Xi Jinping and King Felipe Forge Stronger China-Spain Alliance Amid EU Tensions

Chinese President Xi Jinping has outlined a vision for deeper cooperation with Spain, emphasizing a “globally influential” partnership as Beijing seeks Madrid’s support within the European Union. Spanish King Felipe VI’s visit marks the first state trip by a Spanish monarch to China in 18 years, signaling renewed diplomatic and economic engagement between the two nations.

During their meeting in Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, Xi expressed China’s readiness to strengthen strategic ties with Spain, promoting collaboration in trade, technology, and third-market ventures across Latin America. He stressed that both nations share a global responsibility to foster peace and development. King Felipe echoed the sentiment, highlighting the “relationship of trust” built over decades of cultural and economic exchanges.

Madrid has recently intensified its outreach to Beijing, unveiling a foreign affairs program in April aimed at reinforcing trade relations and diversifying global partnerships. China, facing pressure from both the U.S. and EU over trade imbalances and subsidies to its electric vehicle sector, views Spain as a gateway to European markets and emerging regions with Spanish influence.

Despite EU skepticism over China’s ties with Russia and industrial policies, Spain is pursuing a pragmatic approach. The visit produced 10 bilateral agreements covering food safety, language education, and space cooperation. Chinese Premier Li Qiang also expressed interest in expanding investment in Spain’s renewable energy sectors, including solar, green hydrogen, and batteries.

Economic stakes are high: China imposed a 62.4% tariff on EU pork products after the EU introduced tariffs on Chinese EVs. Spain, a leading pork exporter, abstained from the EU vote and continues to lobby for tariff removal. With $52 billion in imports from China and $8 billion in exports, Spain aims to balance trade by attracting more Chinese investment while supporting EU economic stability.