Sanchez’s concerns about China’s trade imbalance took centre stage as Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez began a three-day visit to Beijing, where he is seeking stronger economic ties while also pressing China to address what he called an unsustainable trade imbalance with the European Union.
Speaking during a visit to Tsinghua University, Sanchez said trade between the EU and China had become imbalanced and urged Beijing to open its market more widely to European imports. He warned that the current deficit had grown further last year and could not remain sustainable over the medium to long term. The visit is Sanchez’s fourth trip to China in four years, underlining Madrid’s effort to position Spain as a bridge between Beijing and the 27-member European Union.
Spanish government sources said a key goal of the trip is to secure greater access for agricultural and industrial goods. Officials also want to explore joint technology ventures, attract new investors, and improve access to China’s critical raw materials.
Sanchez is also trying to deepen trade ties amid broader global uncertainty. US President Donald Trump’s tariffs and unpredictable foreign policy have prompted several Western leaders to seek closer ties with Beijing in recent months.
Spain’s own trade deficit with China reached 42.3 billion euros last year. Sanchez said that the imbalance accounted for 74 per cent of Spain’s total trade deficit.
As part of the visit, Sanchez was scheduled to tour Xiaomi’s headquarters and a technology exhibit at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. He is also due to meet top Chinese leaders, including President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang.
During Sanchez’s 2025 visit to China, Beijing agreed to expand access for several Spanish products, including pork and cherries. The Spanish government has also said exports to China rose 6.8 per cent in 2025, which it linked to stronger bilateral ties. These developments suggest Madrid sees China not only as a major market, but also as a long-term economic partner in a changing global landscape.
Spain holds special appeal for Chinese investors because of its relatively strong economic growth, lower energy costs, and less confrontational stance toward Beijing compared with some other European countries. Spain is also seen as a gateway to Europe, Latin America, and North Africa. That makes it an attractive hub for Chinese companies seeking to access multiple markets from a single base. Agricultural exports may offer some of the strongest potential, especially as China continues to face food supply and quality pressures.
