spanish prime minister visit to china

• News News about the activity of the President of the Government of Spain
• Speeches Transcripts of events and appearances; interviews and articles by the President of the Government of Spain
• Videos Videos of the President of the Government of Spain at events and appearances
• Biography Introduction to and curriculum vitae of the President of the Government of Spain
• Write to the President How to contact the President of the Government of Spain
• Presidents since 1978 List of democratic presidents of the Government of Spain
• Government Organisational Structure President, Vice-Presidents and Ministers of the current Government of Spain
• Functioning of the Council of Ministers What the Council of Ministers is and how it is organised
• Activity of the Council of Ministers Highlights of the press conferences held after the Council of Ministers
• News News from the ministerial departments of the Government of Spain
• Governments by Legislature Members of governments since 1978
• Information Offices Functions and list of the Spanish State’s foreign policy support bodies
• Regulation for International Media Correspondents Accreditation of foreign press correspondents and special envoys
• Press Accreditation Description of the procedure to be accredited by the Secretary of State for Communication
• Subscribe to weekly newsletter Subscription to the newsletter with the latest information from the La Moncloa website
• Constitution Content of the supreme rule of the Spanish legal system. State symbols
• Organization of Spain Key aspects of the powers and territorial organisation of the Spanish State
• President >

Trip to China by the President of the Government

Pedro Sánchez: "I have conveyed to Xi Jinping that Spain supports Zelenski's Formula for Peace and I have encouraged him to hold talks with the Ukrainian President"

President's News - 2023.3.31

The president has met with the three highest authorities in the country: President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang and the President of the National People's Congress, Zhao Leji.

Beijing (China)

The President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, has met in Beijing with the President of the People's Republic of China, Xi Jinping, during his official visit that has also included two bilateral meetings with the Premier Li Qiang and the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, Zhao Leji.

This trip, President Sánchez underlined, has taken place at a particularly symbolic moment for the two countries, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. "The world has changed enormously in five decades, so this is an excellent opportunity to renew the ties that bind us", he said.

Pedro Sánchez has met with the three highest authorities in the country: President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang and the President of the National People's Congress, Zhao Leji. These bilateral meetings have been hugely profitable for exploring three subjects in depth: the relaunching of relations between China and Spain after the pandemic, EU-Chinese relations, and several of the global and strategic challenges that define the current international situation.

Spain and China have today adopted several agreements and laid the foundations to give new impetus to cooperation between the two countries. This was emphasised by the President of the Government, who noted that they will now resume the High-Level Dialogues established in 2018, strengthen cooperation in economic and trade matters and resume the Joint Commission for Economic and Industrial Cooperation. "We are also going to expand the Spanish embassy in Beijing, with a new finance counsellor's office," he said.

During the official trip, President Sánchez also met with a group of businessmen based in China. "I have asked the Chinese authorities to work to ease the conditions for foreign companies," he said. As far as bilateral trade relations are concerned, the President of the Government welcomed the adoption of two phytosanitary protocols for the export of persimmon and almonds, for which the Chinese market has enormous potential. "The sector forecasts that by 2025, some 50,000 tonnes of Spanish almonds could be exported to China, representing more than 40% of production". In this context, the president has conveyed to the Chinese authorities his willingness to speed up the adoption of protocols of this nature for more agri-food products.

On the subject of tourism and culture, the President of the Government recalled that the Spain-China Dual Year of Culture and Tourism will be celebrated in 2023, and welcomed the fact that Spain has been included in the list of countries to which Chinese travellers can travel in groups. In this context, President Sánchez was able to hear first-hand the needs of the Chinese tour operator sector during a meeting in which they expressed their great interest in the Spanish tourism offer. "In 2019, more than 700,000 Chinese tourists chose Spain as a holiday destination and we hope to soon be able to recover the pre-pandemic figures and even surpass them," the president said. "We are making every effort to facilitate the issuing of the corresponding visas to Chinese tourists, and I am happy to announce that we will be holding a new edition of the Spain-China Tourism Forum this year," he said.

During the visit, an important agreement was reached for the opening of a Cervantes Centre in Shanghai. "We will become the first country in the world with two cultural centres in the People's Republic of China," he announced. "The prime minister himself has indicated to me that this is a highly exceptional measure and an expression of the friendship and cooperation between our two countries," the president highlighted.

The trip was also an opportunity to discuss cooperation in education and sports. In this regard, Spain and China have today signed the new Education Cooperation Programme for the years 2023-2026, and a memorandum of understanding between the Higher Council for Sports and its Chinese counterpart.

The President of the Government had the opportunity to discuss EU-Chinese relations with the Chinese authorities. As the country that will assume the presidency of the Council of the EU next July, Spain will try to boost relations between the two regions, "which are called upon to cooperate", said the president, and especially in global challenges such as climate change, the strengthening of multilateralism and the fight against growing inequality. "I have conveyed to the Chinese authorities that we welcome the resumption of the EU-China Human Rights Dialogue and my hope that this dialogue will be ongoing", he said.

In economic and trade matters, the President of the Government conveyed to the Chinese authorities the need to find a better balance in our economic and trade relations, respecting the rules of the game, improving transparency and guaranteeing reciprocity in access to markets, matters he also addressed this Wednesday at the annual conference of the Boao Forum for Asia. "These changes are necessary for the global economy to continue to grow and to guarantee the EU's open strategic autonomy, the two main objectives that are currently guiding Spanish foreign policy", he explained.

The bilateral meetings between the president and the country's three highest authorities have also served to address global issues, and in this regard, he was able to convey his concern about Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. Pedro Sánchez stressed the need to continue to support a just and lasting peace, in accordance with the United Nations Charter, and one that respects the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity of the attacked country, Ukraine, as called for by President Zelenski in his Formula for Peace, which Spain supports, as Pedro Sánchez expressed to President Xi. He encouraged the President of the People's Republic of China to hold talks with President Zelenski, as it is Ukraine's right to decide on the conditions for accepting negotiations.

"Some take it for granted that the 21st century will be a century of fragmentation, warlike tensions and division between blocs, but we believe that a drift of this kind would benefit no one and that it need not happen," he stressed. In this regard, he emphasised that among the protectionism and mistrust that loom on the horizon, Spain will defend realistic and fair openness and trust between partners, based on symmetrical cooperation, mutual benefit and respect for the rules.

Non official translation

Meeting between the President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, and the President of the People's Republic of China, Xi Jinping (Pool Moncloa/Borja Puig de la Bellacasa)

• Pedro Sánchez meets Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Beijing and the two countries sign four cooperation agreements (2023/03/31)
• Pedro Sánchez: "Europe and Asia must join forces to address global challenges and seize every opportunity to promote dialogue and cooperation" (2023/03/30)
• Spain and China sign agreements allowing Spanish almonds and persimmons to be exported to China (2023/03/31)

This website uses its own and third-party cookies to maintain the session, offer a better user experience and obtain statistical data on user navigation. For more information see Cookies policy

Spanish PM seeks international image with China visit

Madrid (AFP) – Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez begins Thursday a visit to China he hopes will show Spain has gained global influence under his watch ahead of a tight year-end general election.

Issued on: 29/03/2023 - 14:56 Modified: 29/03/2023 - 14:55

The two-day visit comes as Spain is gearing up to take over the European Union's rotating presidency in July which will also serve to project the country on the world stage.

