The Cuatro Torres Business Area in Madrid, Span. Photos: VCG

Editor's Note:

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez began his four-day visit to China on Sunday. China and Spain are comprehensive strategic partners, and their relationship has been developing in a sound and steady manner. Against the backdrop of China-EU trade frictions, what opportunities and challenges does cooperation between China and Spain face? Global Times (GT) reporter Qian Jiayin interviewed Marcelo Muñoz (Muñoz), founder and president emeritus of Cátedra China, to discuss how China-Spain relations may further develop in the current international situation.

GT: What are your expectations for Spanish Prime Minister Sánchez's China visit? 

Muñoz: I would prioritize eliminating the visa requirement for Chinese tourists wishing to visit Spain. This move would serve as a gesture of friendly reciprocity, mirroring the Chinese government's decision to simplify visa procedures for Spanish visitors. I hope that Spain will aim to attract two million Chinese tourists by 2025. Given Spain's status as a premier tourist destination, this goal is achievable. Spain is a country rich in tourism resources, and tourists from China often visit Spain for seasonal attractions like sunshine, beaches and much more. Moreover, Chinese tourists are among the highest-spending foreign visitors in Spain. I believe it is essential for Spain to grant visa-free access to Chinese tourists.

Additionally, we should focus on attracting Chinese investment in various sectors. Key areas for potential investment include renewable energy, social housing construction, afforestation and forest protection. However, achieving these objectives, along with others, requires more than a brief visit to China by our prime minister. What is needed is a well-thought-out strategy and sustained diplomatic efforts.

GT: Recently, China-Europe economic and trade relations have faced many challenges. How do you view the EU's anti-subsidy investigation against China and the "de-risking" policy advocated by some politicians? Is China really a risk to Europe?

Muñoz: The notion of threats or risks is largely a product of anti-China propaganda propagated by the US. China does not present a risk to Europe or Spain. On the contrary, China offers a wealth of opportunities in trade, investment and collaborative research.

Spain should join the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) without delay and advocate for the European Union to do the same. Furthermore, Spain needs to push the European Parliament to ratify the mutually beneficial Comprehensive Agreement on Investment that was frozen by the European Parliament three years ago. This agreement has been held up by an anti-China lobby within the Parliament, which employs misleading arguments to obstruct its approval. Engaging fully with China and advancing these initiatives will unlock significant economic and strategic benefits for Spain and Europe.

GT: The EU has decided to impose a temporary tariff of up to 37.6 percent on imports of Chinese electric vehicles. How will this affect trade cooperation between Spain and China?

Muñoz: As the Spanish proverb goes, "Poner puertas al campo," which translates as "putting doors on the countryside" - a futile or counterproductive measure. China is set to invest in electric vehicle factories in Europe, including future investments in autonomous vehicles, bringing advanced and cost-effective technologies. Imposing tariffs is a futile measure which will not hinder the sale of Chinese electric cars.

Spain is interested in co-investing with Chinese companies to convert its major automotive factories into electric vehicle production facilities. This approach will help maintain Spain's export capacity and ensure its competitiveness in the evolving automotive market. Such strategic initiatives should be on the agenda of Prime Minister Sánchez's visit to China.

GT: What opportunities would joining the BRI bring to Spain? In which areas do you think there is still potential for cooperation between the two countries?

Muñoz: I have previously noted that the BRI is a remarkable project that has delivered tangible benefits to countries along its route over the past decade. Unfortunately, due to pressure from the US, most European countries, including Spain, have yet to join the initiative. This reluctance is both foolish and regrettable. Spain should join the BRI as soon as possible and resist US pressure to reject it.

Spain and China have vast opportunities for cooperation in various fields. In particular, there is significant potential in two key areas: intensive agriculture and the agri-food industry. I have extensive experience in this sector from my involvement in the joint project with the Tianjin Agricultural Technology Institute, where I served as co-president. This technological transfer project, involving the Spanish and Chinese governments and companies from both countries, allowed me to visit numerous agricultural regions across more than 10 provinces. Given Spain's leadership in intensive agriculture and agribusiness, there is a broad scope for collaboration in these sectors.

GT: In recent years, the relationship between Spain and China has remained sound and steady. How do you think the relationship between China and Spain will further develop? 

Muñoz: As a Spanish citizen who has been engaged in business with China for 46 years, I have witnessed strong ties between Spain and China. Our bond could be significantly more strengthened if there were a genuine political will on the part of my government. Unfortunately, this political will appears to be lacking, largely due to pressure from the US. The lack of knowledge and understanding among Spanish companies and public administrations regarding the potential benefits of engaging more deeply with China is evident.

Therefore, it is crucial to strengthen bilateral relations further in key areas such as trade, investment, research, tourism and student exchanges. Given my understanding of both the Chinese and Spanish economies and businesses, despite the difference in the size of our economies, I believe there are numerous opportunities for commercial and technological synergy. For example, areas such as trade, technology and research could benefit greatly from increased collaboration. However, realizing this potential requires concerted efforts, particularly from Spain, involving more exchanges and targeted projects. It is essential for both Spanish companies and the government to become more aware of the realities and opportunities presented by Chinese enterprises, production capabilities and technological advancements.