Madrid Unveils New Asia-Pacific Strategy
Spain has formally announced a new Asia-Pacific strategy, signaling a strategic pivot to deepen its engagement with China. The document, outlining Madrid's priorities for the next three years, emphasizes building stronger political and financial links with Beijing. This move is part of Spain's broader effort to reinforce its comprehensive strategic partnership with China.
The strategy calls for increased high-level meetings and economic exchanges between the two nations, while also encouraging other European countries to coordinate their approach to Beijing. Spanish officials have indicated that this recalibration is partly influenced by a desire to diversify international dependencies and adapt to evolving global dynamics.
Royal Visit Solidifies Bilateral Cooperation
A significant milestone in this strengthened relationship was the state visit of King Felipe VI to China from November 11 to 13, 2025. This marked the first visit by a Spanish monarch to China in 18 years and coincided with the 20th anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, established in 2005.
During the visit, King Felipe VI met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, and the two leaders oversaw the signing of 10 cooperation agreements. These agreements span various sectors, including trade, economic collaboration, science and technology, education, and language exchanges. President Xi Jinping expressed China's readiness to work with Spain to forge a comprehensive strategic partnership with 'greater strategic determination, dynamism and global influence'.
Economic and Strategic Initiatives
The newly signed agreements and the broader Asia-Pacific strategy place a strong emphasis on economic cooperation. Key objectives include facilitating Spanish exports, particularly high-quality food products such as pork and cherries, and broadening access to the Chinese market. Spain is also actively seeking to attract more Chinese investment, with a focus on strategic sectors like renewable energy, green hydrogen, electric vehicles, and battery production.
Despite a significant trade imbalance—with Spain importing €45 billion from China in 2024 compared to €7.5 billion in exports—Madrid is committed to fostering a more balanced economic relationship. An Action Plan for Strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2025–2028), published in April 2025, further details areas of cooperation, including agriculture, science and technology, innovation, green development, and people-to-people exchanges.
Spain's Pragmatic Stance in Europe
Spain's proactive engagement with China positions it as a pragmatic voice within the European Union. Madrid has demonstrated a willingness to pursue its own economic interests with Beijing, notably by abstaining from a vote on EU tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles in October 2024. This approach highlights Spain's strategy to balance its European commitments with the economic opportunities presented by closer ties with China.
5 Comments
Mariposa
This trade imbalance is a disaster waiting to happen. Spain will be swamped by Chinese imports.
Bermudez
It's good to see Spain pursuing its own economic interests, but the long-term geopolitical implications of deepening ties with China, especially given its 'dominance' agenda, warrant careful scrutiny. Strategic independence is vital.
Africa
Selling out strategic sectors like EVs and batteries to China? A huge national security risk.
Coccinella
Boosting exports like pork and cherries is positive for Spanish agriculture, however, the article highlights the massive trade imbalance, which this strategy may struggle to fully rectify without more significant structural changes. It's an uphill battle.
ZmeeLove
Finally, some common sense. Diversifying partners is key in today's world economy.