Sanchez will attend the high-profile Boao Forum for Asia on the Chinese island of Hainan on Thursday before meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.

He will be only the second leader of a European country to visit China since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic three years ago, after German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's visit in 2022.

Sanchez said last week that Xi's invitation proves "the international recognition given to Spain during a time of such complex geopolitical difficulties."

Sanchez's talks will focus on the Ukraine conflict, with Xi trying present himself as a mediator.

The world should listen to China's "voice" in order to find a way out of the war in Ukraine, Sanchez said on Friday ahead of his visit to Beijing.

'Facilitator'

Spain is not "in the first division of global actors" and is not "decisive regarding strategic issues relating to China or Russia," said Jose Ignacio Torreblanca, a senior fellow with the European Council for Foreign Relations.

But the country has "easy" ties with Beijing and it "could act as a facilitator," he told AFP.

Sanchez, a socialist, has made international affairs a priority since he came to power in June 2018, in contrast to his conservative predecessor.

Spain lost influence in the EU, especially during the country's deep economic downturn sparked by the 2008 global financial crisis, said Raquel Garcia, an analyst with Madrid's Elcano Royal Institute, a think tank.

But in recent years Madrid has had "a much more pro-active attitude when it comes to defending its positions, presenting its ideas" in Brussels, she added.

Sanchez managed in 2019 to get his then foreign minister, Josep Borrell, named as the EU's foreign policy chief.

The Spanish premier has also taken advantage of "the loss in leadership of the Franco-German axis" to present Spain as a country that can "make the difference when it is time to form alliances," said Garcia.

Sanchez has been a staunch ally of Ukraine and has visited the country twice since Russia's invasion.

'Reinforce his leadership'

Despite being on the other end of Europe, Spain has welcomed 165,000 Ukrainian refugees, according to Eurostat.

Within the EU, only Poland, Germany and the Czech Republic have received more.

"Spain is not part of the G7 and is only invited as a guest to G20 meetings. It is in Europe where it can best exercise a certain form of leadership," said Garcia.

Having a clear position on Ukraine is "a way to reinforce his leadership" on "the issue which is central in the EU", she added.

Spain's upcoming presidency of the EU will also be the focus of Sanchez's talks with Xi.

"China wants to obtain precise things from the European Union and wants to get closer to Pedro Sanchez" for this reason, said Torreblanca.

Sanchez's taste for diplomacy could also be an asset in the run-up to a general election expected in December, even if the campaign will not focus on international relations.

"The temptation exists to take advantage of foreign policy for electoral purposes for a very simple reason: it's a subject where the opposition does not act," said Torreblanca.

Most polls put the main opposition conservative Popular Party (PP) several percentage points ahead of Sanchez's Socialists.

The content you requested does not exist or is not available anymore.

• The Ministry Main Responsibilities Departments Related Agencies Tour the Ministry The Minister Speeches Activities Principal Officials Biographies Activities Missions Overseas Chinese Embassies Chinese Consulates General Chinese Missions to International Organizations and Representative Offices Abroad News From Mission Overseas
• Policies and Activities Activities Diplomatic Agenda New Ambassadors Speeches Communiques Foreign Policies
• Press and Media Service Spokesperson's Remarks Regular Press Conference Spokesperson's Remarks  Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian International Press Center
• Countries and Regions Asia Africa Europe North America South America Oceania Regional Organizations and Issues
• About China
• Resources Diplomatic History New China's Diplomacy Over the Past 50 Years Events and Issues Diplomatic Figures Former Ministers Former Vice Ministers and Assistant Ministers Ambassadors Consuls General Protocol ABC

Xi Jinping Meets with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón

On the afternoon of March 31, 2023, President Xi Jinping met with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón, who was on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People.

Xi Jinping asked Sánchez to convey his sincere greetings to King Felipe VI of Spain. Xi Jinping pointed out that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Spain. Over the past half century, China and Spain have adhered to mutual respect and exchange and dialogue, actively carried out mutually beneficial cooperation, and established and developed a comprehensive strategic partnership. China is committed to advancing Chinese modernization on all fronts through high-quality development, which will provide other countries, including Spain, with a broader market and more cooperation opportunities. China is ready to work with Spain to take the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations as a new starting point to deepen and substantiate mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.

Xi Jinping stressed that the two sides should adhere to planning bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, stay committed to the fundamentals of mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Spain, and support each other on issues concerning respective core interests including sovereignty, security and development. The two countries should follow the general direction of friendship, mutual trust and cooperation, and be strategically focused in developing bilateral relations. The two sides should synergize development strategies and tap into cooperation potential. China is willing to import more quality goods from Spain and hopes that Spain will provide a fair and just business environment for Chinese companies. China and Spain are both countries with ancient civilizations and great cultures of global influence. The two sides should ensure the success of the China-Spain Year of Culture and Tourism, promote dialogue and exchanges among world civilizations, maintain close communication within multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations and the G20, and make positive contributions to tackling the common challenges facing humanity.

Xi Jinping stressed that the sound development of China-EU relations requires the EU to uphold strategic independence. Both China and the EU uphold multilateralism, the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and the peaceful settlement of international disputes. The two sides should be partners on the road to modernization and good friends that address global challenges together. China is ready to carry out comprehensive dialogue and cooperation with the EU in the spirit of independence, mutual respect, mutual benefit, and seeking common ground while shelving differences, so as to fulfill their responsibilities for world peace and development. He expressed the hope that Spain will play a positive role in promoting dialogue and cooperation between China and the EU.

Sánchez conveyed cordial greetings from King Felipe VI to Xi Jinping. Sánchez said that it gave him great pleasure to visit China this year on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Spain and China. As the world is full of uncertainties, it is only through cooperation that countries can meet various challenges more effectively and promote world peace and global development. Spain is willing to maintain candid communication and dialogue with China, constantly enhance mutual trust, deepen bilateral mutually beneficial cooperation, especially cooperation in areas including electric vehicles, green energy and digital economy, strengthen communication and coordination on climate change and other international and regional issues, and jointly promote further development of Spain-China relations. Spain will take over the rotating presidency of the EU in the second half of this year, and will commit itself to promoting dialogue and cooperation between the EU and China.

The two sides exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis. Xi Jinping stressed that China’s position is consistent and clear, which is promoting peace talks and political settlement. The Cold War mentality and bloc confrontation should be abandoned, and so should extreme sanctions and pressure. He expressed the hope that relevant parties will build a balanced, effective and sustainable European security architecture through dialogue and consultation.

Sánchez briefed on the views of Spain and said that Spain speaks positively of the document titled “China’s Position on the Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis”, and appreciates China’s constructive role in the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis.

Wang Yi and Qin Gang, among others, were present at the event.

• Xi Jinping Sends Message of Congratulation to New Zealand's New Governor-General Cindy Kiro
• Speech by H.E. Xi Jinping President of the People's Republic of China at the Conference Marking the 50th Anniversary of the Restoration of the Lawful Seat of the People's Republic of China in the United Nations
• Xi Jinping Attends the Conference Marking the 50th Anniversary of the Restoration of the Lawful Seat of the People's Republic of China in the United Nations and Delivers an Important Speech
• Xi Jinping Sends a Congratulatory Message to Shavkat Mirziyoyev on Election as Uzbek President
• Xi Jinping Meets with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres
• Xi Jinping Exchanges Messages of Congratulations with Belgium's King Philippe on the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of China-Belgium Diplomatic Ties Li Keqiang Exchanges Messages of Congratulations with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo
• Xi Jinping Speaks with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on the Phone

Spanish PM to talk Ukraine war and peace with China’s Xi Jinping

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez arrives in Beijing for a meeting with Xi Jinping and talks that will also focus on ending the war in Ukraine.

