Overview
- Chinese state media reported Martin’s arrival in Beijing to start talks before a planned stop in Shanghai.
- He is scheduled to meet President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang and National People’s Congress Standing Committee chair Zhao Leji.
- China’s foreign ministry said it is ready to enhance political mutual trust with Ireland and expand mutually beneficial cooperation.
- The visit unfolds after China imposed provisional tariffs of up to 42.7% on some EU dairy and opened probes into European brandy and pork in December.
- China is Ireland’s largest trading partner in Asia and fifth globally, with key Irish exports including medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, computer services and agricultural products.