CHINA: Representatives of third-level colleges and universities agreed to promote further co-operation with their counterparts in China yesterday during a meeting in Dublin with the Chinese Vice-Premier, Mr Huang Ju, and the Minister for Education, writes Deaglán de Bréadún Foreign Affairs Correspondent
Ms Hanafin stressed the educational links between the two countries. "There is a huge range of activities that goes on, between research, staff exchange, joint degrees and, of course, students."
There had been agreement at the meeting to "try to move forward" on issues of mutual interest. Ms Hanafin said there was no discussion of human rights: "No, it was strictly the co-operation between the colleges and the students, strictly on an education basis."
The chairman of the Confederation of Heads of Irish Universities, Prof Gerry Wrixon of UCC, said it was "a good, positive meeting". The universities "strongly welcomed" the recent educational co-operation agreement by the two governments.
"All of us have partner universities in China and we are strongly committed to actively working with them," he added. Issues of academic freedom in China were not raised.
Meanwhile, a highly-organised group of young Chinese men and women were bused between two Dublin hotels yesterday yesterday to welcome Mr Ju to Ireland.
In the morning, the group displayed a banner of welcome at the Four Seasons Hotel in Ballsbridge, where Mr Ju was meeting Ms Hanafin and heads of third-level colleges.
They also displayed a banner in the name of the Chinese Students and Scholars Association of Ireland. It is understood that at least some members were brought in by bus from Dublin Airport. At about 30, their number was much larger than the handful of Falun Gong supporters protesting the treatment of associates in China.
Mr Ju's motorcade left the Four Seasons for nearby Jury's Hotel, also in Ballsbridge, for a meeting with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Ahern.
Just before lunch ended, Mr Ju's supporters arrived and again displayed their banner. They were allowed to stand at the hotel gate, whereas gardaí prevented Falun Gong protesters from approaching more than 50 metres.
A spokesman for Mr Ju's supporters, Mr Alan Yu (25), said he was a student in Ireland but did not wish to give the name of the college. "We want all the people to know the Chinese people like China and like the Chinese Government," he said.
A Falun Gong spokesman, Mr Gerald O'Connor said Chinese officials were photographing himself and fellow-protesters. He claimed these photos would be used to identify people and harass their families back home.