Xi, Felipe VI Inch Closer as China Extends Visa-Free Entry for Spain, Signs 10 Key Agreements

Chinese President Xi Jinping met King Felipe VI of Spain in Beijing on Tuesday in a high-level bilateral engagement that reaffirmed the two countries’ strategic partnership and produced a suite of new agreements spanning trade, tech, education and green energy.

Image Source: Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Meeting at the Great Hall of the People during King Felipe VI’s state visit to mark 20 years of the China-Spain Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, President Xi said the relationship between the two countries "sets a model" for cooperation across different systems and cultures. 

He noted the visit comes at a time of “global turbulence” and called for deeper collaboration to uphold multilateralism and economic order.

The two sides signed 10 bilateral cooperation agreements, including deals in trade, science and technology, and education, aimed at building momentum in shared development goals. 

China also announced it would extend visa-free access to Spanish citizens, part of a broader push to enhance people-to-people connectivity and revive inbound travel.

"China is ready to import more quality goods from Spain and explore new cooperation areas like AI, green energy, and digital economy," Xi said, calling for greater mutual investment and joint ventures in Latin America and the Caribbean.

King Felipe VI, in turn, reaffirmed Spain’s commitment to the One-China policy, praised China’s achievements in poverty alleviation and green development, and expressed strong support for Chinese investment in Spain’s green transition. 

“History moves forward — there’s no going back,” he said, aligning Spain with China's multilateral approach to international conflict resolution.

Felipe also highlighted the alignment between Spain and China on global issues and voiced appreciation for China’s Global Development, Global Security, Global Civilization, and Global AI Governance Initiatives proposed by Xi in recent years.

The Chinese side viewed the visit as more than ceremonial. “Spain’s voice matters on the global stage,” a Chinese official said, pointing to the country’s role in both the EU and broader multilateral institutions. 

The meeting is the latest in a string of diplomatic engagements by Beijing aimed at reaffirming ties with key European partners amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.

The symbolic element of the state visit was underscored by a 21-gun salute at Tiananmen Square, a review of the PLA honour guard, and a state banquet hosted by Xi and Madame Peng Liyuan.

Both governments signalled an intent to elevate the bilateral relationship with "greater strategic determination, dynamism and global influence,” as China carefully positions itself as a reliable partner to European economies amid competing global alignments.