Madrid, Spain – When Chinese President Xi Jinping meets Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in Beijing this week, they will ostensibly be celebrating half a century of diplomatic relations by discussing economic and trade ties.

However, the real subject for conversation between the two leaders will be the fate of Ukraine , analysts said, as Spain is about to join international efforts to end the invasion by Russia.

Keep reading

Russia-ukraine war tests unity of spain’s left-wing government, spain appoints new ambassador to venezuela as relations thaw, will spain’s new position on western sahara make a difference, spain offers citizenship to freed nicaraguan political prisoners.

Spain has been thrust centre-stage as a possible diplomatic interlocutor in the conflict because it takes over the European Union’s rotating presidency in July at a time when Europe is experiencing its first major land war since World War II.

The Spanish premier will be keen to let the Chinese Communist Party leader know when they meet on Friday that he believes Ukraine should have a right to decide on any possible peace agreement with Russia.

On February 24, exactly one year after Russia invaded Ukraine, Xi published a 12-point plan which China claimed offered a path out of the crisis in Ukraine. The plan received a cool reception from Western leaders who claimed China lacked credibility – and impartiality regarding Moscow – to lead peace efforts.

Xi, on a two-day visit to Moscow last week, made it clear to observers that he sees himself as a global mediator, including in the war between Moscow and Kyiv.

Sánchez has made no secret of the fact he wants to use the visit to China to drive home his views on what he called the “global crisis” caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine .

The Spanish premier said that during his state visit to China he would push for a fair peace in the war in Ukraine, one which guaranteed “territorial integrity”.

“The most important thing…is that when this peace is reached in Ukraine, it will be fair and lasting… and when we talk about fair, I mean that the territorial integrity of Ukraine, which has been violated by Russia, is respected,” Sánchez said during a news conference on Saturday at a meeting of Latin American leaders in the Dominican Republic.

At the same time, Sánchez said the world should listen to China’s plan for peace.

“China is a global actor, so obviously we must listen to its voice to see if between all of us, we can put an end to this war and Ukraine can recover its territorial integrity,” he said on Friday during a meeting in Madrid.

Earlier, the Spanish leader said any peace talks must be based on respect for international order established by the United Nations.

Sánchez also said it was important that Spain play a role at “such a complicated moment in geopolitical difficulties”.

‘Spain could be key’

Mario Esteban, senior investigator on Asia at the Real Elcano Institute, a think tank in Madrid, said all eyes will be on whether Spain can play a role in forging a peace deal in Ukraine.

“Spain has spent a lot of time talking to China about Ukraine,” Esteban said.

“Sánchez spoke to Xi in Bali [G20 conference in November] and [Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel] Albares spoke to Qin Gang [Chinese foreign minister] in New Delhi earlier this month,” he told Al Jazeera.

“Spain understands that China is an important diplomatic interlocutor for Ukraine. At the same time, Spain has the EU presidency. So, for China, there is a major interest in trying to see if Spain can play a role.”

Esteban said Spain has been clear that it believes Ukraine should decide its own future, but it remains to be seen if Spain can help to secure a peace deal.

“At times, things like this start with great expectations but we have to see what happens,” he said.

Sánchez has been keen for Spain to play a greater role on the international stage since coming to power in 2018. Spain is also a staunch supporter of NATO and has had United States fighter jets based at two military bases in the south of the country for decades as part of a deal with Washington.

Since Brexit lessened Britain’s role in Europe and Italy voted for an unstable right-wing coalition government, Spain has assumed a more important role in Europe.

Ruth Ferrero, an expert in European relations at the University of Complutense in Madrid, said China was trying to act as a global mediator in the war between Russia and Ukraine, and Spain was in a good position to participate in peace efforts.

“All attempts at mediation take time. China wants to see if Spain, which takes the EU presidency in the second half of the year, could be involved,” she told Al Jazeera.

“The presidency of Spain could be key. It starts at a time when other factors are coming to fruition: the Leopard tanks will have arrived in Ukraine. On the other hand, you have the demand by the International Criminal Court to indict Putin for war crimes,” Ferrero said.

Ferrero said she believes that possible peace talks could come to fruition this summer.

The Spanish prime minister will hold commercial meetings during the Boao Forum for Asia on the Chinese island of Hainan on Thursday before travelling to Beijing to meet Xi on Friday.

• Sign in / Join

Username or email

Keep me signed in until I sign out

China’s Xi Jinping invites Pedro Sánchez on state visit at end of March

Chinese President Xi Jinping has invited Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to Beijing for a state visit as Xi tries to galvanise support for China’s peace proposal for Ukraine .

Spain’s minister for the presidency, Félix Bolaños , confirmed late Wednesday that Sánchez would visit China on 30-31 March, citing Xi’s ‘possible mediation in the war in Ukraine’ as a key reason for the visit.

‘The visit of Pedro Sánchez  to China highlights the importance to the government in international relations. And also, to facilitate economic and trade relations between China and Spain,’ said Bolaños.

Spain takes over the European Union’s rotating presidency in July, and Sánchez has portrayed his nation on the world stage as a staunch NATO ally of Ukraine.

He plans to hold commercially focused meetings during the Boao Forum for Asia on the Chinese island of Hainan on 30 March before travelling to Beijing to meet with Xi on 31 March, the prime minister’s office said.

Xi met in Moscow with Russian President Vladimir Putin this week to promote Beijing’s peace plan for Ukraine, which Western nations have all but dismissed as unviable. Putin said it could be a basis for ending the fighting when the West is ready but added that Ukraine’s Western allies have not shown interest.

La visita de @sanchezcastejon a China pone en valor cuál es la importancia que tiene el presidente del Gobierno en las relaciones internacionales. Y también, facilitar las relaciones económicas y comerciales entre China y España. 🇨🇳 🤝 🇪🇸 Félix Bolaños #DefiendeLoQuePiensas pic.twitter.com/kwKsIPD9qj — PSOE (@PSOE) March 23, 2023

Sign up  for the FREE Weekly Newsletter from Spain in English.

Please support  Spain in English with a donation.

Click here to get your business activity or services listed on our DIRECTORY.

Click here for further details on how to ADVERTISE with us.

Spain’s far-right Vox group fails in no-confidence vote against government

1,500 evacuated as spain’s wildfires start early, recent posts, spain advances to euro knockout round after beating defending champions italy, two beluga whales evacuated from war-torn ukraine to valencia aquarium, five migrants found dead on boat off canary islands, with 68 others rescued, iberian lynx species rebounds from brink of extinction, due to conservation efforts, formula 1 showcase in central barcelona, amid protests from environmental groups, tour de france will commence from barcelona in 2026, leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Privacy Overview

Advertisement

Spain’s prime minister plans to visit Beijing for talks on China’s contentious peace proposal.

