Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin commenced a significant five-day diplomatic mission to China on Sunday, marking the first official visit by an Irish leader to Beijing in over fourteen years. The Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed that Martin will engage in high-level discussions with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and National People’s Congress Chairman Zhao Leji during his itinerary spanning both Beijing and Shanghai.
This diplomatic engagement occurs against the backdrop of ongoing trade tensions between China and the European Union. In recent months, Beijing has implemented provisional tariffs reaching 42.7% on EU dairy products while initiating investigations into European brandy and pork imports. These measures represent counteractions to the EU’s tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.
Concurrently, China is hosting South Korean President Lee Jae Myung for a separate four-day state visit beginning Sunday, marking the second bilateral meeting between Lee and Xi within two months. This diplomatic activity unfolds amid heightened regional tensions following Japan’s recent statements regarding potential military involvement in Taiwan-related scenarios.
Last week, China conducted extensive military exercises around Taiwan, demonstrating its firm stance against what it perceives as separatist activities and external interference. President Lee reaffirmed South Korea’s adherence to the ‘One China’ policy regarding Taiwan in pre-visit remarks to Chinese state media.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry emphasized that Martin’s visit presents opportunities to strengthen bilateral cooperation and enhance broader China-EU relations, signaling Beijing’s continued strategy of cultivating relationships with individual EU member states despite broader bloc tensions.