BEIJING, Nov. 12 China stands ready to work with Spain to forge a comprehensive strategic partnership with greater determination, dynamism, and global influence, Chinese President Xi Jinping said Wednesday.
Xi made the remarks during his meeting with King Felipe VI of Spain, who is on a state visit to China. This marks the Spanish monarch’s first state visit to China since his enthronement and the first visit by a Spanish king in 18 years.
Following their talks, the two heads of state witnessed the signing of 10 cooperation agreements covering trade, economy, science and technology, and education, among other areas.
Felix Valdivieso, chairman of IE University’s China Observatory, said King Felipe VI’s visit represents the growing importance of royal diplomacy in Spain’s relations with China. Building on Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s three visits to China in as many years, the visit highlights Madrid’s shift toward a more long-term, stable, and strategic approach to engaging with the world’s second-largest economy a move that will benefit Spanish enterprises and enhance the country’s competitiveness and innovation capacity, Valdivieso said.
A Visit of Great Significance
During the meeting, Xi extended a warm welcome to King Felipe VI and highlighted the long-standing friendship between China and Spain. Over the past five decades since establishing diplomatic ties, both sides have approached their relationship from a strategic and long-term perspective, Xi noted, adding that mutual respect and support have enabled the two countries to achieve shared success.
The Chinese president said this relationship has set an example of friendly cooperation between countries with different histories, cultures, and social systems, contributing to openness, global cooperation, and fairness.
Xi commended the Spanish royal family for its contributions to advancing bilateral ties, emphasizing that King Felipe VI’s state visit coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the China-Spain comprehensive strategic partnership carries great significance for further deepening friendship and cooperation.
King Felipe VI said it was a great honor to visit China during this milestone year, stressing that Spain and China have long enjoyed mutual trust and respect. He praised China’s remarkable development achievements, particularly in poverty alleviation and green, low-carbon growth, which he described as globally inspiring.
He reaffirmed Spain’s commitment to the one-China policy and expressed readiness to work with China to advance their comprehensive strategic partnership for the benefit of both peoples and global stability.
Boosting Practical Cooperation
Xi underscored China’s appreciation of Spain’s traditional friendship and its constructive role in regional and international affairs. He called on both sides to maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges, strengthen strategic coordination, and ensure steady progress in bilateral relations.
China, Xi said, will increase imports of high-quality Spanish products and deepen cooperation in emerging fields such as new energy, the digital economy, and artificial intelligence. He also encouraged greater two-way investment and joint exploration of third-party markets, particularly in Latin America.
Xi proposed stronger cultural and educational exchanges, as well as mutual support for language and cultural institutions in both countries. He announced that China would continue its visa-free policy for Spanish citizens to further facilitate people-to-people exchanges.
King Felipe VI welcomed the extension of the visa-free policy, saying Chinese investment had greatly contributed to Spain’s economic growth and green transition. Spain, he added, seeks closer cooperation with China under the framework of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, with a focus on trade, industry, science and technology, and renewable energy.
Championing Multilateralism
As this year marks the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, Xi said the world is undergoing profound changes and facing challenges to peace and development. He reiterated his vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity a goal rooted in dialogue, mutual understanding, and collective progress.
China is ready to work with Spain to uphold the UN-centered international system, defend free trade and global economic order, and promote a more just and equitable global governance system, Xi said.
King Felipe VI agreed, noting that both Spain and China share similar views on many international issues. He affirmed Spain’s strong support for multilateralism and peaceful dialogue in resolving disputes.
The Spanish monarch also commended Xi’s four major global initiatives and said Spain stands ready to cooperate with China in addressing global uncertainties, maintaining a fair international trade order, and fostering stable global economic growth.
