China and Spain have committed to deepening their comprehensive strategic partnership, as Chinese Vice President Han Zheng met with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Madrid on Wednesday.
During the meeting, both leaders emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual benefit, maintaining free trade, and upholding international fairness and justice. Han highlighted the significant role of China-Spain relations in promoting global stability and prosperity.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Spain. Han expressed China’s readiness to seize this opportunity to implement the important agreements reached by their leaders. He emphasized the need to maintain high-level exchanges, enhance political mutual trust, and expand cooperation in multilateral mechanisms such as the United Nations and the World Trade Organization.
Amid a volatile international landscape, Han called for increased solidarity and cooperation between China and Europe, advocating for multilateralism and free trade as means to stabilize the global economy. He also expressed hope that Spain would play an active role in promoting sound and steady development of China-Europe relations, especially as the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union approaches.
Prime Minister Sanchez acknowledged China’s commitment to multilateralism, particularly at a time when unilateralism and protectionism pose challenges to global interests. “There are no winners in a tariff war,” he stated, affirming that Spain and the European Union are opposed to unilateralism and support free trade. Sanchez expressed willingness to collaborate with China to maintain the international trade order and safeguard multilateralism.
The Spanish government adheres to the one-China policy and welcomes increased investment from Chinese businesses, Sanchez added. He also conveyed Spain’s eagerness to contribute positively to Europe-China relations.
