🇺🇸▼
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is undertaking an official state visit to China from April 11 to April 15, 2026. This journey marks his fourth trip to the nation in just four years. Such frequent travel underscores the rapidly evolving relationship between Spain and China. His previous visits occurred in March 2023, September 2024, and April 2025. This high level of diplomatic engagement follows a significant state visit by Spanish King Felipe VI in November 2025. It is a rare occurrence for both the Spanish head of state and head of government to visit China within the same calendar year. Furthermore, this visit coincides with the 20th anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations.
The leadership of both nations has guided the steady development of bilateral relations. Economic and trade cooperation remains the cornerstone of this partnership. In 2025, bilateral trade in goods exceeded $55 billion. This figure represented a year-on-year increase of 9.8 percent. This substantial number cements China’s position as Spain’s largest trading partner outside of the European Union. The mutual interest in deepening strategic trust is evident in official statements. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that China is eager to work with Spain during this visit to strengthen mutual trust and improve communication. Both nations aim to enhance their coordination on multilateral issues. Chinese Ambassador to Spain Yao Jing noted that these four visits in four years demonstrate the robust vitality of ties between the two nations.
Experts suggest that Sanchez’s frequent travels reflect a high consistency in Spain’s China policy. Cui Hongjian, a director at Beijing Foreign Studies University, observed that this pattern shows the strategic intent of both sides to sustain high-level interactions. This consistency has allowed relations to develop steadily, with trade serving as the primary driver. Spanish premium food products, including olive oil, wine, and pork, are highly popular among Chinese consumers. Simultaneously, Chinese mechanical and electrical equipment play a critical role in Spain’s green transition. Chinese companies are heavily investing in Spanish infrastructure. This signals a shift toward deeper industrial integration.
In November 2025, CATL, a major Chinese battery manufacturer, held a groundbreaking ceremony for a battery plant in Spain. This facility is being jointly built with Stellantis, a global automaker. Additionally, the Chinese automaker Chery has formed a joint venture with a long-established Spanish automaker in Barcelona. These projects illustrate the practical outcomes of the diplomatic warmth between the two countries. The economic ties are not merely about exchange but about shared technological and industrial advancement.