China has been trying to build support for its proposal to start peace talks, but Ukraine’s allies hold that its call for an immediate cease-fire would only help Russia consolidate territorial gains.

• Share full article

By José Bautista

• March 23, 2023

MADRID — The Spanish prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, will travel next week to China for talks with President Xi Jinping, and intends to discuss China’s framework for negotiating a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine, he announced on Thursday.

Mr. Sánchez, speaking to reporters at a European Union meeting in Brussels, said he intended to “find out first hand” what Mr. Xi’s peace framework consists of and to transmit the message that Ukraine must establish the conditions for talks.

Mr. Xi, who just returned to Beijing after a state visit to Moscow , has been trying to build support for his peace framework, which has received a cold reception in the West . The United States and other allies of Ukraine have said China’s proposal for an immediate cease-fire would only help Russia consolidate its territorial gains.

“The most important thing is to guarantee a stable and lasting peace,” Mr. Sánchez said. “And that means respecting the United Nations Charter, the territorial integrity that is being violated by Russia in Ukraine and the conditions established by the Ukrainians to start the peace dialogue.”

Spain under Mr. Sánchez has been a staunch ally of Ukraine, sending military supplies and promising to contribute modern battle tanks to Kyiv’s war effort. But the Spanish prime minister has also signaled that he is open to the possibility that China, which has remained allied with Russia, might be able to mediate peace talks, a position that differentiates him from other European leaders.

Spain takes over the European Union’s rotating presidency for six months in July, giving Mr. Sánchez a bigger platform for influencing the bloc than he usually has.

Mr. Sánchez’s trip takes place in the context of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Spain and China, and the two countries expect to reach trade agreements, a senior official in Mr. Sánchez’s office said.

The prime minister will begin his trip next Thursday, with economic meetings on the Chinese island of Hainan, at the Boao Forum for Asia, a conference modeled after the annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The next day, he will travel to Beijing for meetings with Mr. Xi, Prime Minister Li Qiang and Zhao Leji, the chairman of the National People’s Congress, his office said.

The Spanish defense ministry confirmed on Thursday that it was shipping six modern Leopard tanks to Ukraine next week after tests. “Once the pending firing tests are completed, at the end of next week, the tanks will be ready to be sent to Ukraine,” defense officials said.

Our Coverage of the War in Ukraine

News and Analysis

President Vladimir Putin of Russia and North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un, revived a Cold War-era mutual defense pledge  between their nations, a deepening  of ties  propelled by Putin’s need for munitions to use against Ukraine.

Mark Rutte, the departing prime minister of the Netherlands who has guided more than $3 billion in Dutch military support to Ukraine since 2022, is poised to become NATO’s next secretary general .

The European Union will impose economic penalties targeting some shipments of Russian natural gas  for the first time, hoping to deprive Moscow of income.

Inside Russia’s Chechen Units: After hundreds of years of enmity with Russia, Chechens are deploying to Ukraine to fight Moscow’s war .

Narrowing Press Freedoms: Journalists in Ukraine say they are subject to increasing restrictions and pressure from the government , adding that the measures go beyond wartime security needs.

Belugas Escape Ukraine: A pair of beluga whales were transported out of danger in Kharkiv to an aquarium in Spain in an incredibly complex rescue .

How We Verify Our Reporting

Our team of visual journalists analyzes satellite images, photographs , videos and radio transmissions  to independently confirm troop movements and other details.

We monitor and authenticate reports on social media, corroborating these with eyewitness accounts and interviews. Read more about our reporting efforts .

• China Daily PDF
• China Daily E-paper
• Cross-Strait
• Cover Story
• Environment

Xi meets Spanish PM

BEIJING - Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Beijing on Friday.

Xi asked Sanchez to convey his best regards to King Felipe VI of Spain. Xi said that over the past half century, China and Spain have adhered to the principles of mutual respect, exchange and dialogue, actively carried out mutually beneficial cooperation, and established and developed a comprehensive strategic partnership.

"China is committed to promoting Chinese modernization in a comprehensive way through high-quality development, which will provide other countries, including Spain, with a broader market and more cooperation opportunities," Xi said.

He said China is ready to work with Spain to use the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties as a new starting point to deepen and strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.

The two sides should plan bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, adhere to the fundamentals of mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Spain, and support each other on issues concerning core interests, such as sovereignty, security and development, Xi said. The two countries should follow the general direction of friendship, mutual trust and cooperation in developing bilateral relations, he added.

Calling on the two sides to synergize development strategies and tap into cooperation potential, Xi said China is willing to import more quality Spanish goods and hopes that Spain will provide a fair and just business environment for Chinese companies.

Noting that China and Spain are both countries with ancient civilizations and great cultures of global influence, Xi said the two sides should ensure the success of the China-Spain year of culture and tourism, promote dialogue and exchanges among world civilizations, and make positive contributions to handling the common challenges of humanity.

"The sound development of China-European Union relations requires the EU to uphold strategic independence," Xi said, adding that both sides should be partners on the road to modernization and good friends that address global challenges together.

Xi said China is ready to carry out comprehensive dialogue and cooperation with the EU in the spirit of independence, mutual respect, mutual benefit, and seeking common ground while shelving differences.

He expressed the hope that Spain would play a positive role in promoting dialogue and cooperation between China and the EU.

Sanchez conveyed cordial greetings from King Felipe VI to Xi.

As the world is full of uncertainties, it is only through cooperation that countries can meet various challenges more effectively and promote world peace and global development, Sanchez said.

He said Spain is willing to maintain candid communication and dialogue with China, constantly enhance mutual trust, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, especially in areas such as electric vehicles, green energy and digital economy, strengthen communication and coordination on international and regional issues such as climate change, and jointly promote the further development of bilateral relations.

Spain will take over the rotating presidency of the EU in the second half of this year, and will commit itself to promoting dialogue and cooperation between the EU and China, Sanchez said.

The two sides also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis.

Xi stressed that China's position is consistent and clear, which is promoting peace talks and political settlement. He said the Cold War mentality and bloc confrontation should be abandoned, and extreme sanctions and pressure should be done away with. He expressed the hope that relevant parties would build a balanced, effective and sustainable European security architecture through dialogue and consultation.

Sanchez said that Spain speaks positively of the document on China's position on the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, and appreciates China's constructive role in the political settlement of the crisis.

• US violates one-China principle in Taiwan arms sale
• Hainan conference highlights importance of real-world medical data
• Buddha's tooth relic stupa celebrates 60th anniversary in Beijing
• Local rangers protect bird habitats in Hainan
• Guidelines impose criminal penalties on 'staunch supporters of Taiwan independence'
• Ocean World in Guangzhou reopens on June 25

• Today's news
• Reviews and deals
• Climate change
• 2024 election
• Fall allergies
• Health news
• Mental health
• Sexual health
• Family health
• So mini ways
• Unapologetically
• Buying guides

Entertainment

• How to Watch
• My watchlist
• Stock market
• Biden economy
• Personal finance
• Stocks: most active
• Stocks: gainers
• Stocks: losers
• Trending tickers
• World indices
• US Treasury bonds
• Top mutual funds
• Highest open interest
• Highest implied volatility
• Currency converter
• Basic materials
• Communication services
• Consumer cyclical
• Consumer defensive
• Financial services
• Industrials
• Real estate
• Mutual funds
• Credit cards
• Balance transfer cards
• Cash back cards
• Rewards cards
• Travel cards
• Online checking
• High-yield savings
• Money market
• Home equity loan
• Personal loans
• Student loans
• Options pit
• Fantasy football
• Pro Pick 'Em
• College Pick 'Em
• Fantasy baseball
• Fantasy hockey
• Fantasy basketball
• Download the app
• Daily fantasy
• Scores and schedules
• GameChannel
• World Baseball Classic
• Premier League
• CONCACAF League
• Champions League
• Motorsports
• Horse racing
• Newsletters

New on Yahoo

• Privacy Dashboard

China's Xi invites Spanish PM on state visit next week

• Oops! Something went wrong. Please try again later. More content below

MADRID (AP) — Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has accepted an invitation from Chinese President Xi Jinping to make a state visit to Beijing as Xi tries to galvanize support for China's peace proposal for Ukraine.

