Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez begins a three-day visit to China on Monday to strengthen commercial ties with the second largest economy in the world, as relations between Madrid and Washington are tense. This is Pedro Sánchez’s fourth visit to China in four years, as the socialist leader seeks to position Spain as a mediator between Beijing and the European Union and its 27 member states.
This visit comes at a time of strained relations with Washington and President Donald Trump’s administration, which has raised concerns among Europeans with its tariffs and unpredictable foreign policy.
Other major economies are also seeking to enhance their exchanges with China, including the United Kingdom, Canada, and Germany, all of which have recently sent leaders or envoys to Beijing. Donald Trump is expected to visit in May.
Pedro Sánchez aims to secure better access to the Chinese market, particularly for agricultural and industrial products, and explore joint contracts in the technology sector. He also plans to attract new investors to the fourth largest economy in the eurozone and improve access to sought-after Chinese raw materials during his visit.
Last year, Spain recorded a trade deficit of 42.3 billion euros with China, with Chinese exports to Spain significantly surpassing Spanish exports to the Asian country. The Spanish government highlights that Spanish exports to China increased by 6.8% in 2025, attributing this growth to the strong ties with Beijing.
During Pedro Sánchez’s visit to China in April 2025, Beijing agreed to expand market access for a range of Spanish products, including pork and cherries. On Monday, Pedro Sánchez will visit the headquarters of Chinese tech giant Xiaomi and attend an exhibition at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. He will then meet with top Chinese leaders on Tuesday, including President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, before holding a press conference.
