Alexander Davey

Full report: merics.org/sites/defaul...

Ireland between giants: Dublin’s strategy for surviving US-China tensions You are reading the Ireland chapter of the 2025 report of the European Think Tank Network on China (ETNC) "Quest for strategic autonomy? Europe grapples with the US-China rivalry". Go back to the main...

Ireland chapter: merics.org/en/ireland-b...

Aggressive US moves could unintentionally push Ireland closer to Beijing, dramatically shifting Ireland's strategic landscape. A critical geopolitical moment.
Link in comments—keen to discuss. 3/3 @merics.bsky.social @ETNC @rielcano.bsky.social
#IrelandChina #Geopolitics #FDI

Dublin faces unprecedented US pressures due to Trump's reshoring agenda. As US companies reconsider their Irish presence, China emerges as an intriguing alternative partner. 2/3

Just published: my chapter in the latest ETNC report, "Ireland between giants." Third year running I've analyzed Ireland-China dynamics—especially urgent as US-China tensions escalate. 1/3

How China uses soft power to exert influence in Ireland Organs of the Chinese party-state have been active in Ireland, meeting politicians and engaging with various levels of government and civil society

Seems like good advice from @adavey.bsky.social in the @irishtimes.com

"Ultimately, we should...see who entities active in Ireland are connected to in China and engage with a clear understanding of what objectives they serve – so that cooperation is informed, transparent and in the public interest"

How China uses soft power to exert influence in Ireland Organs of the Chinese party-state have been active in Ireland, meeting politicians and engaging with various levels of government and civil society

I wrote a piece in the Irish Times about Chinese party-state bodies that carry out influencing activities on Irish politicians in Ireland and China.

www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025...

Berlin seeks to deport EU citizens over pro-Palestinian protests Irish, Polish and US activists appeal rulings based on events at university sit-in against Israeli offensive in Gaza

www.ft.com/content/324e...

Berlin’s move to issue deportation orders against Palestine solidarity supporters, three EU citizens and one US citizen, likely violates EU law. Its unconditional support for the Israeli government and oppression of freedom of speech is an illiberal turn we must stand against.

It was really enjoyable to sit down with Neil and talk about the latest issues on China, EU-China relations, Trump 2.0 and what this all means for Ireland. Have a listen and open to any feedback about the episode!

Read the CCP's policy priorities: A glimpse into the black box of China’s policymaking process Key findings Since the Third Plenum of the 20th Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), the policymaking processes for urban renewal and the private economy promotion law have both bee...

These policies reflect the CCP’s ongoing challenge: balancing short-term economic needs, long-term strategy, and public expectations. As the NPC unfolds, these themes will be key to watch.
Full report here: bit.ly/4ilf1rC
#China #NPC #CCP #Policy #Economy #UrbanRenewal #PrivateSector

🔹 Private Economy Promotion Law: Designed to steer private capital into strategic industries, reducing reliance on public funds while advancing long-term economic goals.

🔹 Urban Renewal: A tool for economic expansion and social stability, aimed at stabilizing the property market and improving livelihoods—while reinforcing government legitimacy.

Tracking key developments from the Third Plenum (July 2024) to the NPC (March 2025), I examine how the Party-state shapes policy in response to economic and political pressures. Two major priorities stand out:

📢 My latest report, just published by @merics.bsky.social, takes a deep dive into China’s policymaking process:
➡️ "Read the CCP’s Policy Priorities: A Glimpse into the Black Box of China’s Policymaking Process."

Today, all 2,893 deputies of China’s legislature gather for the National People’s Congress (NPC), the country’s biggest political event of the year. What’s on Beijing’s agenda, and how do its broad ambitions turn into concrete policy?

Wang Yi heads to Dublin as Ireland’s role in US-China rivalry comes into focus Chinese foreign minister likely to press case for maintaining ties despite Ireland’s vulnerability to US policy shifts under Donald Trump.

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi is coming to Ireland on Sunday, the question is, why?

happy to be quoted in this SCMP piece by @fbermingham.bsky.social

www.scmp.com/news/china/d...

I conclude that the economic slowdown and youth unemployment combined with efforts to foster patriotism, may shift attitudes in society and especially among young people where more may come to view military service as a viable career path. 10/10

At yesterday's Central Economic Work Conference, the CCP seemed to acknowledge nearly three-year slump of its economy, calling for a “more proactive fiscal policy” and a “moderately loose monetary policy” to address these economic headwinds. 9/10

In the end, considerations shaped by material circumstances seem to matter most to those considering a military career in China. 8/10

Or, being sent to New Zealand (新西兰= 新疆，西藏，兰州）to “pull weeds” (拔草), a euphemism for being assigned to far away desolate places in China to do menial tasks was another major discouraging reason. 7/10

While on the other hand, various reasons were given against joining the military via an academy. The option of alternative career paths of a police officer or teacher offer similar benefits but less hardships.6/10

The financial benefits associated with joining a military academy to become an officer was THE standout reason for considering a military career. Free education, room & board, medical benefits and a guaranteed job once your service ends makes the life of a Commissioned Officer an attractive one.5/10

Together with colleagues from @chinaspektrum.bsky.social at the University of Trier, we looked at how people online view joining the military. Specifically, we looked at comments posted under videos about entering a military academy in China on Bilibili, a Chinese video platform. 4/10

Yet, despite the overall findings suggesting more people discourage a military career, the economic slowdown, combined with efforts to foster patriotism, may be shifting public attitudes and encouraging more individuals to view military service as a viable career path. 3/10

The findings reveal that practical factors seem to outweigh ideological or geopolitical motivations to pursue a career in the military, particularly for those entering a military academy. 2/10

In the army now? Exploring the online debate over a military career in China Summary:Attracting the country’s brightest young talent is key to Xi’s vision of a combat-ready military by 2027. However, pursuing a military career is a divisive issue in China as online comments re...

My first post on Bluesky! Today @merics.bsky.social published my analysis on motivations for and against joining the military in China. 1/10

merics.org/en/comment/a...