Consolidating consensus on multilateral cooperation and striving to become a reliable partner, Spain's Prime Minister's "Four Years and Four Visits to China" is hotly discussed
On April 11th, Spanish Prime Minister Sanchez and his wife arrived in Beijing for a 5-day official visit to China. This visit is Sanchez's fourth visit to China in four years, and another important high-level interaction after the visits of Spanish King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia at the end of 2025, highlighting the profound foundation and close exchanges between China and the West in bilateral relations.
According to reports from Spanish national radio and television station, "20 Minutes" and other media outlets on the 12th, during the visit, Sanchez will meet with entrepreneurs in strategic industries such as automotive, energy, and telecommunications, and will attend EU China Chamber of Commerce events to attract Chinese companies to invest in Spain. In addition, both sides will exchange views on international issues of common concern and build consensus on multilateral cooperation.
According to reports, the Spanish government has clearly stated that the economic and trade agenda for this visit to China is formulated in coordination with EU institutions and is in line with the overall strategy of the EU towards China. This means that Spain is not acting alone, but is situated within the common framework of Europe - especially in the current context of intensified geopolitical competition.
The Chinese side has also made it clear that it is willing to work with Spain to further deepen strategic mutual trust, maintain close exchanges and cooperation, strengthen multilateral coordination, promote further progress in bilateral relations, and contribute more positive energy to maintaining world peace and stability, taking Prime Minister Sanchez's visit to China as an opportunity. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning recently emphasized that Spain is an important partner of China in the European Union. In recent years, under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, the relationship between China and Spain has developed at a high level, and cooperation in various fields has been solidly promoted, effectively enhancing the well-being of the two peoples.
Sanchez's visit has received widespread attention and high praise from various sectors in Spain. The 20 Minutes newspaper quoted the Spanish government as saying that unlike other partner countries hesitant due to trade tensions, Spain strives to become a reliable dialogue partner and maintain smooth communication with Beijing without deviating from Brussels' established route. The newspaper also reported that the Spanish government has begun preparations for the next visit to China. According to government sources, Spain is working to establish a normalized mechanism for visiting China, in order to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries amidst the restructuring of the global trade landscape.
Esteban, Senior Researcher on East Asian Issues at the Royal Institute of Elcano in Spain, recently stated in an interview with the country's "Rationality" that it is crucial for Spain to influence the EU's stance on China through its interactions with China. In other words, if tangible results can be achieved through this visit, the European Commission may view China's opening-up policy with a more positive attitude. He stated that strengthening the relationship between the Western government and China is the right move.
Spanish economist and China expert Balagan said that Spain has benefited greatly from attracting Chinese investment, and its stance towards China can help ease the trade tensions between China and Europe, and help Europe better understand the importance of cooperation with China. Currently, Europe is at a critical moment and needs to open its doors to the Chinese economy.
Martin, a professor of international relations at Camilo Jos é Serra University in Spain, said that Spain's pragmatic attitude towards China is positive, and both the ruling and opposition parties recognize the importance of China and believe that reaching consensus with China is crucial.