Pedro Sánchez: "We have elevated political dialogue with China to its highest level in the last fifty-three years"

Beijing (China)

The President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, met with the President of the People's Republic of China, Xi Jinping, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. During the meeting, he conveyed Spain's desire to continue advancing bilateral relations and emphasised the importance of the creation of the Permanent Strategic Dialogue, which will strengthen political dialogue between the two countries at the highest level.

The President of the Government of Spain highlighted the progress achieved during this official visit. "In 2005, we took a decisive step with the creation of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and last year we signed a three-year Action Plan. On this visit, we have gone a step further," he said at a press conference, summarising his fourth trip to China. The institutionalisation of the Strategic Dialogue will provide greater stability and continuity to the dialogue between the two countries. It is a stable and regular mechanism, similar to those China maintains with other European partners.

On the economic front, the president emphasised that this trip aimed to move towards a more balanced economic framework. "The agreements we signed in 2025, last year have contributed to Spanish exports to China growing by more than 7% in just one year," he said, also noting the increase in the trade deficit. "We are convinced that the agreements we are signing today, once again, will help this trend increase and, therefore, consolidate and correct this trade imbalance," he added.

The Government will sign a series of agreements aimed at facilitating access for Spanish products to the Chinese market, promoting investment, and developing projects in sectors such as transportation and infrastructure. "If we want the globalised economy to continue to exist, it must work for everyone with fair supply chains that create jobs and wealth in all regions of China and also in all regions of Spain," he stated.

The President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, in the meeting with the President of China, Xi Jinping | Pool Moncloa/Borja Puig

President Sánchez also stressed the need to promote a new multipolar order oriented towards peace and development for all humanity, with international law as its fundamental basis. To move forward in this direction, he conveyed that Spain is prepared to contribute to, promote, and support this joint effort to address challenges such as finding solutions to trade imbalances, geopolitical tensions, and global challenges like climate change.

Pedro Sánchez also expressed Spain's willingness to play an active and constructive role in relations between the European Union and China, which together represent more than a third of global GDP and nearly 30% of global trade. In this regard, it underscored the responsibility to develop this cooperation even when differences exist.

Meeting with Chinese investors

President Sánchez also met with investors from Chinese companies interested in investing in Spain and in strategic sectors such as electric vehicles, battery development, wind energy, drones, and artificial intelligence. "The investments we seek must generate local employment, transfer knowledge, and strengthen our value chains. That is our criterion," he stated.

The President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, during his meeting with business leaders | Pool Moncloa/Borja Puig

Given the economic situation of increased Chinese investment in Spain over the last year and a half, the President conveyed to them that the Government of Spain considers it a priority to emphasise the quality of investments, favouring those that generate added value, boost local job creation, and integrate into Spanish and European value chains.

He also stressed the importance of these investments contributing to Spain's technological and innovative development through strategic alliances, strengthening national capabilities in key sectors.

Non official translation