Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is visiting China to strengthen bilateral ties and explore new opportunities in the Chinese mainland market.
During his visit, Sanchez is scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping and hold talks with Premier Li Qiang. The meetings aim to deepen strategic mutual trust, expand cooperation, and jointly address global challenges.
“This visit is an opportunity to enhance the comprehensive strategic partnership between Spain and China,” said a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
Boosting Bilateral Ties
The visit comes as Spain and China celebrate the 20th anniversary of their comprehensive strategic partnership and the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union.
Spain is looking to tap into the Chinese mainland’s open market, enhance cooperation in key sectors, and strengthen bilateral relations. Sanchez last visited China in recent years, signing agreements on economy, culture, education, science and technology, and green development.
As the fourth-largest economy in the European Union, Spain is the Chinese mainland’s fifth-largest trading partner within the EU, while China is Spain’s largest trading partner outside the EU. Bilateral trade has been rising steadily, reaching $48.6 billion in recent years.
In the automotive sector, Chinese carmaker Chery Automobile and Spanish group Ebro-EV Motors launched a joint venture in Barcelona to develop electric vehicles. This partnership combines technological expertise and brand strength, revitalizing local industry and creating jobs.
Strengthening China-EU Relations
Sanchez’s visit also highlights the importance of China-EU relations amid global economic challenges. The United States’ recent trade policies have prompted European countries to seek new partners and open new markets.
“Europe needs to adapt and review its relationship with China,” Sanchez said during his visit to Asia earlier this week.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry emphasized the positive dialogue between Chinese and European leaders, highlighting the importance of safeguarding free and open trade. “China and the EU should work together to maintain stable global industrial and supply chains and provide more stability and certainty to the world economy,” said the spokesperson.
