Spain and China celebrate this year Half a century of diplomatic relations. Spanish ambassador since 9 March 1973 Pedro Cortina and its Chinese counterpart, Huang Zhen, gave way in Paris new institutional phase between both countriesSino-Spanish friendship, cooperation and collaboration have been maintained on the basis of respect. pursuit of common development.
Various state visits carried out by the Governments of Spain and China. at the highest level They have strengthened over the last 50 years fruitful dialogue It experienced one of its turning points with an agreement signed in 2005. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership improving bilateral relations.
Both countries maintain their will Enrich your connections and we are currently investigating new synergies permissive To advance together in strategic areas.
To commemorate the institutional, economic, social and cultural ties that unite both countries, Prensa Ibérica and El Periódico de España from the Ibérica press group, organized together with Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Spain a meeting under the title 50 years of history and a common future. China-Spain relations. The event took place at: Bertelsmann Space in MadridIt brought together nearly a hundred personalities from different sectors connected to the Asian country.
Yao Jingambassador People’s Republic of China in spainIn his speech, he analyzed the value of the historical friendship between the two countries and gave the following assurance: “China is willing to be a good partner of Spain for common development”.
The ambassador argued that both parties “must plan relations from a certain perspective.” strategic height and one long term perspectiveIn addition to strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation, compress main interests Affecting the sovereignty, security and development of two States and progressing in the general direction friendship, mutual trust and cooperation “To establish bilateral relations with strategic precision”.
Yao Jing also noted: “China is Spain’s largest trading partner outside the European Union and Spain is China’s fifth largest trading partner Within the European Union.” In this sense, the Asian giant “Expand your investment in Spain even further and increase import of goods and services high quality”.
In terms of cooperation, the ambassador warned: “Both China and Spain supporters and beneficiaries of multilateralism and globalization“Both sides have a lot of common positions” on this issue, he said. combating global climate change And Easing the situation in Palestine and Israel“.
Finally, Ambassador Yao Jing said: “China, We work with all countries, including Spain to build a world lasting peace, universal security, common prosperity, open, inclusive, beautiful and clean“.
AinhoaMoll, Vice President and Editor-in-Chief of the Presidency Iberian Presshe stated: Relations between Spain and China is “intense and fluid for a long time” and economically “has grown significantly” Application of Spanish companies in China in that China’s investments in strategic sectors Our country”. Communication group management valued the project. Belt and Roadcalled “one” Fundamental element of Chinese foreign policy it depends on free trade, Aiming to improve communication between China and Europe and for its people global development strategy“.
HE cultural change This was one of the main topics that Ainhoa Moll touched upon during his speech, stating that “both China and Spain have their own languages. two great instruments of culture and harmony” And Spanish be there High school academic program in China.
Moll also emphasized the need to have more”dialogue areas“this is a reflection” friendship and mutual respect what is alleged two towns singular personality who values ancient history and exhibits extraordinary experience artistic and cultural heritage“.
Visas and tourism
Relations between China and Spain economy and business activity It is one of the main axes. As Ambassador Yao Jing explained during the meeting, Chinese Government recently launched a pilot initiative from now until the end of 2024, Spanish citizens will not need a visa to travel to Asian countryas long as you stay cannot exceed fifteen days.
At the round table meeting where the meeting took place, Martha WhitePresident CEOE InternationalHe praised China’s initiative and pointed out such initiatives. visa measures They are “extremely positive”. “They emit a signal and it’s builds trust” he stated.
Blanco also said “work together“between different companies and sectors” and “whether governments multilateral organizations“.
Miguel Sanzgeneral manager Institute Tourism from Spain (Turespaña)He agreed to state that this measure constituted “great news”We will make it much easier for Spaniards to go to China“.
Sanz’s thoughts are as follows: tourist links between both countries and continues to do so today China and Spain are on their “honeymoon”. Turespaña representative stated that the Asian giant has become the largest brand in the world in a few years. the world’s first international tourism exporter and its visitors “a highest average expense Visitors to Spain”.
Marta Montoro, manager Chinese Chairtook their stocks It has been 50 years since the official start of China-Spain diplomatic relations: “We’ve gone through many phases and it’s true The friendship between China and Spain is there. really? two friendly countries And that cannot be denied.”
Regarding visas, Montoro said there had been no long delay in shipment and this topicvery cross Because this is not only tourism but also trade already cultural and academic exchanges“.
“What China has done recently with Spain and other countries very commendable and I think this Bilateral agreement on this issue “It will be very positive for relations,” he added. think tank.
cultural exchange
In the framework China-Spain Year of Culture and Tourism Multidisciplinary artist celebrated in 2023 David Cata had the opportunity to be a part Cultural exchange between Spain and China. A three-week stay in the Asian country allowed him Learn about Chinese society, culture and traditions and on his return the young Galician asked Capture all your adventure through art. “Sometimes I had no words and I didn’t know how to explain what I was experiencing.“The artist who confessed this explained feeling “lucky” Thank you for being able to participate in this initiative. So he admitted: “ Chinese culture was truly unknown And it was a very important opportunity to get in touch with him.”
Results
Marta Blanco assured that “there is a lot to work on”. “There There is so much potential, China is definitely a strategic country and we have to do this. studies from the public and private sectorsto jointly improve relations,” added the CEOE director.
Miguel Sanz announced that work is already ongoing “Increase Spain’s interest in China”. Turespaña’s aim is to provide: major Chinese tourism companies “See Spain as a business opportunity; Drawing attention to China in Spain“.
Marta Montoro thinks that the Asian country “remains a great unknown” and therefore Cátedra explained that they are working “to make something very good” from China. promote china “There is still a lot to learn about this country, as the information coming in is not always factual,” he added.
Artist David Catá stated that one of the things that impressed him most during his trip to China was: “Light, people and happiness spread on the streets”. “It’s obvious China’s interest in showing off its culture and build ties,” he concluded.
On March 9, King Felipe VI and Chinese President Xi Jinping exchanged congratulatory messages on this half-century of rapprochement that has allowed us to deepen friendship and cooperation.
While Xi Jinping emphasized the consolidation of a strategic partnership based on mutual respect aimed at increasing closeness between the two peoples, the Spanish monarch underlined in a letter the “continuous and fluid” development of the existing friendly relationship.
Two weeks later, the President of the Spanish Government, Pedro Sánchez, traveled to Beijing on an official visit with the Chinese president in a cordial meeting that served to strengthen bilateral relations between Beijing and Madrid.
In the context of this fiftieth anniversary, Sánchez emphasized that “the world has changed greatly in these fifty years and we are faced with an excellent opportunity to renew the ties that unite us.”
In 2005, together with José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, Moncloa established the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in Spain and China, and this alliance was reinforced with President Xi Jinping’s state visit to our country in 2018.