China in your hand pass

Taoiseach and Xi talk politics, trade... and GAA Pair discuss Cork book & Martin visits Forbidden City

- BY CIARA O'LOUGHLIN Political Correspondent in Beijing

TAOISEACH Micheal Martin yesterday became the first Irish leader in 14 years to visit China as he talked trade, geopolitical tensions and even GAA with the Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

In his opening remarks with the Chinese President, Mr Martin called for more open trade between the two countries.

He said: "We recognise and acknowledge China's indispensable role in the world today.

"And the contributions you made to the United Nations in so many aspects of the work of the United Nations - particularly in peacekeeping, something which is a very strong tradition in Ireland also.

"We believe in open trade, in open relationships, and in particular in terms of our trading relationship - we believe it's fundamental that we try and work towards open trade, recognising the interdependence of the world.

"We all, to one degree or another, depend on each other.