Spanish PM's visit came at critical moment

The visit of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to China came at one of the most complex geopolitical moments in recent decades. The international landscape is marked by trade tensions, regional conflicts and profound technological and energy transformations. In this context, the trip to China was not only a bilateral opportunity, but also a strategic decision that must be understood from both a European and a global perspective.

Europe is going through a period of clear strategic weakness. Structural economic challenges are compounded by political decisions that often lack strategic vision. Energy dependence, supply chain tensions and growing pressure on industrial competitiveness have highlighted the need to redefine the European Union's role in the emerging global order.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world's most vital energy corridors — clearly illustrates the fragility of the current geopolitical system. Such developments have direct consequences for Europe, particularly for economies highly dependent on energy imports. In this environment, stability, diversified partnerships and international economic cooperation become essential to ensure growth and economic security.

At the same time, Europe has experienced a degree of weakening in recent years due to policies that have closely followed the United States, particularly during the leadership of the current US administration. This dynamic has reduced Europe's room for strategic autonomy and made it more difficult to develop independent policies in key areas such as energy transition, digitalization and technological regulation.

Another major challenge is the lack of adaptation to new scientific and technological realities. While China has pursued coherent strategies in areas such as artificial intelligence, electric vehicles and new energy, Europe has often had to advance through complex regulatory frameworks, high-level taxation and environmental policies that, although well-intentioned, have at times lacked sufficient industrial planning.

In contrast, China has established itself as one of the central actors of the 21st century. Its economic development, leadership in emerging technologies and capacity to drive large-scale infrastructure projects have reshaped the global landscape.

In this context, Spain faces a strategic opportunity. China has seen Spain as an important destination for investment, a circumstance that should be approached with foresight and strategic vision. To seize this opportunity, Spain needs to strengthen its ability to attract foreign investment, modernize infrastructure and create stable and predictable regulatory environments.

Chinese companies can play a key role in this process. Investment in industrial, energy and technological sectors can help strengthen the Spanish economy, create quality jobs and facilitate knowledge transfer. But for these opportunities to materialize, coordinated action between the central government and regional authorities is essential. Only through a shared strategy, based on institutional cooperation and legal certainty, can large-scale projects be effectively attracted.

Spain also has much to offer to promote bilateral economic and business cooperation. There are areas where Spanish experience can be particularly valuable, such as vocational training systems geared toward employment, care and support for an aging population, and sustainable tourism management — fields in which bilateral cooperation can deliver mutual benefits.

These areas should be complemented by strategic sectors such as new energy, machine tools and scientific and technological development, where collaboration among research centers, universities and companies can open new paths for innovation.

The current moment, therefore, calls for pragmatism and strategic vision. International relations cannot be built on ideological prejudice or outdated geopolitical inertia; they must be grounded in present realities and the pursuit of shared benefits.

The visit of Prime Minister Sanchez to China should be understood as a necessary step toward promoting a more mature, pragmatic and future-oriented relationship between Spain, Europe and China. In an increasingly interdependent world, strengthening these bridges is not just a diplomatic option — it is a strategic necessity.

The author is executive president of the China Chair Foundation.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.