Spain has been one of the strongest voices in Europe advocating for expanded trade with China and treating it as a strategic partner rather than an economic and geopolitical rival.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is currently in China for his fourth visit in the past four years. Spain presents itself as a bridge between China and the European Union at a time when Europe’s relations with the United States have become strained.
“I firmly believe it is in the interest of Spain and Europe to strengthen ties with China,” Sánchez said from Beijing on Tuesday.
Trade imbalance “unsustainable”
The visit focuses on improving economic cooperation with the world’s second-largest economy. Sánchez described trade between China and Spain as having an “excessive” deficit.
Madrid aims to reduce a trade gap that has more than doubled over the past four years, reaching nearly $50 billion in 2025. According to Sánchez, China now accounts for 74% of Spain’s total trade deficit — a figure he called unsustainable in the long term.
Following talks last Thursday, agreements were reached to expand market access for Spanish agricultural products in China and to support the development of Spain’s transport and infrastructure sectors.
Spain seeks a more balanced and globalized economy that generates shared prosperity, Sánchez said in a post on X, adding: “We must continue moving toward a multipolar order built on respect and pragmatism.”
Role of China in the Middle East
Spain is also keen to strengthen political and economic ties with Beijing as its relations with Washington face tensions over its stance on the conflict involving Iran. The Spanish government has opposed military actions in the region, contributing to friction with the U.S.
Efforts to boost trade with China come after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to cut trade with Spain. These threats followed Spain’s refusal to allow the use of its military bases for U.S. strikes against Iran, a key economic partner of China.
Sánchez also welcomed China’s potential role in resolving the conflict in the Middle East.
“The role China can play is important in finding diplomatic solutions to end this war and contribute to stability and peace,” he said.
“No to war” stance reaffirmed
The Spanish prime minister warned that international law is being increasingly undermined and called for closer cooperation to promote peace and prosperity. He argued that China should play a greater role in addressing global challenges such as climate change, security, defense, and inequality.
Speaking at Tsinghua University in Beijing, Sánchez said Europe must step up its efforts as the U.S. retreats from leadership roles on multiple fronts.
During talks with Xi Jinping, Sánchez emphasized the need for reforms in the global multilateral system, stating: “We must better recognize the multipolar reality of today’s world.”
Xi, in turn, warned against a return to the “law of the jungle,” describing the global landscape as one marked by chaos and a weakening international order, while stressing that deeper China-Spain relations serve the interests of both nations.
