Mon Jan 05 05:29:23 UTC 2026: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten news article:

Summary:

On January 5, 2026, Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Xi emphasized strengthening strategic communication and practical cooperation with Ireland for mutual benefit. Martin acknowledged China’s global role, especially in peacekeeping, and stressed Ireland’s commitment to open trade. The visit occurs shortly after China imposed tariffs on EU dairy products, potentially impacting Ireland’s significant dairy exports. Martin’s trip, the first by an Irish Prime Minister to Beijing in 14 years, continues in Shanghai before concluding on January 8th.

News Article:

China and Ireland Seek Closer Ties Amid EU Trade Tensions

BEIJING – Chinese President Xi Jinping and Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin met in Beijing on Monday, January 5, 2026, signaling a potential strengthening of bilateral relations amid strained ties between China and the European Union.

President Xi expressed China’s readiness to enhance strategic communication and expand practical cooperation with Ireland for mutually beneficial results. While he did not specify which areas of cooperation China was interested in, he highlighted mutual respect and win-win outcomes as essential to the long-term stability of China-Ireland relations.

Prime Minister Martin, the first Irish Taoiseach to visit Beijing in 14 years, acknowledged China’s “indispensable role” in the world, particularly in peacekeeping. He also emphasized Ireland’s commitment to open trade, a key issue given recent trade tensions between China and the EU.

Martin’s visit comes in the wake of China’s announcement of tariffs on EU dairy products, with provisional duties reaching up to 42.7%. This move is widely seen as retaliation for the EU’s electric vehicle tariffs. As one of Europe’s largest dairy exporters, with over 90% of output from family farms going overseas trade, Ireland is potentially impacted by the decision. Ireland was among the EU nations that voted in favor of the electric vehicle tariffs.

Martin is scheduled to travel to Shanghai before concluding his state visit on Thursday, January 8th, 2026. The meetings will likely serve to clarify the extent to which China and Ireland’s relationship can flourish independent of EU trade policies.

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