Spain is keen to continue strengthening its relationship with China and to help bring the European Union and China closer together, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said.

"Spain supports more balanced EU-China relations, seeking negotiated solutions to our existing differences and greater cooperation in areas of common interest," Sanchez said at a news conference in Beijing on Friday as he concluded a two-day trip to China.

This year's 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the EU and China provided the perfect opportunity to work on those goals, he said.

His visit came just days after the US administration announced sweeping tariffs on countries including China and European nations.

The visit, the third by Sanchez to China in three years, coincided with the 20th anniversary of Spain and China entering into a comprehensive strategic partnership.

"All these visits reflect the mutual interest that both the Spanish and Chinese governments have in maintaining high-level political dialogue — a dialogue that allows us to continue developing a positive agenda between our countries based on mutual respect and trust," Sanchez said.

One of his main aims during the visit was to strengthen and balance the economic and trade relationship between Spain and China, he said, adding the two governments are committed to promoting their partnership in the years to come.

During his stay, the two countries signed seven agreements on the export of Spanish agricultural, cosmetics and healthcare products to China, as well as working more closely together in the fields of culture, education and science.

"We have always been committed to open trade and maximizing bilateral exchanges," Sanchez said. "We will thus continue advocating for a more balanced economic relationship and the promotion of reciprocal investments for mutual benefit. Since June 2018, we have agreed on 10 agri-food protocols with China, and we are committed to further opening the Chinese market to more high-quality Spanish products."

High-value-added sectors

On Friday, Sanchez met representatives of a dozen big Chinese companies that have invested in Spain's automotive, battery and renewables sectors or are considering doing so.

"These are high-value-added sectors that align with our priorities, and they view Spain as an attractive investment destination," Sanchez said. "We seek productive investments that generate added value locally and quality skilled employment, thereby strengthening the competitiveness of both countries.

"Spain is aware that we are experiencing a complex period in international relations — a time when we must broaden our horizons and redouble efforts to preserve peace, openness and progress in the fight against major global challenges."

Spain considers China as a key partner in tackling major global issues such as climate change and development financing, and upholding the UN-centered multilateral system, respecting international law and pursuing just and lasting peace, he said.

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