Spain’s Pragmatic Path: King Felipe VI‘s Visit to china and a New European Approach
King Felipe VI’s state visit to China, occurring November 10-13, 2025, marked a notable moment in sino-European relations, representing the first trip to the country by a Spanish monarch in almost two decades. The visit coincided with the 20th anniversary of the “comprehensive strategic partnership” between Spain and China, and signaled Madrid‘s intention to prioritize a pragmatic engagement strategy focused on trade, cultural exchange, and diplomatic dialog over ideological clashes.
The November 12th meeting between King Felipe VI and President Xi Jinping in Beijing held symbolic weight, reflecting a maturing bilateral relationship within the broader context of Europe-China dynamics. For Spain, the visit underscored a desire to diversify its foreign policy approach.For China, it highlighted the importance of strengthening ties with a European nation recognized for its balanced and measured diplomacy.
Spain’s approach to china is distinguished by its pragmatic focus on economic opportunities, especially in trade and technology, while concurrently upholding its commitments to both the European union and NATO. China currently serves as Spain’s largest trading partner outside of the EU, with bilateral trade exceeding $50 billion in 2024. The agreements signed during the King’s visit – encompassing areas like agricultural exports, language education initiatives, and collaboration in the green industry – while not groundbreaking in scale, represent a consistent and trust-building pattern of engagement.
King Felipe VI, as a head of state embodying continuity and national unity, projects an image of civility and stability that resonates within Chinese political culture. His non-partisan role allows for diplomatic engagement centered on respect and open dialogue. Complementing this, Queen Letizia’s cultural program - promoting Spanish literature and participating in arts events in Chengdu – fostered stronger people-to-people connections.
Spain’s engagement with china is not a departure from its Western alliances, but rather a diversification strategy designed to balance economic and geopolitical relationships in an increasingly multipolar world. Madrid believes that constructive engagement with China can coexist alongside its transatlantic commitments. Beijing, in turn, recognizes the unique value of Spain’s linguistic and cultural connections with Latin America within their partnership.
European discussions surrounding China often fluctuate between caution and confrontation. Spain’s approach offers a contrasting model – engagement founded on clarity, reciprocity, and mutual benefit. By framing its relationship around shared interests like climate change mitigation and renewable energy growth, Madrid demonstrates that constructive dialogue can be maintained alongside principled diplomacy.
Spain’s emphasis on soft power – through cultural initiatives, educational programs, and language promotion – expands the scope of its diplomatic efforts. This combination of economic collaboration and cultural exchange reflects a recognition that enduring partnerships are built on mutual respect, alongside shared material interests.
King Felipe VI’s state visit to China signifies a potential shift in European diplomacy, moving away from ideological rigidity towards practical cooperation. While it may not immediately reshape the geopolitical landscape, it suggests that engagement, rather than isolation, remains a viable strategy for navigating global interdependence. Spain’s balanced approach demonstrates that diplomacy rooted in respect, cultural understanding, and pragmatism can strengthen international relations in an era defined by complexity and competition.
Ibrahim Khalil Ahasan is a Dhaka-based independent columnist and freelance journalist.
