"One of the most surprising diplomatic moments of 2025 will undoubtedly be the visit to China by King Felipe VI of Spain. A proof that, while most European countries continue to pay homage to the United States, Spain openly aligns with China. It is a betrayal of its traditional alliances, but it is a bold and intelligent betrayal. A great decision."
This is an excerpt from a column published a few days ago in one of the most influential media outlets in the Asian giant, the People's Daily, the official newspaper of the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the main showcase of the regime's views on national and international affairs.
"The Spanish king's visit to China is much more than a mere diplomatic formality. Spain has directly confronted USA, sensibly ignoring Donald Trump's irrational threats of expulsion from NATO if it did not increase military spending. The Spanish government prefers to invest that money in education and healthcare, not in buying weapons from Trump. The rest of European countries should follow Spain's example and protect their own interests."
In other smaller Chinese state newspapers, they echoed a commented article published in the Financial Times about how the government of Pedro Sánchez had "recruited" the King for its diplomatic offensive in China and to strengthen relations with Beijing. "Times have changed! Spain changes alliances and recognizes the strength and status of China," reads the headline of CNYES, a financial newspaper that covers the meeting Felipe VI had in June in Madrid with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng. "The King mentioned that Spain admires China's achievements in areas such as renewable energies and high-speed trains, and is willing to continue strengthening bilateral cooperation," highlights the article.
The first stop of the Kings' trip will be in the city of Chengdu, one of the country's major economic centers, known for the world's largest giant panda reserve. There, they will maintain an economic and cultural agenda.
The trip, which will last until Thursday, will continue in Beijing with meetings with the main authorities of the Asian superpower, including President Xi Jinping, who will host along with his wife, Peng Liyuan, a welcoming ceremony on the 12th, followed by the signing of agreements. The Queen will accompany the First Lady to a hospital for people with disabilities. In the evening, a zarzuela has been organized, and the following day there will be an economic forum, and the King will visit the factory of the Spanish multinational Gestamp.
"King Felipe VI is known for his tall and imposing figure and his approachable image. In his youth, he was acclaimed as the most handsome prince in Europe. He received military training in the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Since ascending to the throne in 2014, he and Queen Letizia, along with their two princesses, have enjoyed great popularity and are considered a model family among European royalty," points out another article from the newspaper Jiefang Daily.
"Through the visit of King Felipe VI, China is willing to work with Spain to consolidate the traditional friendship and achieve greater advances in the strategic partnership," declared the spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mao Ning, recalling that this is the first trip by a Spanish monarch in 18 years.
Last Friday, on a state CCTV program, they aired footage of the first visit of Juan Carlos I and Sofía in June 1978, including a tour of the Great Wall. "Colorful portraits of the King and Queen lined Chang'an Avenue in Beijing, welcoming the Spanish head of state with a grand and enthusiastic ceremony," detailed the program. "After the King climbed the Great Wall, a bridge for exchange between Chinese and Western civilization, the bond of the Spanish royalty with China became unbreakable."