Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez Visits China to Strengthen Ties Amid Middle East Tensions

The visit focuses on strengthening political and commercial ties between Spain and China. Sánchez will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and Zhao Leji, the third-ranking leader of China's ruling Communist Party.

He called for respect for international law and an end to conflicts in Lebanon, Iran, Gaza, the West Bank, and Ukraine.

Spain's government seeks to diversify its political relations with major global powers, including China. Officials stated that the country wants to attract more Chinese investment and increase exports to China, though trade negotiations are handled by the European Union on behalf of its 27 member states.

Spain, with a population of 49 million, generates more than half its electricity from renewable sources and requires Chinese critical raw materials, solar panels, and green technologies for its energy transition.

Geopolitical Context The visit takes place amid tensions related to the U.

-Israeli war in Iran. S. planes involved in the conflict and denying access to jointly operated military bases in southern Spain. European leaders are attempting to influence an end to the war. S. has been strained due to these positions.

As the eurozone's fourth-largest economy, Spain has adopted a less adversarial stance toward China compared to other EU countries. Chinese exports to Spain exceed Spanish exports to China. Chinese investment in Spain has increased since 2019, according to the American Enterprise Institute's China Global Investment Tracker, though it remains below levels in several other European countries.

In contrast, such investments have decreased in economies like France and Germany over the past five years.

Economic and Bilateral Ties Spain under Sánchez has pursued stronger bilateral relations with large powers, including China and India, alongside its U.S. ties. Last November, Spain's King Felipe VI visited China, the first such royal trip in 18 years. The economic aspect of the relationship is central, with Spain seeking foreign capital from potential sources like China.

For China, Spain represents a friendly partner in Western Europe. However, the asymmetry in trade and population sizes may limit Spain's leverage in negotiations over technology and other interests.

“For example, by demanding ... that international law be respected and that the conflicts in Lebanon, Iran, Gaza and the West Bank and Ukraine cease.”

The visit underscores Spain's strategy to balance relations in a multipolar world.