The President of the Government of Spain meets with the President of China

Bali (Indonesia)

During their meeting, the presidents discussed some of the main global challenges of concern to both leaders, in particular the Russian invasion of Ukraine and its impact on the world economy, the food and energy crises, and the need to combat climate change.

During the meeting, Sánchez recalled that Spain, along with the vast majority of countries, has from the outset condemned Russia's aggression against Ukraine, a threat to world peace and stability that subverts the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity that China has always defended. To this end, the president has called on China to use its influence to persuade Russia to end the war.

The two presidents also discussed Spain's upcoming presidency of the European Union (EU) in the second half of 2023 and the opportunities this could mean for both countries. In this regard, Sánchez stressed the desire to further boost cooperation between the EU and China in trade and investment matters.

On climate change, President Xi Jinping has highlighted the International Partnership for Drought Resilience launched by Spain and Senegal at COP27, which already has the support of more than 30 countries, including China, and nearly 20 multilateral organisations, development banks and civil society.

Sánchez and Xi also discussed the state of bilateral relations between Spain and China, which in 2023 will celebrate the 50th anniversary of their establishment. The President of the Government of Spain recalled the results of Xi Jinping's state visit to Spain in November 2018, when relations were upgraded to the level of "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership".

Economic and trade relations between the two countries are also positive. China is Spain's second largest supplier and eighth largest customer. Bilateral trade in goods between Spain and China has grown substantially over the last decade, reaching €43.5 billion in 2021.

On this subject, the President stressed the interest of Spain and its companies in continuing to increase and diversify trade and investment exchanges and in facilitating the entry of Spanish companies into China. He also underlined the importance of the recent contract signed by China in the field of the European aeronautics industry.

Non official translation