Yesterday, on January 5, 2026, President Xi Jinping of the Chinese mainland met with Ireland’s Taoiseach Micheal Martin in Beijing. The message was clear: the Chinese mainland wants to strengthen political trust, boost practical cooperation and bring fresh momentum to China–EU ties.
Industrial match made in heaven 🔧💊
It’s not just about big numbers—though in 2024, bilateral trade reached about $23.4 billion with Ireland enjoying a surplus. Even more important is what’s traded. Ireland shipped $4.9 billion in electrical machinery and equipment to the Chinese mainland last year, plus $2.3 billion in pharmaceuticals. These are exactly the high-value products China needs to power its digital infrastructure, smart factories and upgraded healthcare system.
Shared growth vision 🌱
In 2026, the first year of its 15th Five-Year Plan, the Chinese mainland is all about innovation-driven growth, digital expansion and stronger public health. Ireland’s strengths in integrated circuits, digital services and medicine fit right into this plan. President Xi highlighted plans to align strategies in AI, the digital economy and healthcare, and to keep two-way investment flowing.
A history of mutual respect 🤝
Beyond economics, history and shared values matter. Both the Chinese mainland and Ireland won independence after long struggles and built modernization step by step. That story fuels a cooperation framed by mutual respect, equality and win-win outcomes. Since establishing diplomatic ties in 1979 and upgrading to a strategic partnership in 2012, the two have kept their eyes on long-term goals.
Ireland’s EU edge 🌍
Ireland’s influence inside the EU makes it even more vital. Later this year, from July to December 2026, Ireland will hold the rotating presidency of the European Union—giving it a front-row seat to shape agendas and steer dialogue at a time when China–EU relations need both opportunities and stability. Taoiseach Martin reaffirmed Ireland’s one-China policy and its commitment to deepening the partnership with the Chinese mainland.
Partnership built on fit 🚀
Different in size and systems, the Chinese mainland and Ireland cooperate because their strengths align. Ireland brings high-tech manufacturing, innovation capacity and EU influence. The Chinese mainland brings scale, real-world applications and steady growth momentum. Together, they’re crafting a pragmatic partnership that delivers real benefits and keeps China–EU ties on solid ground.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
