Beijing: Spain's Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares will pay a two-day visit to China, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on Monday. Albares, who also serves as Spain's European Union and cooperation minister, will visit from Tuesday, marking a significant diplomatic engagement with the world's second-largest economy at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

According to Anadolu Agency, the visit takes place amid ongoing global trade tensions, including a trade war initiated by the United States and restrictions on technology and rare earths imposed by Western nations and China. This year holds particular significance as it marks the 20th anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Spain. Additionally, the two nations celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties in 2023.

China stands as Spain's largest trading partner outside the European Union, with bilateral trade volume reaching $48.6 billion in recent years. In a related development, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez previously met with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng in June at the Moncloa Palace in Madrid. During the meeting, Sanchez cautioned against escalating trade conflicts and advocated for "open trade" and "economic openness."

Sanchez, who visited China last year, emphasized the necessity for a "joint" approach to address major global challenges, such as the climate emergency, and the development of financing based on international law and the principles of the UN Charter.