Irish PM Micheál Martin arrived in Beijing for a five-day visit focused on strengthening trade and diplomatic relations with China. The trip, his first to China since 2012, comes as Ireland prepares to assume the rotating presidency of the European Union later this year
Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin arrived in Beijing on Sunday, beginning a five-day visit focused on deepening trade and diplomatic ties between Ireland and China, according to Chinese state media.
Martin’s trip, reported by state broadcaster CCTV, is the first visit to China by an Irish taoiseach since 2012, and comes at a time when economic relationships are under renewed global scrutiny. During his stay in the Chinese capital, Martin is scheduled to meet President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, before travelling on to Shanghai, China’s financial and commercial hub.
Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin arrived in Beijing on Sunday to begin his official visit to China, marking the first visit by an Irish leader in 14 years. Han Jun, Chinese Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs was present at the airport to welcome him. pic.twitter.com/eXykAGvme5
— CGTN Frontline (@Frontlinestory) January 4, 2026
Focus on trade and global challenges
Trade is expected to be at the heart of the discussions, with Ireland keen to strengthen economic cooperation with one of its most important partners outside Europe.
China is currently Ireland’s largest trading partner in Asia and its fifth largest worldwide, according to Dublin.
Ahead of his arrival, Martin signalled that the talks would go beyond bilateral trade.
“In addition to discussing the broad relationship between Ireland and China, we will exchange views on pressing global challenges including peace and security and the trading environment,” Martin said in a statement.
He also underlined Ireland’s broader European role, particularly as the country prepares to take over the rotating presidency of the European Union in July.
“I will stress the importance of a strong EU-China relationship, as well as robust and effective multilateral institutions,” he said.
EU-China ties in the spotlight
With Ireland set to play a more prominent role in shaping EU policy later this year, the visit is also being closely watched in Brussels. One of Dublin’s priorities is expected to be helping steady EU-China relations at a time of global trade tensions and shifting geopolitical alliances.
Beijing, for its part, has welcomed the visit. China’s foreign ministry said on Saturday it was “ready to work with Ireland to enhance political mutual trust (and) expand mutually beneficial cooperation”.
Ireland exports a wide range of products and services to China, including medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, computer services and agricultural goods. Officials on both sides are expected to explore ways to expand these links further, particularly in high-value and technology-driven sectors.
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