The Taoiseach has hosted the first bi-lateral talks with the Chinese Premier in Dublin Castle.
Traffic in the city-centre ground to a halt earlier this evening when several hundred supporters of Premier Wan Jiabiao spilled out onto Dame St waving flags and banners.
A smaller group of Falun Gong followers staged a colourful protest opposite the supporters
It's understood talks between the two leaders centred on trade and investment, although a spokesperson with the Department of Foreign affairs confirmed human rights issues had also been on the agenda.
After the meeting Mr Ahern and Mr Jiabiao were expected to announce a lucrative new agreement to facilitate organised group tourism from China to Ireland.
The agreement accords Ireland "Approved Destination Status" and opens up China's massive tourist market which last year mushroomed to 16 million according to figures from the World Tourism Organisation.
The country is predicted to become the largest inbound tourism market and one of the top three outbound tourism markets in the world in less than 20 years time.
