Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is in China for the fourth time in as many years, as Spain seeks to strengthen political and commercial ties with Beijing. The visit comes amid a complex geopolitical backdrop, with European leaders trying to influence an end to the US-Israeli war in Iran and Spain’s relationship with the US strained by Sánchez’s vocal disapproval of that conflict.
On Monday, Sánchez urged China to assume a bigger role in a multipolar world, speaking at Beijing’s Tsinghua University. He called on China to demand that international law be respected and that conflicts in Lebanon, Iran, Gaza, the West Bank, and Ukraine cease. The Spanish government says it wants to diversify its political relations with major world powers, including China.
Spain aims to attract more Chinese investment and boost exports, even though trade with China is conducted through the European Union. The Iberian nation, which generates over half its electricity from renewables, needs Chinese critical raw materials, solar panels, and green technologies for its energy transition. Politically, Spain has become Europe’s loudest critic of US and Israeli military actions in the Middle East, recently closing its airspace to US planes involved in Iran and denying the use of jointly operated military bases in southern Spain.
Sánchez’s visit from April 13 to 15 includes meetings with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and top lawmaker Zhao Leji. Spain’s relationship with China is less adversarial than that of some other EU nations, and it has sought to reposition trade ties despite a significant trade deficit. Chinese investment in Spain has grown since 2019, contrasting with declines in France and Germany, according to the China Global Investment Tracker.
Last November, King Felipe VI made an official visit to China, the first by a Spanish monarch in 18 years, underscoring Madrid’s interest in bolstering ties. Analysts note that Spain’s economic needs and its role as a more friendly partner in Western Europe are key factors. However, the asymmetry in the relationship may limit Spain’s ability to secure concessions on technology or other areas of interest.
