Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

162. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the current state of relations between Ireland and China; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33854/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Ireland has a positive and wide ranging relationship with China, which covers political, economic, cultural, and people-to-people links.

2019 marked the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Ireland and China, with the past decade seeing a significant ramp up in engagement between both countries. A Strategic Partnership for Mutually Beneficial Co-operation was signed in 2012 and there are Memoranda of Understanding in relation to co-operation in a number of sectorial areas.

Total trade between Ireland and China has increased significantly in recent years, amounting to approximately €23 billion in 2019. So far in 2021 merchandise trade with China is up almost €743m, when compared with the same period in 2020, reaching a total of €5.55 billion. 

While we share strong links in a number of areas, there are nevertheless a number of areas of difference in our relationship. I believe it is important to also have constructive engagement in areas where we do not agree and in order to address areas of concern.

I visited China in late May to meet with Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. During this meeting we discussed an extensive agenda covering bilateral relations, EU-China relations as well as issues on the agenda of the UN Security Council. I also raised the issue of human rights, particularly in relation to Xinjiang, as well as the situation in Hong Kong. 

Ireland will continue to engage with Chinese authorities both bilaterally and in multilateral fora to enhance our cooperation and also to raise issues of concern to us.