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2w ago

Irish PM Presses China on Beef and Dairy as Beijing Emphasizes Other Trade Links

Beijing signaled broader cooperation, leaving beef access and dairy tariffs unaddressed.

Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin talks to Chinese President Xi Jinping during the bilateral meeting at the Great Hall of the People, in Beijing, China, January 5, 2026. Andy Wong/Pool via REUTERS
Chinese President Xi Jinping talks to Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin during the bilateral meeting at the Great Hall of the People, in Beijing, China, January 5, 2026. Andy Wong/Pool via REUTERS
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Overview

  • Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin met President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang in Beijing on the first visit by a taoiseach to China since 2012.
  • Martin said he pushed for the reopening of China’s market to Irish beef and raised concerns over new dairy tariffs, noting Xi agreed to engage officials on the issues.
  • China’s readout after the Li meeting highlighted cooperation in aircraft leasing, healthcare, green energy and artificial intelligence but made no public mention of beef or dairy.
  • The talks unfolded against ongoing China–EU trade friction following EU levies on Chinese EVs and China’s retaliatory measures including tariffs on EU dairy and new quotas and extra duties on beef, with Irish beef shipments to China suspended since 2024 after a BSE case.
  • Alongside trade advocacy, Martin promoted education and travel links, including work with Hainan Airlines on direct flights, and in Shanghai he left room for Irish backing of the EU–Mercosur deal after recent EU concessions.