Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is currently on an official visit to the Chinese mainland, lasting from Sunday to Wednesday. This visit marks a significant step in reinforcing the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Spain, which has flourished over more than half a century.
During his time in China, Sanchez is set to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Chinese Premier Li Qiang, and top legislator Zhao Leji in separate meetings. These high-level discussions aim to exchange views on bilateral relations and address issues of mutual interest, with a focus on deepening cooperation in areas such as electric vehicles, green energy, and the digital economy.
The visit will also host key events including the China-Spain Forum, the China-Spain Business Advisory Council Meeting, and the China-Spain Business Forum. These platforms are expected to facilitate dialogue between business leaders and policymakers, further enhancing economic ties between the two nations.
Since establishing diplomatic relations over 50 years ago, China and Spain have enjoyed steady growth in their partnership. Bilateral trade has surged by approximately 28 percent from $37.9 billion in 2020 to $48.6 billion in 2023, making China Spain's largest trading partner outside the European Union, according to the Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM).
Sanchez’s previous visit in March 2023 celebrated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties. During that meeting, Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of strategic, long-term planning in bilateral relations and mutual support on core interests such as sovereignty and security.
The ongoing collaboration extends beyond politics and trade. Spain has been an active participant in the China International Import Expo and the China International Consumer Products Expo, introducing premium Spanish agricultural products to Chinese markets, further solidifying the economic bond between the two countries.
Looking ahead, both nations are committed to advancing bilateral relations, deepening mutual trust through high-level exchanges, and addressing global challenges through high-quality cooperation. This visit by Prime Minister Sanchez is poised to add new dimensions to the already robust China-Spain strategic partnership.
Reference(s):
What to expect from Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's China visit
cgtn.com
