Irish Leader Micheál Martin Visits China

Ireland’s Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Micheál Martin is on a five-day visit to China, the first Irish leader to visit in 14 years. Martin met with President Xi Jinping on Jan. 5 and Premier Li Qiang on Jan. 6. He told a joint press conference that the Chinese market is very important, particularly for the Irish food and drinks industry, and that life sciences and technology will be strong components of Ireland’s trading relationship with China. Reuters reports, “China wants to deepen cooperation with Ireland and broaden trade in sectors including aircraft leasing and healthcare, according to a Chinese state media readout on Tuesday.”