China seeks to enhance ties with Ireland to boost relations with EU

China is keen on expanding economic and trade cooperation with Ireland while aiming for mutually beneficial results, Chinese President Xi Jinping told the Irish prime minister on Monday, positioning stronger bilateral ties.

Xi emphasised mutual respect and achieving win-win outcomes as “valuable experiences” for long-term and stable development of China-Ireland ties in his opening remarks at a meeting with Prime Minister Micheal Martin at the Great Hall of the People, a media pool report showed.

China and the EU should focus on the long term, take an objective and rational approach to their differences, and look towards win-win cooperation, Xi told Martin, according to state news agency Xinhua.

“It is hoped that Ireland will play a constructive role in the healthy and stable development of China-EU relations,” Xi said, referencing Ireland assuming the rotating presidency of the EU Council in the latter half of this year.

China is interested in cooperating with Ireland in fields such as artificial intelligence, digital economy, pharmaceuticals as well as tourism, Xinhua reported citing Xi, who also urged more coordination and cooperation in international affairs to advocate for multilateralism and international justice.

Martin, the first Irish Taoiseach to visit Beijing in 14 years, said that Ireland acknowledged China’s “indispensable role” in the world, highlighting its role in peacekeeping efforts.

He also stressed Ireland’s stance on open trade, a topic that could feature in his discussions with Chinese leaders.

“We believe it’s fundamental that we try and work towards open trade, recognising the interdependence of the world,” the Taoiseach said of trade ties with China.

Martin is set to travel to Shanghai before his state visit ends on Thursday.