Beijing (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – King Felipe VI of Spain and Chinese President Xi Jinping signed agreements on Wednesday concerning language exchanges and other areas, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening cooperation.
The Spanish monarch and Queen Letizia are undertaking a three-day visit to China to mark the 20th anniversary of the strategic alliance between the two nations. In recent years, Spain has been regarded as one of the EU countries most friendly to China.
How did Xi Jinping welcome King Felipe VI?
As reported by AP news, Felipe and Letizia met Xi and his wife, Peng Liyua,n in front of Beijing’s Great Hall of the People. They were greeted with a performance by the military band and a 21-gun salute. This is the first state visit for the Spanish king to China.
What did Xi Jinping say during his meeting?
“China stands ready to work hand in hand with Spain to build a comprehensive strategic partnership that is more strategically steady, more dynamic in development, and more influential internationally,”
stated Xi in his opening remarks, particularly while the international situation is “complex and volatile.”
He mentioned that China would also increase imports of Spanish products, though without specifying which ones, according to a report from the official Xinhua news agency. Xi said both sides could further explore cooperation in renewable energy and artificial intelligence.
What agreements did China and Spain sign?
Felipe and Xi signed agreements promoting cooperation in language exchanges, economic issues, and exporting aquatic products to China. Felipe is also scheduled to meet with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Zhao Leji, chairman of China’s top legislative body.
The monarch’s first stop in China was the city of Chengdu, where, alongside Foreign Minister Jose Maria Albares, Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo, Industry Secretary Jordi García Brustenga and a phalanx of Spanish businesspeople, he attended a Spain-China business forum.
When did the last Spanish Prime Minister visit China?
In April, Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who leads the government, undertook his third visit to China within three years. Following his meeting with Xi in April, Sánchez stated that Spain supports establishing
“more balanced relations between the European Union and China.”
The EU conducts trade negotiations representing all 27 member states.
When did Xi Jinping and the Spanish King visit each other’s countries last time?
The last time a Spanish monarch visited China on an official state trip was in 2007, when King Juan Carlos I visited. The current Spanish monarch is making his first state visit to China in 18 years in November 2025. Xi Jinping last visited Spain in 2018 during a state visit that strengthened bilateral cooperation between China and Spain.
