On March 9, 1973, Spain and China established official diplomatic relations. The Franco regime in Spain recognized the People’s Republic of China, then opposing the Republic of China based in Taiwan since 1949. This shift marked a significant turning point for a Chinese Communist Party that still regards Taiwan as the most sensitive political issue today.
Half a century later, China touts the possibility of becoming Spain’s principal friend within the European Union. Yet, aside from historical significance, celebratory events are sparse and largely cultural or low-key. Diplomatic sources indicate the choice was voluntary, with no major commemorative political events planned on either side given the delicate international geopolitical climate. Since the latest NATO summit, Beijing has been described in Madrid’s strategic planning as a systemic challenge by Western allies. Beijing also maintains a careful ambiguity regarding the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The United States accuses China of seeking to supply weapons, a claim the Communist Party denies. Within China, President Xi Jinping has consolidated power, reaffirming his authority for the third time and silencing dissident currents within the Politburo.
One source notes, “The ministry’s directive is clear: soft, cultural celebrations are acceptable, but hard political themes are not.” Another diplomat present at several meetings adds that there has been zero enthusiasm for talks with the Chinese embassy, aside from a few nonessential exhibition proposals. Both informants point to domestic tensions in China, including unprecedented protests against its zero-Covid policy, which weighed on the economy, as well as international signals such as an uptick in U.S. rhetoric following suspected Chinese spying balloons.
Spain has signaled it will avoid any activity tied to drastic technological changes. Ahead of the 5G security review, Madrid plans to publish a cautionary diplomat’s note on the blacklist of high-risk operators, with Huawei potentially included. This stance reflects a broader caution in European capitals about Chinese technology involvement amid security concerns.
Concerts and talks
When it comes to cultural exchanges, major public events are not expected to dominate the anniversary. The centerpiece is likely to be a commemorative concert on December 1 at the Teatro Monumental in Madrid, featuring a repertoire of Chinese and Spanish music performed by the Spanish Radio and Television Orchestra and Chorus. It is noted that CCTV, China’s state broadcaster, may participate, adding a cross-border dimension to the celebration. [Cite: event planning notes, Madrid cultural scene]
Casa Asia, which curates China-related socio-cultural programming annually, will organize several activities as part of the anniversary. A round-table discussion will explore the 50-year diplomatic arc, a symposium will examine mutual investment opportunities, and author Shuang Xuetao will participate. Collaborations are planned with the Confucius Institute and the Spanish Cervantes Institute to host cultural exchanges in the major cities of both nations.
Teatro Real, not tied directly to the anniversary, is issuing several premieres this year. The opera Nixon in China by American composer John Adams revisits Richard Nixon’s 1972 visit to China and his meeting with Mao Zedong. Casa Asia will seize the moment to organize a colloquium on this historic trip, reflecting on how it helped shape China’s role in the international cultural landscape.
Council Spain China
“The world is navigating a highly complex geopolitical period, where relationships between countries, including Spain and China, are deeply intertwined,” explains Ramón María Moreno, secretary general of the Spanish Council of China Foundation. “Yet the 50th anniversary offers a prime chance to assess the positive aspects of the relationship.”
The Spanish-China Council is a private-sector supported organization operating under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and coordinating with it. At its December 20 board meeting, which included Spain’s ambassador to China, the focus was on 2023 as a pivotal year for bilateral ties. The note on the council’s website stated that 2023 would be evaluated for its positive aspects in the relationship.
Currently, the council’s activities remain limited. An edited Colloquium on China with the Royal Institute of Elcano is planned, along with a potential Beijing meeting of former participants in a program for future Chinese leaders. A broader dialogue about ongoing cooperation continues to surface as a priority for the bilateral relationship.
During a G20 gathering on the Indonesian island of Bali, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez met with President Xi Jinping. The Spanish leader encouraged China to use its influence to urge Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine. In the Chinese government’s press release, 2023 is framed as an important milestone for both nations, described as a period of positive, healthy, and mutually respectful engagement. The communiqué also highlighted Spain’s interest in advancing a more robust Spanish-Chinese Comprehensive Strategic Partnership as the 50th anniversary unfolds. [Cite: G20 summit communiqué]