China is opening doors a bit wider. Since December 1, several EU states, including Spain, have offered visa-free entry for short tourist visits under 15 days. The measure is set to stay in place through November 30 of next year. For business or educational travel, a visa remains required, but the fee drops from 60 to 45 euros. These steps reflect the government’s current approach to international mobility and economic engagement. Xi Jinping and the acting consul general in Barcelona signaled confidence in the deepening partnership with the EU, with the envoy asserting that the next global economic leap could come from China and underscoring China as a key partner in meeting global challenges. Hu Aimin spoke about removing barriers that hinder investment and travel, signaling a period when China hopes to shed the image of being in a prolonged processing phase and to showcase a strong, attractive economy to attract capital.
Dialogue to reduce differences
Hu Aimin stressed that China’s ties with the European Union are strategic and noted concerns arising from an EU inquiry into certain markets. China has urged a cooperative, rather than protectionist, approach to addressing trade frictions and emphasized dialogue as a path to narrowing gaps. The discussion touched on ongoing collaborations that will unfold in the future, including major manufacturing ventures.
One notable development involves Chery Automobile, which explored opportunities at the former Nissan plant inside the Free Trade Zone. Executives from Chery visited Barcelona, while the commerce ministry highlighted the brand’s potential headquarters as a signal of growing industrial cooperation. While this attraction is seen as promising, forecasts suggest the negotiations will be lengthy due to the scale and significance of the proposed investment.
A further plan includes expanding Air China’s direct flights next year as travel rebounds. In 2024 the airline is expected to increase frequencies, a move that could help raise the number of Chinese visitors to Catalonia’s capital. This year, around 70,000 travelers connected through Air China and a new air bridge with Shenzhen, supporting tourism and business travel alike. About 4,000 Chinese students are currently studying in Barcelona. The Chinese consulate intends to foster a favorable environment for tourism and investment in China and Catalonia, particularly in sectors such as leisure travel, biomedical industries, and automotive development. Insights and outlooks come from official exchanges and business discussions, illustrating a broader strategy to deepen bilateral ties and to diversify collaborative opportunities across tourism, education, and capital flow. (Citation: official statements and bilateral meeting summaries from Chinese and Catalan representatives)