Taoiseach Micheál Martin is set to travel to China tomorrow, marking the first visit by an Irish head of government to the country in over a decade. The visit, confirmed by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will last until Thursday and aims to strengthen political trust and expand economic cooperation between the two nations.
During his five-day trip, Mr. Martin will meet with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress. He will also visit Shanghai as part of the programme. China’s foreign ministry described the visit as an opportunity to enhance “mutual political trust and expand mutually beneficial co-operation with Ireland.”
The Taoiseach previously met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Dublin in February 2025, where discussions focused on EU-China relations, trade issues, human rights, and ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. The upcoming visit comes against a backdrop of trade tensions between China and the European Union. In December, China imposed provisional tariffs of up to 42.7 percent on EU dairy products, including milk and cheese, and launched investigations into European brandy and pork imports in response to EU tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.
The timing of the visit also coincides with rising tensions in East Asia. Beginning tomorrow, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung will also visit China for four days to meet President Xi Jinping. Relations between China and Japan have grown increasingly tense, with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stating in November that Japan’s military could act if China took measures against Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its sovereign territory. Last week, China carried out large-scale military exercises around Taiwan, warning against separatist movements and “external interference.”
Ahead of his trip, President Lee of South Korea emphasised in an interview with China’s state broadcaster CCTV that Seoul continues to respect the One China policy regarding Taiwan.
Analysts say Mr. Martin’s visit is part of a broader pattern of Beijing strengthening bilateral ties with individual EU countries. Ireland, with its strong trade links and growing technology sector, is seen as a strategic partner for China as it navigates complex relations with the European Union and other regional powers.
Officials expect the visit to cover trade discussions, investment opportunities, and ways to deepen diplomatic ties, particularly at a time when global economic uncertainty and regional security concerns are reshaping international relations.
The Taoiseach’s trip will conclude on Thursday, with Irish officials expected to issue a statement summarising agreements reached and areas for future cooperation.
