‘Forceful’ questioning of Xi demanded

China’s vice-president Xi Jinping should be “forcefully” questioned by ministers on his country’s attitude to human rights, during a three-day visit to Ireland, said Amnesty International.

Ireland is the only European stop on an international visit by the likely successor as leader of the world’s rising economic superpower, and the Government is keen to use it to scoop lucrative Chinese investment.

Mr Xi, who is likely to succeed president Hu Jintao, will visit the farm of James and Maura Lynch in Co Clare during the tour, and after a private visit to the Cliffs of Moher, will travel to Dublin to meet Enda Kenny and visit Croke Park.