China, Spain anchor stability amid global fragmentation

At a time of profound transformation in global politics and economics, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's recent visit to China carries significance that extends far beyond bilateral diplomacy. It reflects a broader moment in which the world's major actors must decide whether to deepen cooperation or drift further into fragmentation.

For China, Spain represents not only a key European partner, but also a constructive voice within the European Union. For Spain, engagement with China is essential to shaping a stable and prosperous global order.

At the heart of this engagement lies a shared interest in preserving a stable framework for global coexistence. Economic interdependence, technological advancement and the green transition — all central priorities for both China and Europe — depend on predictability and cooperation.

In an increasingly volatile environment, where unilateral measures such as tariffs or sanctions can disrupt global value chains, stability is no longer an abstract ideal, but a practical necessity.

Spain and China, as two historically rich civilizations, bring a unique depth to this relationship. Both countries have long traditions of global exchange and cultural influence, and neither has been defined by direct conflict with the other. Instead, their relationship has evolved through trade, dialogue and mutual learning. Over the past half-century, both have also experienced remarkable economic transformations, emerging as dynamic contributors to global growth, innovation and development.

Within Europe, Spain has increasingly emerged as a constructive and pragmatic voice among the larger economies. Its relatively independent foreign policy tradition and measured approach to global issues have enabled it to act as a bridge — both within the EU and in its engagement with external partners. In this light, Sanchez's visit reflects not only bilateral priorities, but also Spain's evolving role in shaping Europe's broader relationship with China.

The Spanish government is being very brave in keeping close to its principles while bearing strong external pressure. This has helped place Spain in a more central position internationally, as its stance is increasingly recognized and, in some cases, followed by others. Such positioning enhances Spain's ability to contribute meaningfully to global debates at a time when balanced and steady voices are in high demand.

Today, that engagement is underpinned by a high degree of commercial and industrial interdependence. China and the EU together account for more than one-third of global GDP and around 30 percent of world trade, making their relationship one of the most consequential in the global economy. Spain plays an active role within this framework.

In sectors such as automotive manufacturing, renewable energy and battery technology, supply chains are deeply intertwined.

Spanish companies have contributed to China's industrial development through investment and expertise, while China has become a key supplier of technologies and components essential to Spain's energy transition.

At the same time, new areas of cooperation are emerging. The digital economy, artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing present opportunities for both collaboration and competition. Managing this balance will be crucial to ensuring that technological progress contributes to shared prosperity rather than division.

Spain's geographic and cultural positioning further enhances its relevance in this relationship. As a gateway between Europe, Latin America, the Mediterranean and Africa, Spain offers China a unique platform for broader engagement. Initiatives such as the EU's Global Gateway strategy, which seeks to promote sustainable and high-quality infrastructure and investment, align in many respects with China's own experience in development and connectivity.

Sanchez's visit, therefore, provides an opportunity to deepen dialogue across multiple dimensions. Trade and investment remain central, including efforts to improve market access, promote fair competition and encourage high-quality bilateral investment. At the same time, people-to-people exchanges — through tourism, education, culture and research — play an equally important role in strengthening mutual understanding and trust.

In recent years, the international environment has grown increasingly complex. The erosion of multilateralism, rising geopolitical tensions, technological rivalry and renewed militarization have all contributed to a more uncertain global landscape. These trends risk undermining the very foundations of cooperation that have supported decades of growth and development.

In this context, dialogue between China and Europe — and between China and Spain in particular — is not optional, but essential. Differences will inevitably exist, whether in areas such as digital governance, carbon pricing or access to critical raw materials. The key question is not whether disagreements arise, but how they are managed. Constructive engagement, grounded in mutual respect and a commitment to shared outcomes, offers the only viable path forward.

Ultimately, Sanchez's visit to China highlights a broader reality: In a fragmented world, stability must be actively built. By strengthening cooperation, fostering dialogue and promoting a more balanced and inclusive model of globalization, Spain and China can help shape a future defined not by division, but by coexistence and shared progress.

The author is senior fellow at EsadeGeo (Esade Center for Global Economy and Geopolitics) in Madrid, Spain. The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.