Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez started a three-day official visit to China on Monday. The main aim of the trip is to improve trade relations with the world’s second-largest economy.

This is Sanchez’s fourth visit to China in the past four years. He wants to strengthen Spain’s role as a link between China and the European Union, which has 27 member countries.

Visit Comes Amid Strained US Relations

The visit is taking place at a time when relations with the United States are under pressure. Policies of Donald Trump, including tariffs and unpredictable foreign decisions, have worried many European nations.

Recently, leaders from United Kingdom, Canada, and Germany also visited Beijing. Trump himself is expected to travel to China in May.

Tensions rose further when Trump warned of cutting trade ties with Spain. This came after Spain refused to allow US forces to use its military bases for strikes against Iran, which is an important economic partner of China.

Focus on Trade and Investment

Spanish officials said the main goal of the trip is to improve access for Spanish products in the Chinese market. This includes agricultural and industrial goods.

Sanchez is also looking to promote joint projects in the technology sector. At the same time, he hopes to attract Chinese investment into Spain’s economy and secure access to important raw materials from China.

Meetings with Chinese Leaders

During the visit, Sanchez is scheduled to visit the headquarters of Xiaomi and explore a tech exhibition at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. He will meet top Chinese leaders, including President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. A joint press conference is also planned after the meetings.

Trade Gap Remains a Challenge

Trade between Spain and China is growing, but it is not balanced. China exports much more to Spain than it imports. In 2025, Spain recorded a trade deficit of 42.3 billion euros ($49.1 billion) with China. Spain has a population of about 50 million, while China has more than 1.4 billion people.

However, Spain’s exports to China increased by 6.8% in 2025, showing steady improvement in trade relations.

Previous Agreements Boost Trade

During Sanchez’s earlier visit in April 2025, China agreed to allow more Spanish products into its market. These included items like pork and cherries.

Such agreements have helped strengthen economic ties between the two countries.

Spain Seen as a Gateway to Multiple Markets

Experts believe Spain holds a special position for Chinese investors. Claudio Feijoo said that China views Spain as a friendly country that is less confrontational compared to others.

“China perceives Spain as relatively friendly, less confrontational toward China than other countries and likely more independent from Washington. This allows for more autonomous decision-making,” he said.

He also explained that Spain is seen as a gateway to Europe, Latin America, and North Africa.

“Spain is also seen as a gateway to Europe, Latin America and North Africa. It can function as a hub – a place from which multiple markets can be accessed at once.”

Feijoo added that agriculture offers big opportunities because China cannot produce enough high-quality food for its population, while Spain is a major food producer.

China Welcomes Stronger Relations

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning described Spain as “an important partner of China within the EU.” She said the visit is a chance to “promote bilateral relations to an even higher level.”

Growing Diplomatic Engagement

Relations between the two countries have strengthened in recent months. King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia visited China last November. This was the first visit by a Spanish monarch in 18 years.

Sanchez is travelling with his wife Begoña Gómez and Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares.