Spanish PM Sanchez Visits China to Boost Trade and Geopolitical Ties

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez began an official visit to China from April 11 to 15, 2026, marking his fourth trip to the country in four years. The visit is intended to strengthen commercial ties and pursue a policy of strategic autonomy, a diplomatic course that has created tension with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Spain has advocated for the expansion of trade and the treatment of China as a strategic ally. This position contrasts with the approach of the Trump administration, which views China as an economic and geopolitical rival.

Trade Deficits and Export Goals

A primary economic objective for Madrid is to reduce a trade deficit that nearly reached $50 billion in 2025, more than doubling over a four-year period. The Spanish government aims to increase manufacturing and agricultural exports to China to offset the high volume of Chinese imports.

Spanish officials are seeking a regionalisation agreement for poultry exports, which have been impacted by bird flu outbreaks. A previous similar agreement for the pork industry is credited with preventing significant losses during an African swine fever outbreak.

Despite these goals, Sanchez did not bring a business delegation on this trip, and no major deals are scheduled.

Chinese Investment in Spain

Data from the Spanish Economy Ministry shows a significant increase in Chinese investment in Spain. Chinese firms invested 643 million euros in 2025, an increase from 149 million euros in 2024. Between 2010 and 2025, total Chinese investment in Spain reached 9.7 billion euros, with the majority directed toward the energy sector and the extractive industry.

Chinese ambassador to Spain Yao Jing stated that Spain is more reasonable in dealing with China and that the country has its own judgment, its own interests, it wants access to Chinese markets. So we do business.

Geopolitical Tensions with the United States

The visit occurs amid friction between Madrid and Washington. President Trump has criticized Spain for its relatively low defense spending and for denying landing rights to U.S. Forces during the war with Iran. Trump has also threatened to penalize NATO military allies that he deems uncooperative.

While Sanchez’s independent diplomatic approach is popular with Spanish voters, it has caused concern among opposition politicians and business leaders. Some fear that friction with the U.S. Administration could result in significant costs for the Spanish economy.

The United States is the leading foreign investor in Spain. We have a significant volume of trade with the United States in sectors that are central to our economy – absolutely vital.

Ramon Gascon Alonso, Asia-Pacific coordinator of Spain’s Exporters’ and Investors’ Club

Gascon Alonso stated that the focus on geopolitics during the trip could make our already precarious situation much worse, particularly as trade is already burdened by U.S. Tariffs on European Union imports.

Visit Agenda and Official Meetings

The visit includes several high-level meetings and institutional events:

• A meeting with President Xi Jinping on April 14, 2026, which a government source stated will focus on geopolitics and Spain’s view of China as a stabilizing force.
• Talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Chairman of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee Zhao Leji.
• A visit to the headquarters of the technology company Xiaomi.
• A forum for firms specializing in technology, bioscience, infrastructure, and energy.
• A speech at Tsinghua University in Beijing and meetings with international relations specialists.

President Xi Jinping is scheduled to host a formal banquet for Prime Minister Sanchez and his wife, Begona, during the visit.