Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said at a bilateral business forum in Shanghai on Tuesday that he was upbeat about closer business ties between his country and China in the future.
Sanchez arrived in Beijing on Sunday for an official visit to China that will last through Wednesday.
The China-Spain Business Forum marked the inaugural event of Sanchez's visit to Shanghai, the second stop on his tour of China after leaving Beijing.
Centered on themes such as future industrial opportunities and green transformation, as well as industrial and supply chain cooperation and third-party market cooperation, the forum attracted over 700 entrepreneurs from both nations. Participating sectors included energy, logistics, finance, trade, machinery, and aerospace. Sanchez said that China is a pivotal partner for Spain and the two economies feature high complementarity. He emphasized the potential to enhance cooperation in high-end manufacturing, green energy, and the circular economy. Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of expanding collaboration with third parties, particularly in Asian and African markets.
The prime minister also said Spain is committed to creating a favorable environment for Chinese companies and warmly welcomes increased investment from them. Sanchez's visit came against the backdrop of mounting trade tensions between the European Union and China, primarily over electric vehicles. The European Commission announced in August its plan to impose tariffs of up to 36.3 percent on Chinese-made electric vehicles.
During the visit, Sanchez highlighted Spain's support for free trade principles and market openness, expressing hope to deepen cooperation in areas such as new energy vehicles.
"We hope that the EU and China can ease the current tension through candid dialogue. This tension is largely caused by the EU's increased tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. Spain advocates for discussions within the WTO framework, so as to develop fairer and more just economic and trade relations and avoid 'trade wars'," said the prime minister.
China is now Spain's largest trading partner outside the EU, while Spain ranks as China's fifth largest trading partner within the EU. The close business ties have made economic and trade issues top priorities of Sanchez's visit.
Meanwhile, boosting cultural ties is also on Sanchez's agenda. Later, the prime minister will inaugurate the Cervantes Institute Cultural Center, and communicate with teachers and students in Tongji University.
Sanchez calls for deepening commercial ties with China at business forum
Sanchez calls for deepening commercial ties with China at business forum
Moon-themed lantern shows and a series of traditional performances have been held across China, enlivening the holiday spirit during the three-day Mid-Autumn Festival break.
On Mid-Autumn Festival night, moon-gazing is a time-honored and cherished tradition. In Shanghai, it has become popular to gather at lakesides or riversides where the moon's reflection can be seen in the water.
During the festival, the city's Yuyuan Garden created various moon-themed installations, combining them with mythological stories from the Classic of Mountains and Seas. They also featured folk performances, themed lantern displays, and special light shows, offering a unique festive experience.
"I think this is a must-visit spot in Shanghai, especially given how beautiful it is. Plus, it incorporates traditional Chinese culture, which perfectly aligns with the atmosphere of the Mid-Autumn Festival. I really love it - it's all about family and reunion," said a Shanghai local surnamed Zhang.
In Baizhang Town, Hangzhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province, a unique Fish Lantern Cultural Festival was held at the Shuttle Museum, a museum dedicated to weaving shuttles.
Villagers and tourists paraded along the roads and stream banks, holding exquisite peach blossom fish lanterns. The lanterns, vibrant and lifelike, symbolized the wish for "abundance every year and good fortune."
In Datong Ancient Town, Tongling City, east China's Anhui Province, the nighttime water dragon lantern performance and cultural night market have been bustling with activity during the holiday.
Dragon dancers skillfully waved the dragon lanterns, which spiraled and soared, creating various formations over the water.
The molten iron fireworks show, a folk art performance of throwing molten iron to create a fireworks-like display, was held on the river, creating a rare sight for spectators as countless golden sparks shot into the night sky of the ancient town before falling into the lake.
A drone performance was launched in Jingzhou City, central China's Hubei Province during the Mid-Autumn Festival. A thousand drones formed images of "Goddess of the Moon Chang'e," the "Jade Rabbit," and "Kongming Lanterns," creating poetic scenes together with the Moon afar.
"It's my first time watching a drone show, and I find it truly spectacular," said a tourist named Yu Duoduo.
In Dunhuang City, northwest China's Gansu Province, visitors gathered on the peaks of Mingsha Mountain to admire the stunning reflection of the Moon in the lake.
The Mid-Autumn Festival, celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunar calendar, is a cherished occasion for family reunions in China. It falls on September 17 this year.
Lantern shows, traditional performances delight moon-gazers during Mid-Autumn Festival
