> Political Relations

Ireland established diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China in June 1979. There are resident Embassies in both capitals. Ireland opened a Consulate General in Shanghai in 2000, and has an Honorary Consulate in Hong Kong.

Ireland enjoys an excellent bilateral political relationship with China.  Ireland has for many decades maintained a one China policy (which includes a recognition that Taiwan and Tibet are integral parts of China).  At the same time Ireland’s traditional foreign policy concerns about disarmament (including nuclear and conventional weapons), human rights and humanitarian affairs are addressed in all political level dialogues with the Chinese Government, More details about Irish Foreign Policy are available on the Department of Foreign Affairs Website

Ireland’s political relationship with China is deepening and strengthening through a steady exchange of high-level political visits to both countries.  The visits of Vice President Xi to Ireland and  of the Taoiseach, Enda Kenny T.D., to China heralded a new phase in the relationship between China and Ireland.  The agreement to establish a strategic partnership for mutually beneficial cooperation has created a new dynamic to drive the relationship forward.

The visits to China by the Ministers of Agriculture, Health, Environment, Community and Local Government and   Arts Heritage and the Gaeltacht in 2012, and that of the Minister of Education in 2013 have all contributed to a further strengthening of the political relationship.

As a member of the European Union since its first enlargement in 1973, Ireland is fully engaged in the many Political, Economic and Trade dialogues held by the EU with China.  Following the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty in December 2009, the importance of the political relationship between the EU and China is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years. More details about EU China relations are available at the European External Action Service website.