel, China-Ireland relations have relied on culture as their foundation, education as a bridge, and tourism as a medium for more than four decades.

Taoiseach Martin's visit not only reflects past achievements but also underscores the expectations for future cooperation. In a world full of uncertainties, the warm and practical bonds built on sincerity and mutual understanding are set to grow even stronger, offering a model of friendship that is both enduring and tangible.