Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I visited China from the 6th to 9th November.

In Beijing, I met with Vice President Han Zheng and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and held a courtesy call with Minister Liu Jianchao. Those meetings were an opportunity to communicate Ireland’s priorities for our relationship with China and to emphasise the values which underpin our engagement. We had frank and constructive exchanges both on areas where we agree and on those where our perspectives differ.

I stressed our interest in maintaining and strengthening our relationship, on the basis of the global multilateral trading system, with transparent, equitable and mutually agreed parameters and a level playing field. I made clear Ireland’s support for the common EU approach on ‘de-risking’ and our obligation to ensure that our economies and societies are resilient and avoid vulnerabilities and over dependence. I reiterated that de-risking is not de-coupling. I welcomed the forthcoming EU-China Summit.

I underlined the centrality of the UN Charter - and the institutions and bodies of the UN - to Ireland’s foreign policy. In my conversation with the Foreign Minister, I set out Ireland’s long held concerns on human rights in China, particularly around the National Security Law in Hong Kong, and the treatment of minorities in Xinjiang and elsewhere.

The visit was also an opportunity to discuss Ireland’s wider policy objectives on the global challenges faced by both of our countries, including on the situation in Ukraine and in the Middle East. I asked that China use its influence on Russia to end their illegal invasion of Ukraine and to withdraw their troops from Ukrainian territory. We also discussed the crisis in Israel and Palestine and agreed on the need for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and the critical importance of regional de-escalation.

My meetings with political interlocutors underlined the essential role and value of diplomacy in discussing both areas of cooperation, and issues on which we disagree.

In both Beijing and Shanghai, I had significant engagement with Irish and Chinese businesses engaged in trade and investment. Economic links between Ireland and China remain strong and I was pleased to hear first-hand from those who are driving the relationship. I was also delighted to formally open Ireland House in Shanghai. Our new offices, which house our Consulate General and State Agencies, reflect Ireland’s commitment to enhancing our footprint in this strategically important region of China.

I also met with students and faculty at the Beijing Foreign Studies University, which hosts an Irish Studies Centre, as well as the China Europe International Business School in Shanghai. I had the opportunity, at both institutions, to communicate Ireland’s values and priorities for our relationship with China.