Irish Head of Government Leo Varadkar will today receive Chinese Premier Li Qiang to mark the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Mr Varadkar and Mr Li will discuss global, bilateral, EU-China relations as key issues. The Taoiseach insisted the talks would focus on “not only issues on which we are on the same page” but also on issues of “different points of view”.
Throughout his short tenure as prime minister, Li proved instrumental in sending the message that China is embracing private enterprise and entrepreneurship, and getting back to business. China’s trade with Ireland will reach €25 billion in 2022, and more than 40 Chinese companies currently have offices in Ireland. Despite growing trade ties, bilateral politics are complex. Garda Intelligence, Ireland’s secret police, has put staff in Dublin and surrounding counties on leave in preparation for Michael Martin’s visit to Beijing in November, amid concerns that relations between the two countries may deteriorate. I canceled all my rest days. Mr Martin previously said it would “reduce, but not decouple” the risks from Ireland’s relationship with China in early 2023.
In the short term, maintaining and establishing stable economic relations is likely to restore confidence in bilateral relations. In the medium to long term, China could use these talks to gain a stronger economic foothold within the EU and to deflect attention from the deteriorating humanitarian situation in regions such as Xinjiang. There is sex. While Ireland may agree to create this economic partnership, it is likely to seek to avoid risks to the relationship in order to secure economic independence from China. Politically, it may be difficult for Ireland to separate economic ties with China from full support of an authoritarian regime.