Spain’s King Felipe VI has begun a four-day state visit to China — the first by a Spanish monarch in 18 years — as Madrid deepens its diplomatic and economic outreach to Beijing. The trip highlights Spain’s strategic push to rebalance trade relations and expand cooperation in key sectors, particularly as ties with the United States face renewed tension.
Felipe, joined by high-ranking ministers and a large delegation of business leaders, will meet President Xi Jinping and other top Chinese officials in both Chengdu and Beijing. The agenda includes boosting investment in electric vehicles, clean energy, and Spanish industries such as pork exports, which have seen strong growth in the Chinese market. Chinese firms are already ramping up activity in Spain, targeting car manufacturing, battery production, and energy projects.
While the strengthened bilateral relationship offers economic advantages, analysts note it also reflects Spain’s geopolitical shift as Washington pressures European allies over defence spending and policy differences. Security concerns remain — particularly regarding the potential use of Huawei technology — but Madrid views closer ties with Beijing as a valuable counterbalance amid uncertain global dynamics.Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright
