Human rights and beef mark China's Dublin moment

From the moment he touched down, Li Qiang's visit to Ireland was already historic

This week, one of the world’s superpowers touched down in Dublin.

The red (or green) carpet was rolled out, but for all its pomp and ceremony – how did the visit of China's second most powerful politician go?

From the minute Li Qiang touched down, the visit was already historic.

He flew in on a Boeing 747-8, arriving at about 19:00 local time on Tuesday and marking a first for Dublin Airport - it was the largest passenger aircraft to ever land at the airport.

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He was welcomed by Environment Minister Eamon Ryan. The two would have much to talk about - the minister cycled across China alone in 1987 and visited the country as a minister over St Patrick’s week last year.

During that visit, Mr Ryan said that although Ireland had concerns around human rights and trade in the region, neither would matter too much if the climate emergency was not tackled.

But it was human rights concerns that caused the most consternation for the Irish government during Mr Li's visit.

Human rights groups as well as both government and opposition representatives called on the heads of state to tackle the Chinese premier on the treatment of Muslim minorities in his nation.

Chinese premier Li Qiang meeting President Michael D Higgins

President Michael D Higgins released a statement ahead of his meeting with Mr Li, confirming human rights matters would