President starts state visit to China

President Michael D. Higgins is starting a week-long state visit to China.

He will take in three cities, and meet Irish people living there.

The President began his state trip today with a visit to the Great Wall, and is due to host one of several IDA and Enterprise Ireland trade dinners in Beijing.

The visit is heavily aimed at promoting trade links with China, and as a recognition for the growing mutual relationship between the second largest economy in the world, and Ireland as an important link to the European single market.

A special concert at the Forbidden City is taking place this evening in Honour of president Higgins and Sabina Higgins, as well as the delegation that includes minister Michael Noonan and Charlie Flanagan.

Tomorrow, the president will meet with China's president Xi Jinping for an official bi-lateral meeting.