Beijing: Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday welcomed Spain's King Felipe VI, who is on a state visit to China, marking his first visit since ascending the throne in 2014.

According to Anadolu Agency, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that President Xi held an official welcoming ceremony for King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia in Beijing. The Spanish monarch began his four-day visit on Monday, initially arriving in Chengdu, the capital of southwestern Sichuan province.

During their meeting, President Xi and King Felipe witnessed the signing of several cooperation agreements designed to strengthen bilateral ties. China holds the position of Spain's largest trading partner outside the EU, with bilateral trade reaching $48.6 billion in recent years.

In June, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez met with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng in Madrid, emphasizing the importance of open markets and cooperation to avert a global trade war. Sanchez, who had visited China in April following US President Donald Trump's announcement of sweeping global sanctions, also highlighted the necessity for a collective response to global challenges, including climate change, sustainable development, and adherence to international law and the UN Charter.