Chinese President Xi Jinping held a welcome ceremony for King Felipe VI of Spain in Beijing today, marking the start of a landmark state visit designed to deepen Sino-Spanish cooperation across economics, technology and culture.
The arrival of King Felipe VI comes at a time when bilateral trade between the Chinese mainland and Spain reached $75 billion in 2024, up 12% from the previous year. Leaders from both sides aim to build on this momentum by exploring new opportunities in green technology, digital innovation and sustainable tourism.
Economic Partnerships Take Centre Stage
During the ceremony, both sides highlighted key sectors driving growth:
- Green Tech: Spain’s renewable energy companies and Chinese mainland firms are in talks for joint hydrogen and solar projects, targeting a combined capacity of 2 GW by 2026.
- Digital Innovation: A new incubator in Shenzhen will support Spanish startups in AI and biotech, offering mentorship and access to the Chinese mainland market.
- Logistics and Trade: Spanish ports like Valencia and Barcelona continue to play strategic roles in overland trade routes under the Belt and Road framework.
Cultural and Travel Exchanges Flourish
Tourism data shows over 2 million Chinese mainland residents visited Spain in the first half of 2025, drawn by Spain’s heritage sites and culinary scene. Spain is reciprocating by hosting a Spanish Film Week and a soccer exhibition in Beijing later this month.
"This visit underscores our shared vision of a connected world," Xi said, emphasizing people-to-people ties and educational exchanges.
Looking Ahead
The state visit continues through Friday, with high-level meetings on climate policy, infrastructure and sports diplomacy. Young professionals and travelers alike will be watching for announcements on eased visa policies and cultural programs that make exploring each other’s countries more accessible.
As Xi and King Felipe VI pursue a forward-looking agenda, their talks are poised to shape the future of Sino-Spanish relations in 2025 and beyond.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
