China, Ireland Agree to Deepen Strategic Partnership, Expand Cooperation Across Key Sectors

Beijing, January 7: Chinese Premier Li Qiang held talks with Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin in Beijing on Tuesday, underscoring both nations’ commitment to elevating bilateral relations and achieving higher levels of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation.

Highlighting the strong economic complementarity between China and Ireland, Premier Li called for closer alignment of development strategies and deeper collaboration across multiple sectors. He emphasized expanding and upgrading bilateral trade, while encouraging Irish enterprises to leverage platforms such as the China International Import Expo and the China International Fair for Trade in Services to strengthen their presence in the Chinese market.

Both leaders identified future growth opportunities in green energy, digital economy, artificial intelligence, information technology, and life sciences, alongside greater facilitation of people-to-people exchanges.

Li reaffirmed China’s readiness to enhance cooperation with Ireland within multilateral frameworks, including the United Nations, to uphold multilateralism and free trade. With Ireland set to assume the rotating EU presidency in the second half of 2026, China expressed hope that Ireland would play a constructive role in advancing China–EU cooperation.

Taoiseach Martin, who is on an official visit to China, reiterated Ireland’s commitment to strengthening the mutually beneficial strategic partnership with China. He welcomed deeper engagement in trade, investment, science and technology, healthcare, agriculture, green economy, and artificial intelligence, while promoting stronger cultural and educational exchanges.

Martin also invited greater Chinese investment in Ireland and emphasized Ireland’s support for multilateralism, opposition to unilateralism and protectionism, and commitment to global peace, stability, and development.

Earlier in the day, Premier Li hosted an official welcome ceremony for Taoiseach Martin at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.