CGTN: China and Spain strengthen relations amid global uncertainty

(SeaPRwire) –   CGTN looks into Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s official visit to China, highlighting that consistent high-level interactions act as a core driver for bolstering China-Spain relations amid global uncertainty. The report further delves into expanding economic cooperation between the two sides and their shared commitments to multilateralism, stable global supply chains and open collaboration, framing the bilateral relationship as a stabilizing anchor in an increasingly fragmented international landscape.

BEIJING, April 15, 2026 — At the headquarters of Xiaomi, China’s leading tech conglomerate, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez tried out state-of-the-art consumer electronics, took electric vehicles for a test drive, and repeatedly labeled the experience “Muy bien” (very good). He later delivered a speech to students at Tsinghua University, calling for deeper mutual understanding between Europe and China.

These moments were part of his April 11-15 trip to China – his fourth visit to the country in four years – setting the tone for a journey that combined symbolic moments with policy signals, and underscoring that bilateral ties have gained growing momentum through consistent high-level exchanges.

During bilateral talks held in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping stated that China and Spain should enhance cooperation across areas including trade, new energy and the intelligent economy, and promote exchanges in sectors such as culture, education, scientific research and sports.

He pointed out that despite an evolving and volatile international landscape, China and Spain have maintained stable bilateral relations, forging ties with strategic resolve, and that one key lesson learned from the partnership is the importance of making sound decisions based on common interests.

For his part, Sanchez noted that his four visits reflect the high priority both countries attach to their bilateral relationship, calling for deeper engagement and mutual understanding. He added that Spain highly values China’s status as a major global power.

This meeting mirrors a broader push from both countries to maintain regular high-level exchanges. Such frequent interactions have ensured continuity for bilateral ties, even as geopolitical uncertainties keep rising.

In addition to high-level political dialogue, economic cooperation remains a core pillar of the bilateral relationship. China has been Spain’s largest trading partner outside the European Union for years, with two-way trade continuing to expand. Latest data shows growing exchanges in goods and services, alongside new collaborative areas covering green energy, electric vehicles and digital industries. In 2025, bilateral goods trade between China and Spain surpassed $55 billion, registering a 9.8% year-on-year increase.

At the same time, Chinese enterprises have ramped up investment in Spain across sectors including power batteries, renewable energy and infrastructure, which has contributed to local employment and industrial development. Spanish agricultural and food products – including olive oil, wine and pork – have obtained broader access to the Chinese market, reflecting the complementary trade structure between the two sides.

Sanchez’s visit further reinforced this trend, with both sides exploring approaches to better balance trade and expand market access. Cooperation documents covering areas such as economy and trade, education, science and technology, as well as agriculture and food, were signed during the visit, as part of broader efforts to sustain economic ties amid ongoing global supply chain adjustments.

Beyond bilateral gains, the visit also carries wider international implications. Xi called on China and Spain to work closely together to reject any regression to the law of the jungle, and jointly uphold genuine multilateralism, highlighting the two sides’ shared support for a rules-based international order.

Sanchez similarly stressed the importance of multilateral cooperation and a balanced globalized economy that delivers shared prosperity for all. His remarks align with Spain’s position as an advocate for dialogue and cooperation within the European Union, particularly as debates over trade, security and global governance grow more intense.

The two sides also signaled common ground on maintaining stable global industrial and supply chains, at a time when protectionist pressures and calls for economic decoupling are on the rise in some parts of the world. This cooperation sets an example of how major economies can pursue openness while resolving differences through dialogue.

The broader context of Sanchez’s visit comes amid a period of rising global uncertainty, with conflicts and economic fragmentation shaping policy discussions. Against this backdrop, both China and Spain have emphasized the value of predictability in bilateral relations, positioning their partnership as a source of stability.

As Sanchez wrapped up his visit, the focus on continuity – in leadership exchanges, economic cooperation and shared stances on global issues – indicated that both sides view the bilateral relationship as resilient. In a fast-changing international environment, China-Spain ties are being framed not only as mutually beneficial, but also as part of a wider effort to sustain cooperation in an increasingly complex world.

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2026-04-15/How-China-Spain-deepen-ties-amid-global-uncertainty-1Mn08gN0HlK/p.html

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