The President meets with Vice-President Han Zheng of the People's Republic of China

Moncloa Palace, Madrid

The President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, and the Vice-President of the People's Republic of China, Han Zheng, greet each other (Pool Moncloa/José Manuel Álvarez)

During the meeting, the president stressed that major global challenges - such as the climate emergency and financing for development - must be tackled jointly by the international community, on the basis of respect between nations, international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter. He reaffirmed the need to defend the multilateral order.

The two leaders also discussed the current context of trade tension. In this sense, Pedro Sánchez stressed that a trade war benefits nobody. He stressed that Spain is committed to an international order based on rules, free trade and economic openness.

The president of the Government of Spain also highlighted the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the European Union and China, a milestone that will serve to improve economic and trade relations between the two blocs. He also had the opportunity to convey to the vice-president the importance of the European Union and China moving towards relations based on trust and respect.

Strengthening bilateral relations

The President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, and the Vice-President of the People's Republic of China, Han Zheng, together with the delegations of Spain and China | Pool Moncloa/José Manuel Álvarez

In the field of bilateral relations, Pedro Sánchez expressed his willingness to continue deepening the collaboration and ties between Spain and China, working on a positive agenda based on mutual respect and reciprocity.

In this context, he highlighted the successful celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership coinciding with his recent visit to Beijing last April. To mark this milestone, the two countries signed an Action Plan setting out a roadmap for advanced cooperation until 2028, with joint initiatives in key areas such as the economy, trade and investment; agriculture and fisheries; science, technology, innovation and green development; and partnership exchange.

The two leaders also discussed economic relations and investment and business opportunities between the two countries. Specifically, the president of the Government of Spain stressed that, although trade relations have grown substantially, there is still a certain imbalance.

Pedro Sánchez highlighted the great potential for collaboration in sectors in which China is at the forefront, such as automotive, batteries, photovoltaic energy and green hydrogen.

Finally, the president of the Government of Spain conveyed to the Chinese Vice-President the opportunity represented by the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, to be held in Seville from 30 June to 3 July, to reaffirm the shared commitment to multilateralism.

Non official translation