On May 21, University College Dublin (UCD) hosted a special gathering to welcome members of the 1976 UCD Soccer Team following their recent trip to China. Ambassador Zhao Xiyuan attended the event alongside UCD Vice-President Dolores O’Riordan.

During the meeting, team members enthusiastically shared their experiences, warmly praising the extraordinary transformation China has undergone over the past half-century. They noted that the landscape has been completely revitalized by modern architecture, while advanced electric vehicles and high-speed rail networks have replaced the bicycles of decades past. Among this rapid modernization, the warmth, sincerity, and open-minded hospitality of the Chinese people remain entirely unchanged. Returning to China after 50 years to reunite with former counterparts was a deeply moving testament to an enduring, lifelong friendship.

In his remarks, Ambassador Zhao noted that a span of 50 years encompasses life’s most meaningful chapters, accumulating a wealth of shared experience and wisdom. He emphasized that the UCD football team’s return to China beautifully demonstrates the power of sports and cultural diplomacy to transcend geographical boundaries and the passage of time. Ambassador Zhao concluded by highlighting that such deep, grassroots connections serve as the true bedrock of the strong and enduring friendly relations between China and Ireland.