Opinions

Video link: https://news.cgtn.com/news/2026-04-16/VHJhbnNjcmlwdDkwMTc5/index.html

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has wrapped up an official visit to China, his fourth in as many years. The trip comes at a time of shifting global dynamics and growing debate in Europe over how to engage with China. Li Shuang takes a closer look at what was achieved, and what it could mean. 

In Beijing, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's visit was packed with signals: both economic and strategic. 

LI SHUANG, Beijing "In meetings with Chinese leaders, including President Xi Jinping, both sides signalled a shared intent to deepen cooperation, particularly in trade, investment, and emerging industries." 

The visit delivered tangible outcomes. Fifteen agreements were signed, spanning sectors from agriculture to green development and scientific innovation. But beyond the numbers, analysts say the real significance lies in what comes next. 

MARIO ESTEBAN, Professor, Autonomous University of Madrid "That is significant in itself. But the most important thing is not the agreements themselves, but the results they may bring in the future." 

For Spain, a key concern remains its trade imbalance with China, making market access a priority. 

SUN YANHONG, Senior Research Fellow, Institute of European Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences "New breakthroughs are expected in agricultural trade: both China and Spain are committed to improving market access and customs clearance efficiency, while Spanish meat producers can further expand their presence in Chinese market." 

At the same time, Madrid is looking to attract more high-quality Chinese investment, especially in green sectors like electric vehicles, batteries and renewable energy. 

MARIO ESTEBAN, Professor, Autonomous University of Madrid "Last year, investment from China to Spain was a bit over 643 million euros. China was only the ninth biggest foreign investor in Spain last year. So, there is still room for maneuver." 

And there are already signs of momentum. A major EV battery project backed by Chinese and European partners is underway, highlighting growing industrial cooperation. 

Chinese experts say the visit could also have wider implications for China–EU ties. 

SUN YANHONG, Senior Research Fellow, Institute of European Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences "Prime Minister Sánchez's visit aims to position Spain as a 'reliable bridge' for EU-China cooperation. Spain's commitment to a pragmatic and open approach helps reduce uncertainties in China–EU economic relations, releasing a positive signal that there is still large space for cooperation." 

This visit is also a balancing act. Across Europe, concerns persist over reliance on China in strategic sectors. But Spain's approach stands out: emphasizing engagement, while managing risks. 

MARIO ESTEBAN, Professor, Autonomous University of Madrid "But there are also risks in not engaging with China. We need to find a proper balance. China can offer very advanced technology in key sectors at very reasonable prices. If the EU decides not to take advantage of that, it will have a negative impact on the welfare of European people." 

Beyond economics, Sánchez also highlighted China's potential role on the global stage, from multilateral reform to conflict resolution. 

PEDRO SANCHEZ, Spanish Prime Minister "I have had the opportunity to discuss with President Xi the reforms our multilateral system needs in order to better reflect the multipolar reality of today's world." 

With a new strategic dialogue mechanism in place, China and Spain are now setting up a more structured framework for long-term engagement. 

LI SHUANG, Beijing "This visit lays the groundwork for deeper China–Spain ties, and could offer a glimpse of how Europe navigates its relationship with China in an increasingly complex world. Li Shuang, CGTN, Beijing."