Sánchez plans to be in China on March 30-31, Spain’s minister for the presidency, Félix Bolaños, said late Wednesday, citing Xi’s “possible mediation in the war in Ukraine” as a key reason for the visit.

Spain takes over the European Union's rotating presidency in July, and Sánchez has portrayed his nation on the world stage as a staunch NATO ally of Ukraine.

Sánchez told reporters in Brussels, where he was attending an EU summit on Thursday, that he would “find out first hand what (China’s) position is for peace in Ukraine, and transmit the message that the Ukrainians will be the ones who establish the conditions for peace.”

He plans to hold commercially focused meetings during the Boao Forum for Asia on the Chinese island of Hainan on March 30 before traveling to Beijing to meet with Xi on March 31, Sánchez's office said.

“China and Spain enjoy sustained, sound and stable development of relations," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Thursday when asked about the prime minister's visit. “The two leaders maintain good communication,” he added, without providing further details.

Xi met in Moscow with Russian President Vladimir Putin this week to promote Beijing’s peace plan for Ukraine, which Western nations have all but dismissed as unviable. Putin said it could be a basis for ending the fighting when the West is ready but added that Ukraine's Western allies have not shown interest.

Follow AP's coverage of the war in Ukraine: https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine

Recommended Stories

Pornhub to leave five more states over age-verification laws.

Pornhub will block access to its site in five more states in the coming weeks.

Top RBs for fantasy football 2024, according to our experts

The Yahoo Fantasy football analysts reveal their first running back rankings for the 2024 NFL season.

Los Angeles Kings reveal new logo design inspired by Wayne Gretzky era

The Kings' new logo is heavily inspired by the '90s look sported by Gretzky in his peak, but features the 1967 crown and other slight updates.

NFL offseason power rankings: No. 30 Denver Broncos are a mess Sean Payton signed up for

The Broncos are still reeling from the Russell Wilson trade.

NFL teams in the worst shape for 2024 | The Exempt List

On today's episode, Charles McDonald is joined by Frank Schwab to predict how the worst six teams in the NFL will fare in 2024.

Raiders unveil new way to lose $20,000 in Las Vegas: A tailgating 'party shack'

Just split it with 20 friends and it's $1,000 each!

Chicago Bulls trade Alex Caruso to Oklahoma City Thunder, receive Josh Giddey in return: Report

The trade marks a homecoming for Caruso, who started his career with the franchise, while sending Giddey to Chicago as a young playmaker.

Ravens reveal their one-game-only 'Purple Rising' helmet, which should be worn full time

These helmets are too cool to keep locked up for 51 weeks a year.

Tiger Woods' son Charlie wins USGA qualifier to play in U.S. Junior Amateur championship

Charlie, 15, is the same age his father was when Tiger won the first of this three straight U.S. Junior Amateur championships in 1991.

Dealer says he sold LeBron James a Bugatti. LeBron replies: 'LIARS!'

A California high-end car dealership “congratulated” NBA legend LeBron James for all to see on Instagram about his "purchase." LeBron James begs to differ.

Lydia Jacoby won gold at 17, then learned the brutal, complicated pitfalls of Olympic stardom

Three years ago, 17-year-old Lydia Jacoby won gold in Tokyo. Now, she'll deal with the disappointment of not qualifying for Paris.

Top 2024 fantasy football quarterbacks, according to our experts

The Yahoo Fantasy football analysts reveal their first quarterback rankings for the 2024 NFL season.

Astros calling up pitcher Jake Bloss from Double-A to face Orioles on Friday

The Houston Astros are calling up pitcher Jake Bloss to face the Baltimore Orioles on Friday. There's no time for him to progress through the minors right now.

Anthony Michael Hall on going from '80s 'kid actor' to 'elder statesman' on 'Trigger Warning' decades after Brat Pack

Forty years after "Sixteen Candles," the '80s icon is busy making movies. "There wasn’t a Plan B," he tells Yahoo of his career path, which has him starring in a Netflix film with Jessica Alba.

Sparks star rookie Cameron Brink carried off court with knee injury vs. Sun

Brink grabbed her knee in pain after falling to the court and needed the help of trainers to carry her from the court.

Stanley Cup Final: Connor McDavid has a chance to do something not even Wayne Gretzky ever did

McDavid has one more game to force one more game, and perhaps fulfill a legacy everyone saw coming.

Stocks enter shortened trading week near record highs: What to know this week

Markets will kick off a holiday-shortened trading week after ending last week at record highs.

Astros place Justin Verlander on IL in another blow to injured rotation

Verlander will lose a $35 million player option and become a free agent this offseason if he falls short of an innings threshold.

Best midsize trucks for 2024

New pickup buyers who need truck utility without the dimensions of a full-size model have lots of choices. Here are the best midsize trucks for 2024.

Lashinda Demus will get her Olympic gold medal ... 12 years later

Demus will receive her gold medal at a ceremony at the foot of the Eiffel Tower during the 2024 Summer Olympics.

On the morning of March 31, 2023, Premier Li Qiang of the State Council held talks in the Great Hall of the People with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón on his official visit to China.

Li Qiang said that Spain is a major country of the European Union (EU), and plays a positive and important role in regional and international affairs. China is ready to work with Spain to take the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries as an opportunity, to constantly deepen friendship, expand cooperation across the board, and engage in close multilateral coordination, so as to jointly push for a new development of a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries and make positive contribution to world economic recovery and growth.

Li Qiang said that China and Spain should consolidate political mutual trust, increase exchanges and communication, and create synergy between their respective development strategies. China appreciates Spain for its long-term commitment to the one-China policy. The two countries are both promoters and beneficiaries of multilateralism and globalization, and should take a clear-cut stand against unilateralism and protectionism, jointly safeguard the international order and international system with the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter as the core, and jointly defend stable and unimpeded industrial and supply chains. China is ready to work with Spain to develop trade and investment, strengthen industrial alignment, foster such new growth sources of cooperation as new energy and advanced materials, and deepen Belt and Road cooperation. More Spanish enterprises are welcome to invest and do business in China, and it is hoped that Spain will continue to provide Chinese enterprises with a fair, just and non-discriminatory market environment. Both sides should focus on the China-Spain Year of Culture and Tourism to host rich and colorful events of cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

Li Qiang said that Spain is a trustworthy partner of China in the EU. A steady China-EU relationship serves the interests of the two sides, and is conducive to the solidarity of the international community in response to challenges. China always firmly supports European integration and strategic autonomy, and both sides should strengthen communication and coordination, follow the attitude of respect and equality to engage in exchanges and dialogue, seek common ground while shelving differences, be well prepared for the China-EU leaders’ meeting this year, ensure the success of high-level dialogue in various fields, enhance complement of respective advantages, and jointly foster such new growth engines of cooperation as digital economy, green and environmental conservation, and artificial intelligence. China stands ready to work with the EU to adhere to true multilateralism, reject bloc confrontation and a new Cold War, and join hands to safeguard world peace and stability.

Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón said that Spain views China as an important strategic cooperative partner, and hopes to further enhance bilateral exchanges and dialogue in the post-pandemic era to strive for greater development of Spain-China relations. Spain is ready to work with China to take the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations as an opportunity, to deepen cooperation in such fields as economy and trade, investment, culture, education and tourism, and achieve mutual benefits and win-win outcomes. EU-China relations are very important, and both sides enjoy tremendous opportunities for cooperation. Spain supports the EU and China in strengthening exchanges and cooperation, and will give a strong boost to this endeavor during the rotating EU Presidency in the second half of this year. Spain and the EU are both firmly committed to the one-China policy.

After the talks, Li Qiang and Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón jointly witnessed the signing of bilateral cooperation documents in such fields as education, customs, and sports.

Before the talks, Li Qiang held a welcome ceremony for Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón at the North Hall of the Great Hall of the People.

Qin Gang, among others, attended the events.

• Premier Li Qiang Meets the Press: Full Transcript of Questions and Answers    (2023-03-13)
• Li Qiang Meets with International Delegates Attending the Annual Meeting of the China Development Forum 2023    (2023-03-28)
• Li Qiang Meets with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva    (2023-03-29)
• Li Qiang Meets with Prime Minister of Côte d'Ivoire Patrick Jérôme Achi    (2023-03-30)
• Following the Vision of a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind and Bringing More Certainty to World Peace and Development    (2023-03-30)
• JOINT ANNOUNCEMENT BETWEEN THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA AND THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN ALL-ROUND HIGH-QUALITY FUTURE-ORIENTED PARTNERSHIP    (2023-04-01)
• Li Qiang Holds Talks with Delegates of Chinese and Foreign Business Leaders    (2023-03-30)
• Li Qiang Meets with Members of the Board of Directors of the Boao Forum for Asia    (2023-03-30)

This copy is for your personal, non-commercial use only. To order presentation-ready copies for distribution to your colleagues, clients or customers visit http://www.djreprints.com.

https://www.barrons.com/news/spanish-pm-seeks-international-image-with-china-visit-aefbb770

• FROM AFP NEWS

Spanish PM Seeks International Image With China Visit

• Order Reprints
• Print Article

Sanchez will be only the second leader of a European country to visit China since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez begins Thursday a visit to China he hopes will show Spain has gained global influence under his watch ahead of a tight year-end general election.

The two-day visit comes as Spain is gearing up to take over the European Union's rotating presidency in July which will also serve to project the country on the world stage.

Sanchez will attend the high-profile Boao Forum for Asia on the Chinese island of Hainan on Thursday before meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.

He will be only the second leader of a European country to visit China since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic three years ago, after German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's visit in 2022.

Sanchez said last week that Xi's invitation proves "the international recognition given to Spain during a time of such complex geopolitical difficulties."

Sanchez's talks will focus on the Ukraine conflict, with Xi trying present himself as a mediator.

The world should listen to China's "voice" in order to find a way out of the war in Ukraine, Sanchez said on Friday ahead of his visit to Beijing.

Spain is not "in the first division of global actors" and is not "decisive regarding strategic issues relating to China or Russia," said Jose Ignacio Torreblanca, a senior fellow with the European Council for Foreign Relations.

But the country has "easy" ties with Beijing and it "could act as a facilitator," he told AFP.

Sanchez, a socialist, has made international affairs a priority since he came to power in June 2018, in contrast to his conservative predecessor.

Spain lost influence in the EU, especially during the country's deep economic downturn sparked by the 2008 global financial crisis, said Raquel Garcia, an analyst with Madrid's Elcano Royal Institute, a think tank.

But in recent years Madrid has had "a much more pro-active attitude when it comes to defending its positions, presenting its ideas" in Brussels, she added.

Sanchez managed in 2019 to get his then foreign minister, Josep Borrell, named as the EU's foreign policy chief.

The Spanish premier has also taken advantage of "the loss in leadership of the Franco-German axis" to present Spain as a country that can "make the difference when it is time to form alliances," said Garcia.

Sanchez has been a staunch ally of Ukraine and has visited the country twice since Russia's invasion.

Despite being on the other end of Europe, Spain has welcomed 165,000 Ukrainian refugees, according to Eurostat.

Within the EU, only Poland, Germany and the Czech Republic have received more.

"Spain is not part of the G7 and is only invited as a guest to G20 meetings. It is in Europe where it can best exercise a certain form of leadership," said Garcia.

Having a clear position on Ukraine is "a way to reinforce his leadership" on "the issue which is central in the EU", she added.

Spain's upcoming presidency of the EU will also be the focus of Sanchez's talks with Xi.

"China wants to obtain precise things from the European Union and wants to get closer to Pedro Sanchez" for this reason, said Torreblanca.

Sanchez's taste for diplomacy could also be an asset in the run-up to a general election expected in December, even if the campaign will not focus on international relations.

"The temptation exists to take advantage of foreign policy for electoral purposes for a very simple reason: it's a subject where the opposition does not act," said Torreblanca.

Most polls put the main opposition conservative Popular Party (PP) several percentage points ahead of Sanchez's Socialists.

An error has occurred, please try again later.

This article has been sent to

• Cryptocurrencies
• Stock Picks
• Barron's Live
• Barron's Stock Screen
• Personal Finance
• Advisor Directory

Memberships

• Subscribe to Barron's
• Saved Articles
• Newsletters
• Video Center

Customer Service

• Customer Center
• The Wall Street Journal
• MarketWatch
• Investor's Business Daily
• Mansion Global
• Financial News London

For Business

• Corporate Subscriptions

For Education

• Investing in Education

For Advertisers

• Press & Media Inquiries
• Advertising
• Subscriber Benefits
• Manage Notifications
• Manage Alerts

About Barron's

• Live Events

Copyright ©2024 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved

This copy is for your personal, non-commercial use only. Distribution and use of this material are governed by our Subscriber Agreement and by copyright law. For non-personal use or to order multiple copies, please contact Dow Jones Reprints at 1-800-843-0008 or visit www.djreprints.com.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2023 in Boao, south China's Hainan Province, March 30, 2023. Photo:Xinhua

Giant panda family deemed as bridge of friendship between Spain and China.

A China-Europe train carrying 100 standard containers of China-made small commodities and ceramic products left Yiwu, a major ...

This photo taken on March 24, 2023 shows solar panels of the Francisco Pizarro photovoltaic power plant in ...

• Notifications

ASSESSMENTS

The weekly rundown: south american foreign ministers visit china, the spanish premier announces his political future.

