The Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, met today with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi. Credit: exteriores.gob.es
Spain’s Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Hangzhou today (October 15) to deepen bilateral relations and announce new diplomatic and educational initiatives between Spain and China.
New Spanish embassy in China
During the meeting, both leaders agreed to create a new structured intergovernmental meeting format to formalise bilateral cooperation at the highest level.
Albares confirmed that construction of a new Spanish Embassy headquarters in Beijing will begin in 2026, bringing together consular, administrative, and diplomatic offices in a €10 million project.
“We have agreed to develop and formalise our relations even further through the creation of an intergovernmental-level meeting,” Albares said, calling it a step that elevates Spain–China ties to “the highest level.”
The visit coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Spain and China, first signed in 2005.
Spanish businesses seek access to Chinese markets
Economic cooperation was a key focus of the meeting. Albares urged his counterpart to ensure reciprocity and balance in trade and public procurement, particularly in sectors such as agri-food, automotive, renewable energy, and pork exports.
Following a roundtable with Spanish companies based in China, Albares reiterated the need for a “level playing field” in trade relations, aligning with EU efforts to promote fair competition with Beijing.
Albares’ visit also included the inauguration of the Beihang Valencia Polytechnic Institute (BVPI), the first Spanish university campus offering in-person teaching in China. The institute, a joint project between Beihang University and the Polytechnic University of Valencia, will host around 2,000 students, offering undergraduate to doctoral programmes.
“This new campus marks a milestone in our countries’ relations,” Albares said. “It is a pioneering project uniting two traditions of academic excellence.”
US–China tensions
The visit comes amid heightened global trade tensions, with US President Donald Trump threatening to expel Spain for not meeting NATO’s proposed 5 per cent defence spending target.
Speaking from China, Albares defended Spain’s stance, affirming that “Spain is a solid and reliable ally of NATO,” while maintaining that its outreach to China reflects a “global and pro-European foreign policy.”
According to El País, the Chinese state press described Spain’s approach as “pragmatic and stabilising” within the EU–China relationship.
For British and European expats in Spain and Asia, stronger bilateral cooperation could mean expanded trade opportunities, education links, and consular support in China. The new embassy will also streamline services for Spanish citizens and companies operating in the region.
Spanish–Chinese relations are expected to continue strengthening ahead of King Felipe VI’s official visit to China in November.
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