Micheál Martin defends his comments on China

The Government and the private sector need to be 'realistic' about China's objectives, the Tánaiste told a Royal Irish Academy conference

Tánaiste Micheál Martin told the Royal Irish Academy’s Annual International Affairs Conference that 'we do not intend to be silent when we see evidence of core principles being undermined'. Picture: Niall Carson/PA

Tánaiste Micheál Martin has defended comments he made about China in which he said the Government and the private sector need to be “realistic” about the country’s objectives for Ireland.

Mr Martin said Ireland and China's interests and values “differ” and this will “inevitably shape” how both countries engage.