Irish Examiner View: Martin right to warn us to scrutinise China

Micheál Martin said that neither the State nor our private sector nor academia can be “naive or silent” if China’s behaviours go against international conventions.

Tánaiste and Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin said: 'We do not intend to be silent when we see evidence of core principles being undermined.' Picture: Brian Lawless

As a former history teacher, Tánaiste Micheál Martin will no doubt be familiar with the oft-quoted response of Napoleon Bonaparte when he was asked what should be done about China.

“Best let her sleep,” he said, “for when she wakes, she will shake the world.”