The Delegation Led by H.E. LI Hongzhong Visited the UCD Confucius Institute for Ireland

On May 15th, 2025, the delegation led by H.E. LI Hongzhong, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, visited the UCD Confucius Institute for Ireland.

The delegation was warmly welcomed by Professor Orla Feely, President of University College Dublin, Professor Liming Wang, Director of the Irish Institute for Chinese Studies at UCD, Ms Yanling Wang, Director of the UCD Confucius Institute, Professor Jiangnan Xie, Chinese Director of the UCD Confucius Institute, as well as local secondary school student representatives.

Upon arrival, the delegation visited the 19th Anniversary Exhibition of the Irish Institute for Chinese Studies and the UCD Confucius Institute. Professor Liming Wang accompanied the group and introduced key achievements and milestones in academic research, Chinese language education, and cultural outreach.

Following the exhibition, a welcome meeting was held in the lecture theatre of the Confucius Institute. Professor Wang delivered a welcome speech and provided an overview of the university and the Confucius Institute’s work in advancing Chinese-Irish educational and cultural exchange.

The meeting was followed by a series of student cultural performances, thoughtfully prepared and warmly received. Highlights included: a traditional Irish dance by students from the Confucius Classroom at Our Lady’s Grove Secondary School; a flute solo by Chloe Holohan, champion of the 2025 “Chinese Bridge” competition for secondary school students; a classical Chinese dance by Martha Leone, winner of the 2024 national title and third prize globally; and a performance of traditional Chinese kuaiban (rhythmic storytelling) by Hernan Perez McKay, champion of the 2025 university division. The engaging performances were met with enthusiastic applause, showcasing the students’ achievements in Chinese language learning and the cultural connections between China and Ireland.

H. E. LI Hongzhong expressed his appreciation for the continued efforts of UCD and the Confucius Institute in promoting educational and cultural exchange, as well as deepening mutual understanding between the peoples of China and Ireland. He also expressed hope that the Institute will continue to play a greater role in strengthening bilateral friendship and cooperation in the years to come. A gift exchange ceremony was held during the meeting, symbolizing the further deepening of friendship and collaboration between China and Ireland.

The visit concluded with a group photo in front of the Confucius Institute building, marking a successful end to the occasion and opening a new chapter in China-Ireland relations.