China seeks to enhance ties with Ireland to boost relations with EU (www.reuters.com)

China's President Xi Jinping has expressed a desire to enhance economic cooperation with Ireland, highlighting the potential for improved relations with the European Union (EU). During a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin, Xi emphasized the importance of mutual respect and achieving win-win outcomes, positioning Ireland's role as pivotal in fostering healthier China-EU ties, especially as it prepares to hold the rotating presidency of the EU Council. This dialogue comes in the wake of recent Chinese tariffs on EU dairy products, signaling a complex backdrop of EU-China relations. Significantly, China is particularly interested in expanding collaboration with Ireland in the realms of artificial intelligence (AI), the digital economy, and pharmaceuticals. This engagement indicates China's strategic approach to strengthen bilateral relations while navigating broader challenges with Brussels. With Ireland serving as a key exporter of dairy and having voted for tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, the discussions are poised to play an essential role in determining not only trade dynamics but also in paving the way for future AI and digital economy partnerships that could benefit both nations.