Ruth Coppinger
Ceist:91. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Taoiseach to report on his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. [7831/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 17 February 2026
Ceisteanna (91)
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.
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.
Questions Nos. 92 to 108, inclusive, resubmitted.