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The Premier of the People's Republic of China Zhu Rongji inspects the Guard of Honour upon his arrival at Dublin Airport.
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The Chinese Premier, Mr Zhu Rongji, has begun a four-day state visit to Ireland. He was met this afternoon at Dublin Airport by the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Brian Cowan.
Mr Zhu is considered a leading reformer within the Chinese state structure and is the highest-ranking Chinese politician to have ever visited Ireland.
The Chinese statesman is the first dignitary to stay at the recently renovated Farmleigh House, the new State guesthouse in the Phoenix Park. Security around his visit is tight in expectation of protests at the visit.
The Government has been criticised for hosting the visit, particularly in the light of China's human-rights abuses. Government sources have indicated that Mr Ahern will raise these concerns with Mr Zhu during his visit.
It is believed the Government hopes the visit will strengthen trade links between the countries. The leaders will discuss trade links between the countries, with the Government keen for Irish companies to sell more to China. Trade is currently running more than five times in China's favour. Irish exports last year totalled 131 million punts (151 million dollars, 166 million euros) compared to imports of 706 million punts.
Zhu is accompanied on his trip by a high-level delegation of more than 100, including four government ministers, vice ministers and senior officials.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Brian Cowen, will hold talks with his Chinese counterpart, Tang Jiaxun, about a range of international issues, including the current crises in the Middle East and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as the escalating HIV/Aids problem in Africa.
During his stay, Zhu will meet President Mary McAleese, sign a cultural agreement, attend a special performance of Riverdance at the Royal Hospital at Kilmainham.
On Tuesday, he and his wife, Lao An, will travel to Kerry in the southwest of the country, where they will hold discussions on industrial development.
The Chinese party travels back to Dublin on Wednesday before flying to Brussels where he will attend a Sino-European Summit.