XI JINPING, the man in line to be China's next leader, will make a landmark visit to Ireland this month to discuss tourism, trade and other issues, The Irish Timeshas learned.
Mr Xi (58) is expected to be here from February 18th to 20th, sources said, on a trip that will also take in a meeting in Washington with US president Barack Obama on February 14th, along with a visit to Turkey.
A full statement will be released today in Beijing.
The itinerary is still being developed and many aspects have yet to be confirmed but it is believed the visit will likely include a trip to the west of Ireland, including Shannon, to showcase the country as a tourism destination, as well as several business engagements in Dublin to promote trade links between Ireland and China.
“Cultural activities and Chinese community events are also anticipated,” the source said.
The son of a veteran revolutionary and guerrilla leader, Mr Xi is one of the “princelings” of the Chinese Communist Party’s political dynasties, and is generally described as being charismatic and engaging, but not likely to be a reformer.
He is set to succeed President Hu Jintao when his second term ends in October this year, and could rule China for the next decade.
The visit is recognition of Ireland’s significance in China’s view of Europe and takes place as Europe is eager for China’s help in supporting measures to prop up the euro zone.
The Chinese leadership is known to admire Ireland’s transition from an agrarian to a high-tech society, and has also acknowledged Ireland’s efforts to work its way out of debt. It also sees Ireland as a potential foothold into the wider European market.
During the Expo event in Shanghai in 2010, Mr Xi met then-president Mary McAleese and the two had a long conversation during which he showed knowledge of, and interest in, Ireland.
Mr Xi is set to begin the process of ascending to the pinnacle of power in China in October, when he will be named secretary of the Communist Party, followed by his appointment as state president and civilian head of the military.
The key position is head of the party, as the Marxist-Leninist organisation is the ruling body in China – even though it espouses a form of communism known as “socialism with Chinese characteristics” which embodies many capitalist traits.
