China and Spain Deepen Ties in Landmark Royal Visit to Beijing
- Olga Nesterova
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read
Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Spain’s King Felipe VI in Beijing on Wednesday, pledging to build a “more strategically resilient and dynamic comprehensive partnership” between the two nations. The meeting marks King Felipe VI’s first state visit to China since his enthronement and the first visit by a Spanish monarch in 18 years — coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the China–Spain Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Welcoming the Spanish monarch, Xi praised the “profound historical and cultural heritages” of both countries and highlighted more than five decades of diplomatic relations. He emphasized that China and Spain have approached bilateral ties from a “strategic and long-term perspective,” setting what he called “a model of friendly coexistence and common development” between nations with different social systems and histories.
Xi noted that both countries play “vital roles in promoting global openness, cooperation, and fairness,” underscoring shared positions on multilateralism and equitable globalization.
Expanding Cooperation in New Sectors
Xi said Beijing “cherishes its traditional friendship with Spain” and values Madrid’s “unique role in international and regional affairs.” He called for continued high-level exchanges, stronger strategic coordination, and sustained mutual support. China, he added, is ready to import more high-quality Spanish products — including agricultural and industrial goods — and to deepen collaboration in emerging industries such as new energy, digital economy, and artificial intelligence.
Xi also proposed expanding two-way investment and launching “landmark joint projects,” while jointly exploring third-party markets, particularly in Latin America, where both nations have strong economic and linguistic ties.
Cultural and People-to-People Ties
On the cultural front, both sides agreed to strengthen exchanges in education, arts, and language, supporting institutions such as the Instituto Cervantes and Confucius Institute. Xi further announced that China will maintain its visa-free policy for Spain, a gesture aimed at boosting tourism, academic exchange, and business travel.
A Symbolic Visit With Global Implications
The meeting underscores Beijing’s broader diplomatic strategy of deepening ties with European nations amid shifting global alignments. For Spain, the visit represents both a reaffirmation of long-standing friendship and a bid to expand its presence in Asian markets. As the world recalibrates around new economic and geopolitical realities, the renewed China–Spain partnership signals a growing appetite for cooperation — built not on ideology, but on shared opportunity.
