Zapatero Leads Talks Between China’s CCP & Spanish Parties

Former Spanish Prime Minister Zapatero’s China Ties Raise Concerns

February 15, 2026 – Former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero is facing scrutiny over his increasingly active role as a liaison between Spanish businesses and Chinese state-owned firms, a development that is reportedly causing unease among European Union representatives.

Zapatero, currently Chairman of the Europe-China Economic Cooperation and Development Council (ECECDC), recently held talks in Yichang with Tan Hua, Party Secretary and Chairman of China Gezhouba Group Corporation of Energy China, on March 26, 2025. According to a statement released by the ECECDC, the discussions centered on supporting Spain’s transition to a low-carbon economy, fostering cooperation on projects in green energy, hydropower, and environmental protection, and expanding pragmatic collaboration between Chinese and Spanish enterprises.

The meetings are part of a pattern of engagement with high-ranking officials from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), raising questions about the nature of Zapatero’s “activism” with China. El Mundo reported that his frequent trips to China and advocacy on behalf of Chinese companies are viewed with concern by some within the Spanish government.

“It is unsettling that a figure like Zapatero, who is very influential in the Spanish Government, is behaving like an activist in his many trips to China,” a source told El Mundo.

Zapatero’s involvement comes as China seeks to strengthen its economic and political influence in Europe. Spain, which experienced economic difficulties in the past, has been seen as a potential partner for Chinese investment. A 2016 report noted that when Spain was in “dire straits economically,” China was viewed as a potential source of assistance.

However, public opinion in Spain regarding China has reportedly shifted. Concerns over the impact of Chinese economic activity on local businesses, coupled with anxieties related to the pandemic, have contributed to a decline in Spaniards’ views of China, according to a 2022 report on Beijing’s global media influence.

Despite these concerns, Spanish media generally maintain a critical stance towards China, with several outlets maintaining correspondents in the country to provide in-depth reporting. Major Spanish news organizations, including El País, regularly publish content from Chinese state media, such as China Daily’s China Watch supplement and China Hoy inserts. The national news agency EFE also shares content from China’s Xinhua news agency.

The relationship between Spain and China has been described as one of “friends but not partners,” characterized by a protectionist approach in the economic arena and a generally positive political understanding within the context of China’s relations with the EU. Both governments appear content with the current state of the relationship and have not indicated a desire for significant change.

During the March 26th meeting, Zapatero expressed appreciation for Gezhouba Group’s contributions to Spain-China economic and trade relations and to the development of the green and low-carbon energy sector. He welcomed the group’s participation in investment and construction projects in Spain, including those related to new energy, hydropower, and water and environmental protection. He also emphasized the importance of continued communication and collaboration to support Spain’s green energy transition.

Tan Hua, in turn, welcomed Zapatero and his delegation, highlighting Gezhouba Group’s capabilities in the global energy and power sector and its potential for development in Spain.