President Xi Jinping on Wednesday reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening its comprehensive strategic partnership with Spain, calling for greater determination, vitality, and global influence in bilateral ties. He made the remarks during a meeting with King Felipe VI of Spain, who is making the first state visit by a Spanish monarch to China in 18 years.
King Felipe VI, accompanied by Queen Letizia, met Xi and First Lady Peng Liyuan at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. The four-day visit, which began Monday, follows a series of high-level exchanges between the two nations, including three visits to China by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in recent years.
Xi noted that since the establishment of diplomatic relations 50 years ago, China and Spain have consistently approached their relationship from a long-term and strategic perspective, fostering mutual respect, support, and shared development. This, he said, has created a model for cooperation between countries with distinct histories, cultures, and political systems.
The Chinese president commended the Spanish royal family for its significant role in advancing bilateral relations, describing the visit as a milestone for deepening friendship and cooperation. He emphasized that China values Spain’s unique role in international and regional affairs and hopes both sides will continue to strengthen strategic dialogue, maintain the pace of high-level exchanges, and keep bilateral relations on a stable and positive path.
Xi expressed China’s readiness to expand imports of high-quality Spanish goods, boost mutual investment, and explore cooperation in emerging sectors. He encouraged both nations to leverage their complementary strengths and jointly explore third-party markets, including in Latin America.
According to official data, trade between China and Spain surpassed $50 billion in 2024, with two-way investment exceeding $11 billion. China remains Spain’s largest trading partner outside the European Union, while Spain ranks among China’s key EU trading partners.
Xi also urged closer collaboration in culture and education and pledged to continue China’s visa-free entry policy for Spanish citizens to promote people-to-people exchanges. He reiterated his vision of building “a community with a shared future for humanity,” calling on nations to transcend ideological differences and work together through dialogue and consultation for global prosperity.
King Felipe VI expressed his pleasure at visiting China and praised the enduring friendship and mutual trust between the two countries. He commended China’s achievements in poverty alleviation and green development, acknowledging the role of Chinese investment in supporting Spain’s economic and environmental transition.
The king said Spain and China share similar views on global governance, both advocating multilateralism and peaceful dispute resolution through dialogue. He voiced support for President Xi’s four major global initiatives and emphasized Spain’s willingness to work with China to safeguard the international trade order and promote stable global economic growth.
Following the talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of 10 cooperation agreements covering trade, science and technology, and education.
Premier Li Qiang and National People’s Congress Standing Committee Chairman Zhao Leji also held separate meetings with King Felipe VI on Wednesday. Before arriving in Beijing, the Spanish monarch visited Chengdu, Sichuan province, where he attended a business forum on Tuesday.
