The 50th anniversary of friendship between Spain and China bodes well

2023 is the Year of the Rabbit, which in Chinese culture is a symbol of longevity, peace and prosperity, and is a fitting year to mark the important milestone of half a century since the establishment of official diplomatic relations between Spain and China.

In 1973, the two countries signed a landmark agreement to cooperate and achieve mutual benefits across institutional, cultural and economic fields. It’s the perfect excuse to organize a calendar full of cultural events to celebrate 50 years of friendship.

The National Traditional Orchestra of China wowed Madrid and Barcelona with performances of opera and traditional music featuring instruments such as the erhu, flute and guzheng.

A culinary feast called “China Taste” delighted Spain’s gourmets, with many restaurants serving lesser-known Chinese dishes to raise money for the Red Cross.

Strong bilateral relations were also fostered through the world’s longest freight train journey connecting the two countries from Madrid to Yiwu, China.

Terracotta Army marches into Spain

Perhaps the most famous guest was also actually the oldest person, over 2000 years old. The Terracotta Warriors arrived in Alicante in great numbers and received hundreds of thousands of visitors.

Chinese Culture and Tourism Minister Hu Heping attended the inauguration ceremony and said, “China and Spain may be thousands of miles apart and have different situations, but they both have rich history and cultural heritage.” Ta. He also said that “cultural and tourism exchanges and cooperation have become increasingly closer, playing the role of enhancing mutual understanding and appreciation.”

First in Europe for Prime Minister Sánchez

‌In March, Pedro Sánchez met with President Xi Jinping in Beijing, becoming the first leader from the European Union to be invited to China this year. The two leaders discussed close bilateral cooperation on a number of important issues, and upon his arrival, Mr. Sánchez reiterated the importance of bilateral relations.

“The world has changed so much in 50 years, so this is a great opportunity to renew the bonds that unite us,” he said.

The visit was a fruitful one for Spain, with Sánchez signing an important agricultural agreement that will see 50,000 tonnes of Spanish almonds heading to China by 2025, but less within the next 10 years. It is expected to almost double.

Spain’s exports to China hit a record high two years ago, and this agreement will help reduce Spain’s trade deficit with China.

“I think reciprocity, balance, a level playing field and transparency are important elements for the continued relationship between the European Union and China,” Sanchez said.

Twin baby pandas in Madrid steal the show

The groundbreaking celebration wouldn’t be complete without an event to celebrate Madrid Zoo’s most beloved double act, You You and Jiu Jiu.

The twin panda cubs, who turned two years old this year, are in excellent health and represent a thriving relationship between the two countries over the past 50 years, with much to look forward to in the next 50 years.

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