Taoiseach Micheál Martin has declined to criticise the United States for its abduction of Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro but said he would have preferred a peaceful transition to democracy in the country. Taoiseach Micheál Martin speaks to China's president Xi Jinping during a bilateral meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. So in other words, Ireland has always been international since our independence,” Mr Martin told reporters later. The museum complex is closed on Mondays so Mr Martin and his delegation had it to themselves as they were led through it on a private tour. It has been a most stimulating and fascinating visit which will inspire further study,” Mr Martin wrote in the visitors’ book afterwards.

Source: The Irish Times January 05, 2026 12:09 UTC