BEIJING, Jan 4, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Irish prime minister Micheal Martin arrived in Beijing on Sunday, Chinese state media said, kicking off a five-day visit aimed at boosting trade between the two countries. His arrival, reported by state broadcaster CCTV, marks the first visit to China by an Irish taoiseach since 2012. "I will stress the importance of a strong EU-China relationship, as well as robust and effective multilateral institutions," he said. China is Ireland's largest trading partner in Asia and its fifth largest globally, according to Dublin. Key Irish exports to China include medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, computer services and agricultural products.
