China-Spain ties counter uncertainty
In an era marked by significant shifts in global trade dynamics, the partnership between China and Spain is becoming increasingly important. As the world navigates the reconfiguration of global value chains, accelerated digitalization, the energy transition, and rising geopolitical tensions, the China-Spain relationship is an example of how two open economies of different scales can generate mutual benefits.
The partnership not only contributes to international economic stability but also reinforces dialogue between China and the European Union.
The global economy faces a combination of economic uncertainty, strategic rivalry and accelerated technological change. Trade tensions between the United States and China, the slowdown in global growth and post-pandemic disruptions highlight the need for solid and diversified bilateral relations.
China-Spain cooperation can contribute to this in several ways. Spain plays a key role in the European market, particularly in renewable energy, infrastructure, agriculture, transportation, and tourism. For China, Spain is both a significant trading partner and a strategic entry point into the European market.
In turn, China is Spain's largest trading partner outside the EU and remains an essential driver of global growth, an international investor, and a growing technological actor. This complementarity fosters trade, diversifies risks and opens new opportunities for companies in both countries.
Given the increasing economic fragmentation, the bilateral relationship between China and Spain helps counter the trends of commercial or technological decoupling that could negatively affect the global economy.
Strengthening logistical connectivity, such as consolidating rail and maritime routes, enhances supply chain resilience. Cooperation in sectors such as renewable energy, industrial technology, and agri-food helps mitigate global shocks and achieve a more balanced recovery in international trade.
The ties between China and Spain also energize the dialogue between China and the EU at a time of strategic "redefinition". Brussels' complex framework, which categorizes China as a "partner, competitor, and systemic rival", highlights the importance of member states capable of building bridges. Spain, with a diplomatic history of supporting multilateralism and global trade stability, is well-positioned to facilitate an understanding between European institutions and Beijing.
In economic and regulatory terms, Spain can act as a catalyst within the European market, helping to reduce tensions and promote a pragmatic approach based on clear rules. Emerging sectors such as energy storage, green hydrogen, smart grids, and industrial digitalization offer opportunities for joint projects that could serve as benchmarks for future initiatives between China and other European countries.
Spain has expertise in economic governance, energy integration and public policy design, which are key elements in European discussions on open strategic autonomy. Constructive cooperation with China shows that it is possible to protect European interests by establishing mutually beneficial economic relations and more diversified value chains.
The green transition offers the greatest cooperation potential. Both China and Spain share ambitious decarbonization objectives and technological development in clean energy.
Spain is a major European player in wind and solar energy and has a consolidated business ecosystem. China is the world's largest producer of photovoltaic technologies, batteries, electric vehicles, and hydrogen-related components.
Bilateral collaboration enables the development of joint projects, cost reduction through economies of scale, technological exchange and accelerated innovation.
Given that energy transition requires massive investments and secure supply chains, the complementarity between China and Spain strengthens European energy stability and provides access to critical decarbonization technologies.
The partnership is already producing tangible results. The joint venture between Chinese carmaker Chery and Spanish Ebro-EV Motors in Barcelona, with an investment of 400 million euros ($468 million), demonstrates industrial cooperation in electric mobility.
Similarly, the CATL-Stellantis gigafactory in Zaragoza, valued at approximately 4.1 billion euros and scheduled to begin operations by the end of 2026, represents one of China's largest investments in Spain.
These projects, alongside collaborations in solar energy, wind power, and smart grids, illustrate the depth of Sino-Spanish collaboration in the green transition, strengthen technological exchange and accelerate the adoption of clean energy solutions in both countries.
Also, LONGi Solar, a leading Chinese photovoltaic manufacturer, has partnered with Spanish distributors to expand high-efficiency solar panels across the Iberian Peninsula.
Similarly, Envision Energy, a Chinese wind turbine company, has collaborated with Spanish renewable developers to install smart wind projects in Castile and León. The joint deployment of electric cargo-handling equipment at the port of Valencia, financed partly by Chinese investment, is expected to greatly reduce carbon dioxide emissions, exemplifying tangible results in sustainable logistics. These demonstrate that China and Spain are generating measurable outcomes in renewable energy, technological innovation and decarbonization.
Moreover, climate diplomacy has become an essential element. Spain actively participates in multilateral climate negotiations, while China plays an indispensable role in global mitigation and adaptation objectives. Technical cooperation promotes convergence in climate policies and strengthens global environmental governance.
Bilateral cooperation also encompasses social, cultural, and scientific dimensions that strengthen mutual trust.
University collaboration and joint research open interaction spaces in fields such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, public health and industrial digitalization. Academic exchanges and shared innovation projects strengthen institutional ties and foster more competitive scientific ecosystems.
In the cultural and tourism sphere, flows between both societies help improve mutual understanding. The number of Chinese tourists visiting Spain has increased significantly in recent years, and post-pandemic recovery offers new opportunities to diversify destinations and promote bilateral cultural exchange. The expansion of digital platforms and creative economies generates additional opportunities in audiovisual and cultural industries.
Looking to the future, interdependence in green technologies, trade digitalization, and the need for resilient supply chains will be central premises of bilateral ties. If both countries maintain their commitment to multilateralism, innovation, and economic openness, the Sino-Spanish relationship will remain relevant and could become one of the strongest pillars of cooperation between Europe and Asia in the coming decades.
The author is a professor of international relations at the Francisco de Vitoria University in Madrid.
The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
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