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China Confirms State Visit by Spain’s King Felipe VI, First by a Spanish Monarch in 18 Years

Beijing frames the trip as an opportunity to expand cooperation with Spain.

Spain's King Felipe VI delivers his traditional Christmas address at Zarzuela Palace in Madrid, Spain December 24, 2024. Ballesteros/Pool via REUTERS

Overview

  • The Chinese foreign ministry announced that Felipe VI will make a state visit to China on November 10–13.
  • Spokesperson Mao Ning said China seeks to use the visit to broaden cooperation and reinforce the bilateral strategic partnership.
  • Spain has pursued deeper economic ties to boost trade and draw investment, with confirmed projects from CATL and Envision in batteries and renewables.
  • Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has visited China three times in three years and in 2024 reversed Spain’s backing for EU tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.
  • The push comes as EU officials urge caution over trade imbalances and China’s ties with Russia, and as U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warns against closer alignment, even after a recent one-year U.S.-China trade and tech understanding.