The visit of the Spanish president, Pedro Sánchez a China has culminated in the signing of seven agreements that reflect the desire of both countries to strengthen their ties on multiple fronts. The main focus has been on the economic and commercial sphere, where significant progress has been made to Improve access of Spanish products to the vast Chinese market.
During his meeting with the president Xi Jinping, Pedro Sánchez highlighted the strength of the bilateral relationship and the role of China as key partner of the European Union"In 2025, we will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Spain. A partnership that we have been deepening over the years, and to which we are now giving new impetus," the Spanish president stated after the meeting.
Sánchez also emphasized Spain's pro-European vision and its commitment to fostering strong and balanced relations with China, based on dialogue, reciprocity, and harmony, both economically and commercially. In addition, the two leaders addressed issues of global relevance, such as the defense of the multilateral system centered on the United Nations, respect for international law and the search for peaceful solutions to international conflicts.
The Prime Minister later met with the Chinese Prime Minister, li qiangAt this meeting, both countries adopted a new Action plan intended to further strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, precisely on the twentieth anniversary of its establishment. This strategic plan identifies four priority areas of collaboration: economy, trade, and investment; agriculture and fisheries; science and technology, innovation, and green development; and exchanges between societies, encompassing culture, education, sports, and tourism.
Following the meeting with the Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez and Li Qiang witnessed the signing of the seven agreements that embody the commitments made.
These agreements not only open new doors to the Chinese market for Spanish products, but also deepen collaboration between both nations in strategic areas such as science, education and culture.
Key Trade Agreements:
Three of the agreements signed focus on strengthening and balancing the economic and trade relationship, a primary objective of the visit. "We have always been committed to the commercial opening "And to make the most of our exchanges. That's why we will continue to advocate for a more balanced economic relationship and for the promotion of reciprocal investments for mutual benefit," explained Pedro Sánchez.
Two of these agreements have a direct impact on the Export of highly valued Spanish food products in China: pork and cherriesIn the case of the pork sector, which represented Spain's main agri-food export to China in 2024, with a value of €571 million, the list of by-products authorized for export has been expanded, a long-standing demand from the sector.
"These protocols expand the possibilities for these products to access the Chinese market, and they are already 10 agri-food protocols we agreed with China "Since June 2018. We have also committed to continue working to further open the Chinese market to more quality Spanish products," President Sánchez emphasized.
As for cherries, they have been included for the first time on the list of Spanish products authorized for export to China, which is excellent news for the Spanish fruit sector.
The third trade agreement establishes the Creation of a bilateral Working Group on medical devices, medicines and cosmeticsThe objective of this group is to promote balanced and reciprocal access to the Chinese market for these Spanish products.
“This is a sector that, more than two years ago, during my first trip to Beijing, expressed to me the difficulties it was encountering doing business in China,” recalled Pedro Sánchez. “Well, after all these months of work, we are confident that, with this agreement we have signed today, those difficulties will be overcome.”
Promoting Strategic Cooperation:
The remaining four agreements are aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in strategic areas. Two of them deepen the Scientific collaboration between Spanish and Chinese institutionsOn the one hand, the Center for Technological Development and Innovation (CDTI) will strengthen its ties with its Chinese counterparts. On the other hand, the Synchrotron Light Laboratory will intensify its cooperation with Chinese institutions in cutting-edge research.
A third agreement focuses on cooperation in the field of education., promoting the exchange of students and professionals between both countries, as well as collaboration in the digitalization of education and the promotion of the study of their respective official languages.
Finally, the seventh agreement seeks to strengthen the film cooperation between Spain and China, contemplating the execution of joint projects and the organization of specialized events and festivals to promote the dissemination of both cinematographies.
Meeting with Chinese Businessmen:
Within the framework of his visit, President Sánchez also held a meeting with representatives of a dozen large Chinese companies with a presence in the Spanish market or with investment plans in key sectors such as automotive, batteries and renewable energy.
"High value-added sectors aligned with our priorities, which see Spain as an attractive place to invest. We want productive investments that generate added value in our territory and quality skilled employment, thereby strengthening the competitiveness of both countries," the president emphasized.
During the meeting, Sánchez was interested in the development and innovation projects of the companies and invited them to consider Spain not only as an investment destination, but also as a platform for international expansion. In addition, the president held bilateral meetings with the presidents of Chery and Leapmotor and with the CEO of Envision at the request of these companies.
Positive Balance of the Tour:
At the conclusion of his visit to China, the Prime Minister offered a positive assessment of his Asian tour, highlighting the importance of strengthening Spain's relations with countries in the region.
"The main objective of this tour was to strengthen Spain's presence in Asia, an objective we have more than achieved. Asia is a continent that is gaining increasing prominence at a time of profound changes on the global stage. China is already the world's second largest economy, and Vietnam "It is acquiring increasing regional relevance," Sánchez stated.
"Spain is aware that we are living through a complex moment in international relations. A moment in which we must broaden our horizons and redouble our efforts to preserve peace, openness, and progress in the fight against major global challenges. With this trip to Vietnam and China, we have taken a very important step in that direction, strengthening our relations with these two countries," the Prime Minister concluded.
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