Shotlist Beijing, China - Jan 6, 2026 1. Various of event promoting joint educational programs in progress 2. Attendees 3. SOUNDBITE (English) Micheal Martin, Taoiseach of Ireland: "We have to ensure that the learning experience of our international students involved in the joint programs is inclusive, is of the highest quality possible, and that's what we must always strive to attain." 4. Various of event in progress, attendees 5. SOUNDBITE (English) Paul Fanning, provost, Beijing-Dublin International College: "Having that ability to be able to live, work and learn in the multicultural environment in what is now a very, very interconnected world is very, very important. And I think that particularly gives [benefits to the] Chinese students in the joint colleges where they are getting the two cultures, the Chinese culture and the Irish culture." Dublin, Ireland - Recent 6. Various of flag of European Union, Irish national flag, Chinese national flag Storyline Educational exchanges between China and Ireland have been hailed at a event hosted on Tuesday by the Irish Embassy in Beijing which sought to promote ongoing and new joint educational initiatives between the two countries. Co-hosted by Enterprise Ireland and Education in Ireland, the gathering showcased a range of cooperation achievements and unveiled the latest progress in higher education collaboration between Ireland and China. It comes as Irish Taoiseach Micheal Martin is paying an official visit to China from Jan 4 to 8. Addressing the event, Martin said his country hopes to further deepen cooperation and foster friendship with Chinese partners. "We have to ensure that the learning experience of our international students involved in the joint programs is inclusive, is of the highest quality possible, and that's what we must always strive to attain," he said. The event also invited prominent university figures from Ireland, including Paul Fanning, provost of the Beijing-Dublin International College, a joint institution between University College Dublin (UCD) and the Beijing University of Technology (BJUT) which was founded in 2012. "Having that ability to be able to live, work and learn in the multicultural environment in what is now a very, very interconnected world is very, very important. And I think that particularly gives [benefits to the] Chinese students in the joint colleges where they are getting the two cultures, the Chinese culture and the Irish culture," said Fanning. In recent years, joint educational programs between the two sides have maintained steady growth. Data showed that the total number of joint education institutions and programs reached 110 by July 2025, with over 12,000 students currently enrolled. With the continued launch of new projects in this field, student enrollment is expected to exceed 15,000 by September 2026. Industry insiders and education leaders believe that these developments will lay a stronger foundation for long-term cooperation in higher education, creating a more stable and sustainable platform for future collaboration between China and Ireland. The continued expansion of joint programs underscores the mutual commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding and academic excellence, insiders say. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]