CEIBS has hosted countless warm interactions between China and Europe for nearly three decades, but the recent visit of the Irish Tánaiste Micheál Martin attracted particularly passionate advocates of deeper connection between the two sides, to the school’s Shanghai campus.

As a senior political leader from a European Union State, Mr. Martin arrived with an Irish press corps in tow, bringing international media attention to the school and highlighting CEIBS role as a bridge between China and Europe.

Mr. Martin gave a speech, took part in a Q&A, met students, and was accompanied by a delegation of 14 that included Ambassador of Ireland to China Ann Derwin and Consul General of Ireland in Shanghai Wendy Dorman-Smith. But the Tánaiste’s visit also attracted guests from further afield who undertook an arduous journey to Shanghai on a mission very much aligned with that of CEIBS.

Irishman Pat McCarthy, a long-time resident of China based in Liaoning Province, and his wife - from the same province - established the Ireland China Institute in 2012, a non-profit organisation committed to fostering development, particularly in rural communities and mainly through educational projects. The couple travelled to Shanghai, curious to visit CEIBS campus and hoping to interact with the Tánaiste.

The trip to Shanghai entailed an action-packed journey from the northeast of China, which saw their travel plans interrupted by blizzards and unforeseen events; a train to Shenyang and flight to Shanghai were both abruptly cancelled. Mr. McCarthy’s party simply switched up their plans. “Undeterred, we embarked on a combination of trekking and taxi rides to reach Shenyang," Mr. McCarthy said. "I vividly recall our taxi driver, the shifu, reassuring us with his words, ‘Don’t worry, I’ve seen worse conditions' – though I'm not sure that did much for our comfort.”

But, upon finally arriving in Shenyang, Cork-born Mr. McCarthy explained that his party missed their new train as “hunger had gotten the better of us” and they sat camped out in a McDonalds restaurant. The party continued to make their way towards their final destination, however, when “In a stroke of luck that felt like divine intervention, we managed to catch the last delayed train to Beijing; and from Beijing, we secured a connection to Shanghai, only to be welcomed by a downpour,” adding that “This chain of misadventures, though challenging, added to the allure of our journey, turning potential setbacks into an adventure reminiscent of an Antarctic expedition.”

The China Ireland Institute founder’s journey turned out not to be in vain. During a Q&A following Mr. Martin’s speech, the two Irishmen - both from the city of Cork - enjoyed a warm exchange in the CEIBS Shanghai Petrochemical Auditorium, as hundreds of students, guests, dignitaries and members of the CEIBS community looked on.

Mr. McCarthy expressed his deep satisfaction in conversing with his fellow Corkonian, so far from home.

“His attentiveness to our questions and his effort to personally approach us at the end of the event truly highlight his compassionate nature and genuine heart,” he said, adding, “It's rare for an official to step away from the structured schedule of staged events in such a personal manner.” The friendly and sincere discussion - which Mr. McCarthy remarked would not have felt out of place in an Irish Pub – caught the attention of the Irish media who published an article on the exchange.

Afterwards, Mr. McCarthy said he was aware of the “prestigious reputation” of CEIBS as a high-ranking institution before his visit, and described it as a hub for fostering development across China. Upon first entering campus, Mr. McCarthy briefly lost his bearings: “In an amusing turn of events, we mistakenly wandered into the wrong auditorium, where everyone was securing their phones in pouches,” he said, adding, “I initially mistook this for a security protocol for the Deputy Prime Minister’s speech, only to realize we had unintentionally interrupted a class. Thankfully, the accommodating staff promptly redirected us.”

Mr. McCarthy expressed his appreciation for CEIBS Vice President and Dean Frank Bournois, who welcomed him onto campus, and praised him for providing an international platform to “express our concerns, and open doors to crucial dialogue and representation.”

With the Ireland-China Institute, dedicated to “strengthening the relationship between China and Europe,” Mr. McCarthy said the focus of his organisation on rural China contributed to strengthening the EU-China relationship by introducing European perspectives, practices, and innovations to foster equal development and growth in areas away from the spotlight, promoting deeper mutual understanding and collaboration.

“These cultural and educational exchanges not only enrich local communities in China, but also provide valuable insights into rural Chinese life for European entities,” he said, adding, “In turn, this creates a more nuanced, comprehensive dialogue between the two regions. Such interactions, grounded in respect and knowledge-sharing, are essential for building a robust, sustainable partnership that benefits both the EU and China.”

Mr. McCarthy said the Ireland China Institute - which features on China’s state council website - will continue a five-year plan focused on educational efforts and diversify its activities, including branching into tourism and promoting trade and foreign investment. 

For more reports on Mr Mc.Carthy's initiatives and visit to CEIBS, click here for a Radio Beijing (CRI online) report (Chinese) or here for words from the Irish Examiner.