Although we punch well above our weight internationally thanks to our ‘soft power’, there are always going to be limitations to the global impact a small island with two jurisdictions on the edge of Europe can make.
That is why positive relations with our nearest neighbours in Europe and Britain are so important, whether that be economically, culturally or, increasingly, technologically. Similarly, it is vital that we continue to develop links with the world’s two superpowers, the United States and China.
This is far from straightforward, not least because both often engage in activities that are at odds with the values and beliefs that prevail in Ireland.
We have a unique and deep connection with the US, forged through famine, emigration and America’s hugely significant role in the peace process.
Those bonds were severely strained during the presidency of Joe Biden - the most overtly Irish-American occupant of the White House since John F. Kennedy - through his disgraceful facilitation of Israel’s war on Gaza. The challenges of a second Donald Trump presidency don’t need rehearsed here again.
Though the Chinese community in Northern Ireland has made a welcome contribution, it is fair to say that the People’s Republic of China is a lesser known quantity to most of us. Its communist system of government sits uneasily with our commitment to democracy and its well documented human rights abuses, such as the treatment of the Uyghurs, are an affront. The dismantling of press freedom in Hong Kong is of profound concern.
Nonetheless, China’s influence on our lives is only growing, notably through technology and consumer goods. For example, an increasing number of new cars on our roads, especially those powered by batteries, are produced in China. As well as its indigenous brands, such as BYD, vehicles from the Tesla Model 3 to BMW iX3 are made in Chinese factories. And as we report, Ballymena’s Wrightbus has re-engineered a Chinese-made bus for the European market as part of its drive to strengthen its zero emissions offering.
Meanwhile, the Chinese AI app DeepSeek has had a global impact and raised questions over whether the US is indeed the world leader in a technology that is central to the so-called third industrial revolution.
In the spirit of learning more about China and how the superpower views its contribution in Northern Ireland, The Irish News has spoken to the Consul General, Li Nan, as celebrations for the Chinese New Year continue.
In a wide ranging interview, he answered our questions about claims that illegal police stations operate from consuls and pointed to the economic opportunities for Northern Ireland in doing business with China.
We wish our Chinese friends a happy new year.
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