King Felipe VI's State Visit to China Strengthens Strategic and Economic Ties
King Felipe VI’s state visit to China highlights strengthened diplomatic relations and strategic economic cooperation to address trade imbalances and foster bilateral ties.
- • King Felipe VI and Xi Jinping emphasized strong friendship and signed multiple bilateral agreements during the state visit.
- • Spain is actively seeking to rebalance trade with China, where imports far exceed exports, through strategic economic initiatives.
- • Spanish delegation included key ministers, and Queen Letizia engaged in social cooperation activities in Beijing.
- • A business forum with 300 companies and major Spanish firms aimed to enhance Spain-China commercial cooperation.
Key details
King Felipe VI of Spain marked a significant moment in Spain-China relations during his state visit to China on November 12, 2025, underscoring the trust and longstanding friendship between the two nations. The royal visit included a high-level meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the People's Palace in Tiananmen Square, where both leaders emphasized the depth of their countries' cooperation and commitment to peace and development amid global challenges. Several bilateral agreements spanning economic, cultural, and scientific fields were signed, symbolizing a renewed strategic partnership.
President Xi Jinping hailed King Felipe VI as "a good friend of the Chinese people" and reflected on the historical contributions of the Spanish monarchy, beginning with King Juan Carlos I's landmark state visit in 1978. Felipe VI reciprocated by recalling the evolution of mutual trust, highlighting previous diplomatic milestones, including his own visits, and pointing to the institution of the Instituto Cervantes in Beijing as a symbol of cultural exchange.
The Spanish delegation's profile, including Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares and Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo, signaled the importance of diplomacy and economic ties. Queen Letizia's visit to a Beijing disability services center showcased Spain's interest in social and technological cooperation.
Economically, Spain is pursuing a proactive strategy to address a significant trade imbalance with China, where imports are eight times the volume of exports, resulting in a €40 billion deficit in 2024. Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo led discussions promoting Spanish exports—particularly in sectors like pork, pharmaceuticals, and automotive—and enhancing bilateral commercial exchange. A business forum in Chengdu, with participation from 300 companies including major firms such as Inditex and BBVA, was launched to foster business cooperation and market access.
This approach represents Spain’s leadership within the European Union’s nuanced engagement with China, balancing caution with the recognition of China's strategic importance, especially in areas like green technology. Despite internal EU opposition, Spain advances such bilateral efforts as vital for economic resilience and multilateral diplomacy.
The visit concluded with acts of respect including a floral tribute at the Monument of the People's Heroes in Tiananmen Square and a state dinner hosted by President Xi, reflecting the warmth and formality of the growing Spain-China partnership.
This article was translated and synthesized from Spanish sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
Source articles (3)
Source comparison
Historical visits
Sources disagree on the year of Felipe VI's first trip to China.
rtve.es
"Felipe VI recalled the historical visits between Spain and China, including his own first trip in 2000."
dw.com
"Felipe VI recalled the historical context of this visit and the evolution of mutual trust and cooperation between the two nations since then, citing various previous visits, including his own during the 2008 Olympics."
Why this matters: One source states Felipe VI's first trip to China was in 2000, while another source mentions his visit during the 2008 Olympics. This discrepancy affects the understanding of the timeline of diplomatic relations between Spain and China.