New era, joint progress

Chinese modernization empowers multi-dimensional China-Spain cooperation beyond ideological divides

We are not witnessing mere cyclical changes, but a genuine change of era. The international order established after World War II, and subsequently reorganized under a unipolar logic following the end of the Cold War, shows undeniable signs of structural exhaustion. The global system, historically anchored around the centrality of the Atlantic bloc led by the United States and NATO, has hardened into a rigid, asymmetrical architecture increasingly disconnected from the emerging multipolar reality of the 21st century.

Genuine multilateralism has been undermined by zero-sum geopolitical competition, the imposition of unilateral economic sanctions and a distinctly selective application of the principles of international law. In this complex landscape, the language of cooperation and shared development has been progressively supplanted by the rhetoric of confrontation and a retreat into commercial and strategic blocs. Faced with this conceptual paralysis, fundamental notions such as "political parties" and "social governance" should be profoundly re-examined, divesting them of the obsolete categories inherited from the 20th century.

Some Western democratic systems are suffering from a structural crisis of representation that erodes their institutional foundations. Some political parties, originally conceived as vital channels of mediation between societal demands and state decisions, have undergone a technocratic mutation.

The internal instability of Western nations inevitably spills over into global governance. We are witnessing an alarming militarization of international relations, where constructive diplomacy is losing its central role to the doctrine of armed deterrence. The Ukraine crisis exposed the international system's inability to establish realistic negotiation frameworks. Simultaneously, the ongoing tragedy in Palestine and rising tensions in the Middle East reflect a deeply troubling normalization of military force as a political tool. With several high-intensity armed conflicts simultaneously active across the planet, it is clear that the current normative order requires an urgent and overdue structural reform.

Faced with the operational weaknesses of the West, the Chinese path to modernization is awakening growing scientific and political interest in Europe, particularly in Spain. Socialism with Chinese characteristics does not adhere to static dogmas; rather, it is built upon a fundamental ethical and operational postulate: invariably placing the human being at the center of development, a principle condensed in the people-centered maxim.

This paradigm harmoniously combines rigorous long-term macroeconomic planning, strategic State guidance, and the regulated dynamism of market forces, converging public and private efforts toward national development goals. Furthermore, the conceptual framework of "ecological civilization" elevates environmental sustainability and the harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature to the rank of a structural public policy axis. Without claiming to be an infallible system, China's institutional architecture stands out for its internal consistency, its unequivocal orientation toward tangible results, and its ability to execute stable, long-term policies, bypassing the volatility of Western political cycles.

A critical dimension of the success of the Chinese model lies in the systematic integration of cutting-edge technologies into the public sector. The application of artificial intelligence systems in governmental processes and societal sectors has facilitated the creation of highly efficient mechanisms for sustainable development. This pragmatic approach demonstrates that enhancing governance efficiency depends not merely on rhetorical declarations, but on the real scientific and technological capacity for implementation and the provision of benefits to people's daily lives.

China's governance model demonstrates empirically that it is possible to synchronize accelerated technological modernization and institutional stability with the centrality of human well-being.

Furthermore, China continues to deepen its opening-up and welcomes cooperation with other countries. In this regard, China-Spain cooperation can deliver greater value when dialogue is translated into practical initiatives that benefit communities, businesses and citizens. Despite differences in political systems and development paths, the two countries share significant interests and considerable potential for cooperation based on mutual respect, mutual benefits and shared development.

Economically, the relationship is both robust and expanding. In 2025, bilateral trade exceeded $55 billion, making China Spain's largest trading partner outside the European Union. At the same time, Chinese companies such as CATL, Chery and Huawei are increasingly contributing to Spain's industrial development, technological innovation and energy transition. Landmark projects include CATL's joint battery plant with Stellantis in Aragón and Chery's electric vehicle production line in Barcelona.

Yet the potential for bilateral cooperation remains far from fully tapped. Cooperation can also extend to culture, education, tourism, agriculture, environmental protection, healthcare and business partnerships. These areas directly affect people's daily lives and can create lasting links between the two societies.

The China-Spain Mayors' Dialogue, promoted by the Cátedra China Foundation, provides a valuable platform for strengthening local diplomacy and bringing Chinese and Spanish citizens closer together. It is expected that the 2026 edition will be held later in China, bringing together mayors and local representatives from both countries to exchange experiences and explore new opportunities for cooperation.

Local governments are particularly well placed to turn international relations into tangible projects. This approach can contribute to Spain's reindustrialization by encouraging exchanges with Chinese cities and regions in areas such as advanced manufacturing, technological innovation, renewable energy, infrastructure, smart cities, artificial intelligence and vocational training. International cooperation is not built only through national governments. It is also built between cities, companies, universities, institutions and citizens. Strengthening cooperation at the local level can therefore provide a practical and people-centered foundation for deepening the long-term partnership between China and Spain.

Increasing cooperation among Spain, the EU and China is not a mere choice of mercantile convenience; it is a historical necessity to ensure stability, sustainable development and peace on an irreversibly interdependent planet. This alignment of shared interests is fully consistent with the principles of the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping, which calls for mutual respect, inter-civilizational dialogue and the overcoming of ideological differences in pursuit of a community with a shared future for humanity.

The author is the executive president of the Cátedra China Foundation, Spain.

The author contributed this article to China Watch, a think tank powered by China Daily. The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

Contact the editor at editor@chinawatch.cn.