Chinese Ambassador criticises Taiwan visit by five Senators

The Chinese ambassador to Ireland has accused the Government of violating its own foreign policy after five Seanad members including Senator Diarmuid Wilson travelled to Taiwan this week.

The island off the coast of mainland China is a territory regarded by the Chinese Government as a breakaway province and not an independent state, despite calls for statehood from within.

One of the Senators who travelled, Independent Senator Sharon Keoghan, says the purpose of the visit is to "promote Ireland as a gateway to Europe for Taiwan".