The Irish Taoiseach's visit to China in 14 years could be a 'touchstone' for China-EU relations: expert

The Irish Taoiseach's visit to China in 14 years could be a 'touchstone' for China-EU relations: expert Taoiseach of Ireland Micheál Martin arrived at Beijing Capital International Airport for a five-day visit on January 4, 2026. Photo: CCTV NewsTaoiseach of Ireland Micheál Martin arrived in Beijing on Sunday for a five-day visit, according to the China Central Television, which is the first visit by an Irish leader in 14 years. A Chinese expert said that as an influential member within the European Union, the Irish Taoiseach's visit to China is not only a milestone in bilateral relations but also serves as a "touchstone" for China-EU ties.In recent years, the China-Ireland strategic partnership for mutually beneficial cooperation has enjoyed robust development, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Saturday, adding that through the visit, China stands ready to work with Ireland to enhance political mutual trust, expand mutually beneficial cooperation and provide new impetus for the two sides to pursue high-quality development and sound and steady advancement of China-EU relations in the new era.During the visit, the Taoiseach will discuss Ireland's bilateral relationship with China, including its important economic and trading relationship, EU-China relations and shared global challenges. At a time of global turbulence, he will emphasize the importance of effective multilateral institutions to promote peace and security, and to ensure a fair trading environment, according to a statement issued by the Department of the Taoiseach on Sunday.The Taoiseach will also engage with Irish and Chinese business leaders and investors, across a broad range of sectors, including financial services, further and higher education, and food and beverages. During the visit, he will meet with representatives of twelve Irish colleges and their Chinese higher education partners. In Shanghai, the Taoiseach will meet with Mayor Gong Zheng. He will also engage with a range of business leaders, focusing on trade, investment, tourism, and food and beverages, the statement added."I very much look forward to visiting China and deepening the political, cultural, and economic connections between our two countries,"the Taoiseach said ahead of his visit. "I will stress the importance of a strong EU-China relationship, as well as robust and effective multilateral institutions," he noted.Ireland holds a tradition of neutrality within the EU, often playing the role of a coordinator, Wang Hanyi, a researcher at the China-UK People-to-People Exchange Research Center at the Shanghai International Studies University, told the Global Times on Sunday.During this visit, the Irish Taoiseach is likely to convey EU concerns on issues such as the China-EU investment agreement, mutual recognition of green standards, and digital trade rules, while also communicating China's stance and signals of openness to the EU, thereby enhancing mutual understanding and recognition, Wang noted.Since the end of 2025, a number of European leaders and officials have visited China, including French President Emmanuel Macron and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul.Meanwhile, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said in November, 2025 that he plans to visit China in the first few weeks of 2026. The British government has also proposed in December, 2025 that Prime Minister Keir Starmer visit Beijing and Shanghai from January 29 to 31, according to two sources familiar with the plan, previous reports by Reuters said.This is by no means a coincidental diplomatic interaction, but a concentrated reflection of Europe's pragmatic adjustment and rebalancing of its China policy amid the profound evolution of the current international landscape, Wang said."On one hand, the urgent need for economic recovery is the core driving force. On the other hand, the pursuit of geopolitical strategic autonomy has become increasingly evident," Wang explained.China and Europe should be friends rather than rivals, and should cooperate rather than confront each other, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made the remarks during his visit to Austria, Slovenia and Poland in September, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on September 16, 2025.