Elaine Loughlin: Tánaiste knew his comments would draw heat from China, but the time was right

Micheál Martin's comments this week warning that the Government and private sector need to be "realistic" and "clear-eyed" about China's strategic objectives did not go unnoticed by the superpower. They come at a particularly delicate time when China is beginning to re-engage with Europe

Europe is now trying to re-establish a post-covid relationship with China amid a growing distrust, especially around the social media platform TikTok.

Micheál Martin knew well before he started into a lengthy and pointed address on China, that his comments would create more than a few ripples.

A keynote speech given by the Tánaiste this week, which provided a substantial update on Ireland's position, included a warning that the Government and private sector need to be "realistic" and "clear-eyed" about China's strategic objectives and their implications for Ireland.