Editor's Note: Lin G. is a CGTN economic commentator. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez arrived in Beijing on April 11 for his fourth visit to China in four years. The timing carried a significance that went far beyond routine diplomacy. 

His visit came barely six weeks after US President Donald Trump publicly threatened to halt all trade with Spain – a remark that laid bare mounting transatlantic frictions and Europe's shifting strategic calculus.

In recent years, Spain has been seen as an example of Europe's pursuit of "strategic autonomy," particularly in economic cooperation. 

China, in this context, has emerged as a partner that offers both stability and tangible opportunities.

That achievement is increasingly visible on the ground: 

In Spanish cities, Chinese new energy vehicles have become more common.

By the end of 2024, a joint venture between Chery and a Spanish partner had begun producing its first model in Barcelona. Less than a year later, in July 2025, BYD's plug-in hybrid vehicles rose to the top of Spain's sales rankings, capturing around 10% of the market share.

Beyond the consumer market, industrial cooperation is also deepening. 

Chinese investment in Spain has expanded into the energy sector, covering areas such as photovoltaics, green hydrogen and power batteries. Discussions are underway on collaboration in emerging industries, including artificial intelligence. 

In November 2025, CATL, the world's leading battery manufacturer, and Stellantis broke ground on a lithium-iron-phosphate battery plant in Spain's Aragon region. Powered entirely by renewable energy, the facility is scheduled to start production by the end of 2026. 

Regional officials have hailed the project as a long-term engine of economic growth and a key step in bolstering Spain's position in Europe's electric vehicle supply chain.

Trade figures also illustrate the depth of this relationship. 

In 2025, bilateral trade in goods exceeded $55 billion, marking a year-on-year increase of 9.8%. China has remained Spain's largest trading partner outside the European Union.

China has been actively expanding imports from Europe. 

Spanish agricultural products – including olive oil, ham, wine and citrus fruits – have seen growing demand in the Chinese market, which has become a key source of export growth. 

Improvements in customs efficiency have played an important role. 

Enhanced inspection and quarantine processes, along with the use of intelligent temperature control and rapid traceability systems, have significantly reduced clearance times for perishable goods such as seafood and fresh produce.

More Spanish products are now integrated into fast-track clearance and cold-chain logistics systems.

In tandem, platforms for market access and promotion have become more diverse. 

Events such as the China International Import Expo have helped raise the profile of Spanish products, while trade and investment matchmaking forums held in Madrid, along with wine exhibitions and tasting events across Chinese cities, have expanded commercial opportunities and forged new business ties.

According to Augusto Soto, director of the Dialogue with China Project, in an interview with Global Times, European countries are increasingly reassessing their international relationships in response to what he described as "irrational policies" pursued by the US.

Across much of the European Union, a clearer view is emerging: China is seen as a stabilizing force on the global stage. 

The steady flow of high-level visits to China from Europe and beyond speaks to this deepening consensus.

Spain's approach, therefore, is not an isolated case, but part of a broader shift. 

In a world marked by rising uncertainty and fragmentation, economic cooperation grounded in mutual benefit is becoming an anchor of stability.