Eoin Hayes
Ceist:3. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Taoiseach to report on his visit to China. [4736/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 21 January 2026
Ceisteanna (3)
Freagraí scríofa
I travelled to China from 4 to 8 January for an official visit to Beijing and Shanghai.
In Beijing I met President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and Chairman of the National People’s Congress Zhao Leji.
We discussed Ireland’s bilateral relationship with China, including our important economic and trading relationship; EU-China relations, including Ireland’s upcoming Presidency of the EU in the second half of 2026; and shared global challenges, including conflict in Ukraine, the Middle East and elsewhere.
I stressed the importance of an effective international rules-based order, and the need to strengthen human rights and international law.
I also raised the question of access for Irish beef to the Chinese market and welcome the announcement since my visit that this has been restored. This is a very important and positive development in our bilateral agri-food trade with China.
In Shanghai I met with Mayor Gong Zheng. Our discussions included the links between Cork and Shanghai which recently celebrated 20 years of being twinned.
During my visit, I also met with Irish and Chinese business leaders in a variety of sectors including financial services, tourism, food and beverages and education.