BEIJing Chinese president Xi Jinping received an official visit by Ireland Prime Minister Micheal Martin on January 5, 2026. This became the first visit of an Irish leader to China in 14 years. The leaders also talked about how bilateral cooperation can be intensified and it is an indication of how China can be interested in expanding its relationship with the European Union in terms of increased involvement with Ireland.
At the Great Hall of the People, Xi remarked that:
China was eager to enhance political trust and widen expediency cooperation with Ireland to gain positive benefits to both the countries and bring more energy to the relations between China and EU.
Chinese President Xi Jinping
He emphasized collaboration in artificial intelligence, digital economy, healthcare and education and demanded the increased two-sided investment and people-to-people flows.
The meeting was characterized by Martin as being quite warm and constructive, where Ireland reiterated the need to remain open to trade, open to relationships and open to interdependence all over the world. He also highlighted how Ireland is in favor of free trade, which stipulates that both countries will enjoy secure markets globally.
Agenda: Cooperation and Global Issues
Xi added that both nations favored multilateralism, international fairness, and power of the United Nations and should align their approaches on issues of international concern as said by Chinese state media. He encouraged the two major institutions, China and the EU, to treat and see differences objectively and rationally as they work towards win-win cooperation.
Irish authorities remarked on the fact that Ireland is a follower of the one-China policy and repeated that it would be happy to increase collaboration in the areas of trade, science and technology, renewable energy, artificial intelligence and other areas. Martin further praised the position of china in maintaining international law and ensuring peace in the world.
Why Ireland Matters for China’s EU Outreach
Ireland has strategic position in the European Union. It will take the overturning presidency of the EU Council later in 2026, which will stand it in a position to affect the ambiance of the bloc on foreign relations. Chinese authorities also themselves cited the future presidency of Ireland and said they hope that Dublin would assume a positive role in ensuring healthy China EU relations.
Ireland and China are becoming closer economically. Bilateral trade has increased greatly since a strategic partnership was established between Ireland and China but Ireland continues to be a major exporter of dairy, pharmaceuticals and food-related products to the Chinese market, which is central to their European market.