Apr 27, 2024 | 13:00 GMT

(JORGE GUERRERO/AFP via Getty Images)

What We're Tracking

South American foreign ministers visit China. The foreign ministers of Argentina, Bolivia and Peru will travel to China and meet with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, with Argentine Foreign Minister Diana Mondino arriving April 27 and Bolivian Minister of Foreign Affairs Celinda Sosa Lunda and Peruvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Javier Gonzalez-Olaechea Franco arriving April 28. As the three countries possess large lithium and copper reserves, the meetings will likely focus on trade as well as further Chinese investment in Peru's and Bolivia's mining sectors. Meetings between Mondino and Wang will likely be strained given elevated tensions between the countries following Argentine President Javier Milei's threat during his 2023 campaign to cut off ties with China. The Argentina-China meeting will likely focus on stabilizing relations and showing businesses in both countries that a break in relations is not impending. To this end, Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Wang Wenbin on April 25 stated that the countries are "integral strategic partners" and that China is willing to deepen bilateral ties with Argentina. 

Spain's prime minister announces his political future. Spanish Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is expected to make an announcement about his political future on April 29 following his surprise decision April 25 to suspend public appearances after a court in Madrid announced an investigation into his wife for alleged influence-peddling and corruption. Sanchez could simply ask parliament to hold a vote of confidence on his government, which he would likely win. But should he announce his resignation, the Spanish legislature will have to appoint a new premier, who is likely to come from the same center-left majority that currently supports Sanchez. If parliament fails to appoint a prime minister for two months, then an early general election would be required.

The president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo visits France. Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi will meet French President Emmanuel Macron during an April 29-30 state visit to France. Topping the Congolese president's agenda will be the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, with Tshisekedi likely seeking stronger military cooperation with Paris as well as encouraging Macron and French lawmakers more strongly to condemn Rwandan support for March 23 Movement rebels operating in eastern Congo. Macron and Tshisekedi are also likely to discuss bilateral and EU-Congo cooperation in the field of strategic minerals such as cobalt, which plays a critical role in the manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries used to power electric vehicles — and of which Congo is the No. 1 producer globally. Tshisekedi will also attend a convention of France's leading employers federation with the goal of attracting French investments into Congo, especially in the mining, agriculture and energy sectors. 

Foreign officials meet in Saudi Arabia to discuss Gaza. Saudi Arabia will host foreign officials including U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and potentially British Foreign Secretary David Cameron, on April 29 in Riyadh to discuss the future of Gaza including postwar governance and humanitarian assistance. While the Palestinian Authority will likely have representation, neither Israel nor Hamas will. The meeting comes as the United States is constructing a temporary pier in Gaza to increase the flow of humanitarian aid as the Gaza Strip faces significant food insecurity. While this is unlikely to result in many concrete plans, especially for Palestinian-led governance after military operations end, aid efforts will likely increase.

Recommended Reading

Despite the Gaza War, Morocco-Israel Defense Ties Look Set to Deepen

Pressure from its pro-Palestinian population will not deter Morocco from using Israeli technology to expand its domestic weapons capabilities, as Rabat seeks to catch up to Algeria’s military power and position itself as an arms exporter.

In Moldova, Two Key Votes Portend More Pro-Russian Political Agitation

In the lead-up to the October presidential election and referendum on Moldova's EU integration, Moscow and its Moldovan political allies will step up their efforts to destabilize the country's pro-European government.

Gauging the Risk of a Systemic Financial Crisis in China

Without productivity-enhancing economic reform, China's economic growth will likely continue to slow amid insufficient demand and continued over-investment.

Visit the podcasts page to hear conversations about geopolitical and risk intelligence.

• Türkiye

Middle East

Asia - Pacific

• Infographics

Environment

Science-Technology

Company News

Finance Terminal

Anadolu Images

Energy Terminal

Discrimination Line

Fact Check Line

Corporate News

Spanish premier’s visit to Beijing brings Spain closer to China, but not on Ukraine

Pedro sanchez reiterates support for ukraine’s proposed peace plan.

OVIEDO, Spain

 Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Friday said that his official visit to China allowed him to deepen bilateral ties and encourage China to back Ukraine against Russia’s “illegal aggression.”

In his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Sanchez said he shared Spain’s support for Ukraine’s peace plan — not China’s — and encouraged the Chinese leader to talk to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

“There are those who assume that the 21st century will be fragmented, divided and marked by conflict. We don’t think that will benefit anyone,” said Sanchez. “So instead of protectionism, Spain will always defend opening to partners.”

“The future can be one of international prosperity and cooperation, and I think this visit to China is helping us build that,” he continued.

When asked by reporters to share Xi’s position on Ukraine, Sanchez refused to offer any details.

The Spanish prime minister also held separate meetings with Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang and top legislator Zhao Leji on Friday.

As a result, Spain and China decided to restart the high-level dialogue that began in 2018, expand the Spanish Embassy in Beijing and restart the commission for industrial cooperation.

“Spain wants a balanced and respectful relationship based on reciprocity that will benefit us both,” Sanchez said.

In line with correcting the massive trade imbalance between China and Spain, he announced that Beijing has approved imports of almonds and persimmons from Spain.

According to Sanchez, that will mean by 2025, 40% of Spain’s almond production will be exported to China. The Spanish prime minister encouraged Chinese authorities for more similar approvals and to make it easier for Spanish companies to do business in China.

Meanwhile, the countries agreed that Spain will open a new Cervantes Institute in Shanghai, making it “the first country with more than one official cultural center in China,” said Sanchez.

Tourism was another subject of discussion, and the Spanish prime minister announced that a China-Spain tourism forum would be held in June.

Sanchez said he also discussed Spain taking over the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU in July.

In that role, Sanchez said Spain will try to bring the EU and China together on questions like human rights and improve symmetrical trade relations.

“The relationship between the EU and China is complicated. It’s also very important,” he said.

Related topics

Bu haberi paylaşın.

UN unable to pick up supplies from Kerem Shalom crossing since June 18: Spokesman

'humanitarian needs in afghanistan remain alarmingly high': un, no planned visit 'at the moment' by un's cyprus envoy to island: spokesman, un chief calls humanitarian aid situation in gaza 'total lawlessness', world 'cannot afford lebanon to become another gaza,' un chief warns, related news.

Ukraine seal comeback win against Slovakia 2-1 in their 1st points at EURO 2024

Russia carried out 14 strikes against Ukraine in a week: Russian Defense Ministry

Slovakia’s Defense Ministry to file complaint about donation of fighter jets to Ukraine

Manila plays down sea clashes with China

Torrential rains kill another 38 in southern China

EU gives green light to accession talks with Moldova, Ukraine

Changing cookie preferences, your opinions matter to us.

