Reference Message Network reported on April 13 that according to a report by the Spanish La Vanguardia website on April 11, Spanish Prime Minister Sanchez emphasized during his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on the 11th that Spain's foreign policy does not target anyone but supports understanding between nations, defends multilateral order and free trade. Chinese President Xi Jinping said in the meeting that the more turbulent the international situation becomes, the more prominent the importance of steady and good development of Sino-Spanish relations becomes.
Sanchez stated that China is an indispensable partner when facing global challenges. Sanchez believed that he "exceeded" the predetermined goals of this Asian tour, maintaining political momentum and bilateral relations with China while strengthening and balancing economic and trade relations with China. He guaranteed that he was determined to continue building a "positive agenda" between Spain and China.
This Spanish leader believes it is necessary to continue making progress in establishing a solid relationship between China, the EU, and Spain.
Sanchez expressed that he highly valued the bilateral talks held between Spain and China, calling it a gesture of respect and friendliness towards Spain, emphasizing that it reflects the common interest of both sides in maintaining smooth dialogue at the highest level.
Sanchez believed that the comprehensive strategic partnership between Spain and China has gained new momentum. He stated that Spain will always focus on developing mutually beneficial relations, promoting trade and investment in a balanced way.
According to a report by the British Daily Telegraph website on April 11, amid Trump's impact on global trade, Spanish Prime Minister called for closer ties between Europe and Beijing.
On April 11, Spanish Prime Minister Sanchez said in Beijing: "Spain views China as a partner of the EU."
Spain is seeking to act as a mediator between China and the EU and attract Chinese investment. This move essentially ignores the US warning that turning to China would be "self-destructive."
Sanchez said: "Spain supports a more balanced relationship between the EU and China." He is the first European leader to visit China since Trump initiated a large-scale tariff action.
Sanchez said: "The more turbulent the international situation becomes, the more important it is to continue promoting positive development of relations between China and Spain." This is his third visit to China within three years.
He said that although there are still differences between Madrid and Beijing, they can reach a "positive" solution through consultation and strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
In addition, the Spanish China Policy Observatory website reported on April 11 that the timing of this meeting is very important as it coincides with a critical moment in the global economy. Sanchez's Asian tour visited two economies vital to global development, which is strategically significant. The meeting in Beijing involves many aspects of bilateral relations.
The article stated that first and foremost, it commemorates the 20th anniversary of the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. Over the past 20 years, although Madrid, Brussels, and Beijing have not always moved toward the same goals, this has not hindered Spain from maintaining close relations and continuous interaction with China. Madrid participated in multiple "Belt and Road" international cooperation forums and played a significant role in one project, namely the China-Europe freight train service from Yiwu to Madrid, which marks its 10th anniversary in 2024. In terms of investment, during the 20-year comprehensive strategic partnership, China's investment in Spain has exceeded 10 billion euros, with the energy industry being the most invested field by China.
Secondly, since his visit to Beijing in September 2024, Sanchez has made his second visit to Beijing within less than a year. Therefore, it can be said that despite the tariff confrontation between the US and China, Sanchez's visit to China has continued dialogue between the two countries and strengthened it under the policy discourse of "open doors" in global trade.
According to reports by EFE on April 11, Enrique Santiago, a member of the Spanish United Party caucus and spokesperson for the Spanish Left Alliance, pointed out that Prime Minister Sanchez's trip to China helps connect Spain with the world's "major economic center" amid the decline of the US.
Santiago emphasized that the Sanchez government has maintained an absolutely open attitude toward this Asian trading center country for many years.
He believed that the approach taken by the Spanish prime minister is a "very positive direction" in response to the "absolute insecurity" brought by the White House owner.
This MP noted that for Spanish enterprises, the prime minister's visit is a very good practice. It not only opens up new markets but also, more importantly, connects Spain and the entire EU to the main economic center of today's world - the Asia-Pacific region.
In addition, Antonio Mayoral, the overall coordinator of the Spanish Left Alliance, stated that Sanchez's visits to China and Vietnam were the right choice because strengthening economic and trade relations with Asia has long been necessary for Spain.
(Translated by Wu Mei and Wang Meng)
On November 23, 2024, in the Barcelona Free Trade Zone in Spain, guests experienced the first model produced by the joint factory of Chinese car manufacturer Chery and Spanish company Ebro. (Xinhua News Agency)
Original text: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7492624687102231080/
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