Micheál Martin's China visit leaves Tánaiste with plenty of food for thought

China should hail Mr Martin’s visit a success following his reflections on the trip

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (right) on Tuesday with Micheál Martin. The Tánaiste said there was a lot of back and forth with the minister on human rights issues.

Before leaving for his visit to China, Tánaiste Micheál Martin had ruffled a few feathers on home soil with the Chinese embassy. But after a four-day visit to the country, it seems he has some reflecting to do.

In a speech earlier this year, Mr Martin said the private sector and the government needed to be “clear-eyed” and “realistic” about China's strategic objectives and their implications for Ireland.