• Election 2024
• Entertainment
• Newsletters
• Photography
• Personal Finance
• AP Investigations
• AP Buyline Personal Finance
• AP Buyline Shopping
• Press Releases
• Israel-Hamas War
• Russia-Ukraine War
• Global elections
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East
• Election Results
• Delegate Tracker
• AP & Elections
• Auto Racing
• 2024 Paris Olympic Games
• Movie reviews
• Book reviews
• Personal finance
• Financial Markets
• Business Highlights
• Financial wellness
• Artificial Intelligence
• Social Media

Malaysian leader Anwar says China a ‘true friend’ and not to be feared as Premier Li ends visit

In this photo released by Malaysia’s Department of Information, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim speak during a business luncheon with China’s Premier Li Qiang at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Thursday, June 20, 2024. (Malaysia’s Department of Information via AP)

In this photo released by Malaysia’s Department of Information, China’s Premier Li Qiang speaks during a business luncheon with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Thursday, June 20, 2024. (Malaysia’s Department of Information via AP)

In this photo released by Malaysia’s Department of Information, China’s Premier Li, center left, and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, center right, attend during a business luncheon at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Thursday, June 20, 2024. (Malaysia’s Department of Information via AP)

In this photo released by Malaysia’s Department of Information, China’s Premier Li speaks during business luncheon with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Thursday, June 20, 2024. (Malaysia’s Department of Information via AP)

In this photo released by Malaysia’s Department of Information, China’s Premier Li speaks during a business luncheon with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Thursday, June 20, 2024. (Malaysia’s Department of Information via AP)

• Copy Link copied

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Thursday rejected the notion that China’s dominance is to be feared, calling China a “true friend” at the end of Premier Li Qiang’s visit to mark 50 years of diplomatic ties between their countries.

While the leaders raised some contentious bilateral issues, Anwar said they discussed them as “equal partners, as trusted friends.” He didn’t give details but was likely referring to the prickly issue of overlapping territorial claims in the South China Sea .

“People say, well, Malaysia is a growing economy. Don’t let China abuse its privilege and extort from the country. I said no. To the contrary, we want to benefit from one another, we want to learn from one another and we want to profit from this engagement,” Anwar told some 200 business leaders at a luncheon attended by Li.

His words will be welcomed by China’s leadership, which finds itself increasingly at odds with countries from the Philippines to Japan as it grows as a regional power in Asia. During his visit, Li held up what he called the “friendship” between China and Malaysia as a positive example for country-to-country relations in the region.

Anwar said he rebuked the “incessant propaganda that we should cast aspersions and fear the dominance of China economically, militarily, technologically.”

“We do not. We in Malaysia, having a neutral stance, have the resolve to work with all countries and with China,” he said. “We see Premier Li Qiang as a friend that would work together with us.”

Li, who is China’s No. 2 leader after President Xi Jinping, was the first Chinese premier to visit Malaysia since 2015. He flew in for a three-day visit on Tuesday on the last leg of a regional tour. Li was also the first Chinese premier to visit New Zealand and then Australia in seven years.

The two leaders on Wednesday agreed that China and other claimant countries in Southeast Asia should tackle the South China Sea dispute “independently and properly” through dialogue and cooperation, and via bilateral settlement.

No details were given but the statement came amid concerns the dispute could escalate tensions between the U.S. and China. The U.S. renewed a warning Tuesday that it is obligated to defend treaty ally Philippines, after Chinese forces seized two Philippine boats delivering food and supplies to a military outpost in a disputed shoal and injured several Filipino navy personnel.

Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Taiwan all dispute Beijing’s claims to almost the entire South China Sea. Malaysia’s government prefers diplomatic channels and rarely criticizes Beijing publicly, even though Chinese coast guard ships have sailed near Malaysia’s waters. This is partly to protect economic ties as China has been Malaysia’s top trading partner since 2009. Bilateral trade surged to $98.8 billion last year, accounting for 17% of Malaysia’s global trade.

At the luncheon, Li urged businesses to expand cooperation in emerging fields such as green development, digital economy and artificial intelligence.

“The journey of China and Malaysia over the past 50 years... is like an expedition where two people have joined hands and waded through mountains and rivers, and won a milestone full of achievements. It also marks the official beginning of the next journey full of hope,” Li said.

Li was given a red carpet ceremonial send-off and an honor guard as he departed for home later Thursday.

The two countries renewed a five-year trade and economic cooperation pact on Wednesday and inked a rash of pacts to cooperate in various sectors.

The Trade Ministry said 11 more memorandums were signed between Malaysian and Chinese entities on Thursday that could bring in potential investment of 13.2 billion ringgit ($2.8 billion). These included proposed collaborations in high value-added sector such as oil and gas, energy, education, agriculture, automotive and utility services, it said in a statement.

A joint statement by the two governments Thursday said China will extend visa-free travel for Malaysian tourists until end-2025, while Malaysia will reciprocate with a longer period until end-2026.

It said the two countries will also jointly nominate the lion dance, a cultural dance performed during Lunar New Year and festivals, to be on the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage. About a quarter of Malaysia’s 33 million people are ethnic Chinese.

Spain's PM Sanchez to push for 'territorial integrity' for Ukraine in China visit

• Medium Text

Sign up here.

Reporting by Paul Mathiasen in Santo Domingo, writing by Cassandra Garrison; Editing by Robert Birsel

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. New Tab , opens new tab

World Chevron

Italy recovers 14 more bodies after migrant shipwreck

Italy's coast guard recovered 14 more bodies on Friday from a migrant shipwreck off the southern Calabria region which caused at least 34 casualties, a statement said.

Visa-free travel to China welcomed by people wanting to reunite with family

Jenny Zhang has plans to travel to China soon to reunite with her 100-year-old mum, and she has welcomed a move to give Australians visa-free entry for short trips.

"This is the best policy. It will provide great convenience to Chinese people living in Australia," she said.

"The Chinese community is very happy about this news."

The 15-day visa-free travel for Australians was announced by Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Monday, after a formal meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

"We agreed to provide each other with reciprocal access to five-year multiple entry visas for tourism, business and visiting family members — so as to better facilitate personal exchanges, China will also include Australia in its Visa Waiver Program," the premier said.

This change will also save Australians about $110, the current cost for a single-entry tourist visa.

The new visa-free travel scheme is due to come in within the next few months.

China's tourism industry peaked in 2019 at a value of $580 billion and has been recovering slowly, according to Statista.

They had forecast that it could take another five years to bounce back to pre-pandemic levels.

Not everyone happy with move

While Ms Zhang was thrilled with the upcoming change, Ramila Chanisheff, the president of the Australian Uyghur Tangritagh Women's Association said it would not help members of her community.

"Our family members … we can not even talk to them — let alone visit them," she told the ABC.

"Not all of us will be given visas to visit our family members. And if we do, we will be worried about our safety."

Dawa Sangmo, the Chinese liaison officer of the Tibet Information Office in Canberra raised similar worries.

"The visa-free policy is not only an issue that relates to our safety, but a matter that is more beneficial to China and its government," she told the ABC.

There was not much detail in the announcement, but Premier Li did mention it would be "reciprocal", making it easier for Chinese travellers to enter Australia.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the second highest amount of tourists visiting Australia came from China, only behind arrivals from New Zealand, as of April this year.

However, overall, the amount of people travelling out of China is down 40 per cent from pre-COVID levels in 2019, Reuters reported.

• X (formerly Twitter)

Related Stories

Beijing offers visa-free entry to australians with defence talks flagged to avoid military clashes.

Calls for government assistance as Chinese tour groups allowed to return to Australia

'You are a liar': Chinese wannabe working holiday-makers furious over suspension of visa applications

• Federal Government
• Foreign Affairs
• Government and Politics
• Tourism and Leisure Industry
• World Politics

We've detected unusual activity from your computer network

To continue, please click the box below to let us know you're not a robot.

Why did this happen?

Please make sure your browser supports JavaScript and cookies and that you are not blocking them from loading. For more information you can review our Terms of Service and Cookie Policy .

For inquiries related to this message please contact our support team and provide the reference ID below.