Why Ireland is falling out of love with China and its supreme ruler

When Xi Jinping came here a decade ago, the man destined to lead his nation received an enthusiastic welcome. But the suppression of the Uighurs and the Ukraine war have made our relationship more complicated

Xi Jinping shakes hands with Enda Kenny at Dublin Castle during the then Chinese vice-president's visit in 2012.

Kim Bielenberg

Xi Jinping had a close encounter with a calf on a Co Clare dairy farm — and tried his hand at hurling in Croke Park. When he visited Ireland 10 years ago, the then vice-president was already destined to become supreme leader of China and his visit sparked optimism about a blossoming friendship between his country and Ireland.

The taoiseach at that time, Enda Kenny, who has been friendly with the Chinese government ever since, said in a welcoming dinner for Xi in Dublin Castle: “I look forward to opening a new chapter in the close and warm relationship between Ireland and China.”