Spain and China, a linchpin for dialogue

XULIO RIOS

The visit of Spanish President Pedro Sánchez to China has enabled two important observations. First, that the harmony between both parties persists and that it is revealed as a political capital of great relevance to face common challenges. And second, that both governments are working together to promote dialogue as the main mechanism to find negotiated solutions to tariff tensions with the EU.

On his second visit to China in just over a year, something unusual, and received by President Xi Jinping and the country's top authorities, Sánchez will have been able to take the pulse of the situation at a time when EU-China relations are at a critical juncture. A choice must be made: either consensual solutions that take into account the interests of both parties or a deeper than desired burst of the bubble that China and the EU have managed to build with perseverance in their almost 50 years of formal relations, expressing a constructive dynamic of mutual respect. The Spanish president has offered himself as an interlocutor, a position that in Beijing is not considered mere posturing but of great value to avoid that feared horizon of a systematic confrontation.

Spain, clearly concerned about the immediate effects of opening up a dynamic of trade confrontation with China, goes beyond the implications for one or another sector explicitly threatened by this negative dynamic, emphasizing the principles that should guide us: bilateral dialogue and a multilateral framework. Regardless of the colour of the government in power, this is the constructive approach that has always characterized Spain's position in its relationship with China.

In strictly bilateral terms, both parties have stressed during this visit the importance of paying attention to new economic sectors in the areas of high technology or the green transition, climate cooperation, manufacturing, biotechnology or the aerospace industry, as well as the expansion of cooperation with third countries with an eye on the Global South.

The mission also made it clear that dialogue must not only take place at the summit, between the highest dignitaries of the respective countries, but must permeate the widest possible variety of platforms and actors, from business to social, from central to regional and local power. This dense network is in place as a guarantee of safeguard against tensions.

It is also worth noting the emphasis on the value of the respective cultures as a contextualising support. This is an asset of economic and political value that should not be underestimated, but rather constitutes a firm pillar of a rich and deep communication that can influence the general direction of bilateral ties. Being the only European country that has cultural centres in the two most important cities in China is no small feat.

Avoiding the temptation of restrictions

Only by circumventing trade restrictions will it be possible to strengthen and deepen relations. This starting point is also the key to Spain being able to provide an adequate response to the bilateral trade imbalance and encourage the presence of more companies in China.

For this to be feasible, it is also important that the media make their contribution, giving timely account of the significance of some far-reaching decisions that are being made in China and that affect economic dynamics, pointing to a new projection in the opening. Knowing these trends is essential to establish informed strategies and optimize new opportunities, this time without being left behind.

The international environment is complex and the commitments of each party can sometimes make it difficult to exercise autonomy that would provide the necessary leeway; however, if both parties adopt the commitment to stabilization as their main trend, this can be effectively preserved.

Spain's tradition of commitment to peace is well-regarded in China and is undoubtedly a letter of introduction that can facilitate involvement in promoting peace processes in conflicts such as Ukraine or Gaza that are worrying the international community. These options should be explored.

Next year, we will celebrate 20 years of comprehensive strategic partnership. Both sides hope to use this commemoration to foster a new momentum. This will be possible as long as we emerge unscathed from the current frictions, with political trust in place and guiding principles reaffirmed. The stakes are high.

Xulio Ríos is Emeritus Advisor to the Chinese Policy Observatory.