Remarks by Chinese Ambassador to Ireland Zhao Xiyuan at Happy Chinese New Year Gala 2026

Distinguished Mr. Ahern,
Distinguished Lt Gen Rossa Mulcahy,
Your Excellencies Ambassadors and Friends from Diplomatic Corps,
Ladies and Gentlemen, Good evening.

It is a great pleasure to welcome you tonight as we gather on Chinese New Year's Eve to celebrate the Year of the Horse and the enduring friendship between China and Ireland.

Last month we warmly welcomed Taoiseach Micheál Martin on his official visit to China, and I had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the opportunities within the China-Ireland relationship. From high-level discussions in Beijing to business engagements in Shanghai, the Taoiseach's visit underscored the importance of our Strategic Partnership for Mutually Beneficial Cooperation, particularly in the fields of education, tourism and sustainable development. As our leaders agreed, mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit are the precious experiences of our long-term relationship. These are the values we must carry forward.

It is often said that China is a vital trading partner for Ireland. Trade is not simply a matter of goods and services flowing constantly between our two countries. More importantly, it also brings exchanges of lifestyles, ideas, and mutual curiosity.

Beyond government buildings, this exchange is happening everyday on our screens and in our streets. For example, the popularity of the "Living the China Vibe" trend on social media has encouraged people worldwide to engage with practices rooted in Chinese life, from food and tea rituals to wellness traditions. This trend reflects a genuine curiosity and an appetite for practical cultural learning.

Tonight, here in Dublin, we also have the privilege of enjoying an authentic Wu Opera performance originating from China's Zhejiang Province. Zhejiang is an economically developed province located on the eastern coast of China, home to a number of outstanding Chinese enterprises such as e-commerce giant Alibaba and vehicle manufacturing giant Geely. Wu Opera, also known as Jinhua Opera, is the second major theatrical genre in Zhejiang Province, which has a history of more than 500 years and remains a beloved cultural staple. Recognizing its profound legacy, Wu Opera was officially designated as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2008.

Just an hour ago, the Irish band Westlife performed at a national wide Spring Festival Gala, before a massive audience of 1.4 billion people across China. In recent weeks, Irish artists have brought your heritage abroad as Riverdance completed a major tour across Chinese cities. By presenting Irish music and dance to new audiences, they created concrete opportunities for cross-cultural connection that mirror the performances we see tonight.

As we stand on the threshold of the Year of the Horse, we see another interesting parallel between our two nations. In Ireland, horse breeding and racing are long established in the daily life and economy, with Irish racecourses, studs, and trainers recognized internationally for their excellence. In the Chinese zodiac, the horse represents strength, speed, and an adventurous spirit. This shared affinity for the horse serves as a fitting metaphor for our relationship: one built on endurance, mutual respect, and a forward momentum.

Drawing on these shared strengths and the bonds between our peoples, let us embrace the energy and courage the horse represents. May the coming year bring continued success to China-Ireland bilateral relations. I wish you all a prosperous and healthy Chinese New Year.