Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez began a five-day visit to China on Saturday, marking his fourth trip to the country in as many years. The visit aims to maintain high-level diplomatic engagement and strengthen bilateral ties between Spain and China. During his itinerary, Sanchez is scheduled to deliver a speech at Tsinghua University and visit the headquarters of Chinese technology firm Xiaomi, as well as the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

This visit follows closely on the heels of King Felipe VI’s state visit to China about five months ago—the first visit by a Spanish monarch in 18 years. Sanchez has also previously traveled to China in March 2023, September 2024, and April 2025, underscoring Spain’s commitment to sustained dialogue with Beijing.

Observers note that Spain’s close engagement with China is motivated by both pragmatic economic interests and strategic geopolitical considerations. According to Jordi Bacaria, an international relations specialist and professor emeritus at the Autonomous University of Barcelona, Sanchez’s repeated visits reflect a deliberate diplomatic effort built over many years to nurture a stable and constructive relationship with China.

Echoing this view, Cui Hongjian, a professor at Beijing Foreign Studies University, highlighted that amidst fluctuating China-EU relations, Spain has maintained a consistently clear and steady approach toward China. Cui said Spain’s recognition of China’s growing global influence has distinguished its bilateral ties from broader EU-China dynamics. He added that the current visit will create opportunities to deepen cooperation and develop tailored frameworks for trade, investment, and industrial collaboration.

Ding Chun, director of the Center for European Studies at Fudan University, characterized Spain as a European frontrunner in fostering a China-friendly stance. He noted that Spain has consciously distanced itself from the European Union’s “de-risking” narrative and views China as a cooperative partner. According to Ding, shifts in the geopolitical landscape, changes in trans-Atlantic relations, and economic pressures have prompted Spain to adopt a pragmatic approach toward China to hedge against global risks.

Economic cooperation between the two countries has expanded significantly in recent years. Bilateral trade in goods surpassed $55 billion in 2025, representing a near 10 percent increase over the previous year, with China remaining Spain’s largest trading partner outside the EU. Collaborative efforts now extend beyond traditional sectors like agriculture to include emerging areas such as green energy, electric vehicles, and the digital economy. In a recent development, Chinese automaker Chery opened its European Operations Center in Barcelona, marking its first regional headquarters outside China.

While Sanchez’s frequent visits to China surpass those of other Spanish leaders, several European leaders have also traveled to China since late 2025, including French President Emmanuel Macron, Irish Taoiseach Micheal Martin, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Additionally, a delegation of European Union lawmakers conducted their first visit to China in eight years earlier this month.

Despite the EU’s ongoing emphasis on “de-risking” from China, many European countries—including Spain—are adjusting their policies to balance cooperation with caution. As noted by Ding, these countries demonstrate a willingness to advance strategic partnerships with China while managing differences. Cui emphasized that Spain’s sustained and stable relationship with China serves as a model within Europe, illustrating how long-term engagement can transform China from a perceived risk into a source of growth and opportunity.