Felipe VI and Xi Jinping signed ten bilateral agreements in Beijing, boosting cooperation between Spain and China in trade, science and culture.
King Felipe VI of Spain met with President Xi Jinping of China on Wednesday at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, marking the high point of the Spanish royal couple’s state visit.
The meeting underscored the strength of bilateral relations between the two nations, celebrating both the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the 20th anniversary of their Strategic Partnership.
The day began with an official welcome ceremony, followed by meetings with Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and Zhao Leji, head of the National People’s Congress.
Felipe VI highlighted the progress since King Juan Carlos I’s historic 1978 visit, noting that “Spain and China have built a relationship of mutual trust based on respect and shared prosperity.”
For his part, Xi Jinping described the relationship as “an example of friendly coexistence and joint development between countries with different histories and systems.” Quoting a Chinese proverb, he added: “He who has a friend has a treasure.”
Following the talks, both sides signed ten cooperation agreements covering economic, agricultural, scientific and cultural areas, including aquaculture protocols, food safety measures, and a film co-production deal.
At the state dinner later that evening, hosted by Xi Jinping and First Lady Peng Liyuan, Felipe VI emphasized “the importance of China’s voice and commitment in addressing global challenges.” He reiterated Spain’s support for a “rules-based international order, multilateralism, and cooperation.”
The banquet featured Peking duck, Yangzhou-style fried rice and Chinese wines, symbolizing the growing sophistication of the country’s wine industry. Ministers, business leaders and academics from both nations attended, reinforcing the diplomatic and economic dimension of the visit.
Economic relations between Spain and China have grown steadily, with bilateral trade surpassing €50 billion in 2024.
Chinese investment in renewable energy and electric vehicle manufacturing has increased, while Spanish companies operate in energy, services and consulting sectors. Felipe VI described China as “Spain’s main trading partner outside the European Union.”
Earlier in the day, the royal couple paid tribute to China’s fallen heroes at Tiananmen Square and visited the National Disability Service Center, where Queen Letizia and Peng Liyuan observed technological innovations such as AI-assisted guide dogs and real-time translation glasses.
The visit concluded with a cultural highlight: Felipe VI and Xi Jinping attended the debut concert of Spain’s Teatro Real Orchestra at Beijing’s National Centre for the Performing Arts.
Program featured classic Spanish works, including Manuel de Falla’s El amor brujo and Amadeo Vives’s La canción del ruiseñor.
In his closing remarks, Felipe VI described the relationship between Spain and China as “a mature, modern and forward-looking partnership.”
Xi Jinping echoed that sentiment, affirming that the friendship between the two nations “will endure and continue to bring prosperity to both peoples.” The state visit thus reinforced a renewed era of collaboration — one where diplomacy, commerce and culture intertwine as the foundations of a strengthened bond between China and Spain.
