China–Spain relations

China–Spain relations

China
Spain

China–Spain relations were established in 1973.[1]

History

Sino-Spanish relations began in 1973 after both countries were still reeling from the aftermath of civil wars.[1]

Relations have gradually improved with official state visits between the two countries and various exchanges.[2] Spain hosted Expo 2008 which China was a participant at, and China then hosted Expo 2010, where Spain had a pavilion.

Bilateral relations

The volume of trade between the two countries has grown considerably in recent years. Total trade stood at $7.2 billion USD in 2004, and had increased to $22.7 billion by October 2008.[1]

As a consequence, China has become Spain's sixth largest trading partner.[1]

Recently, Spain held the rotating EU presidency from Jan 1 to June 30, 2010, and indicated they would support a lift in the EU Arms embargo to boost two-way trade because in 2008, China's exports to the EU were 248 billion euros ($357 billion), but imports were only 78 billion euros.[3] This could improve trade between the EU and China by allowing China to import higher technology goods for which the Europeans are known.[3]

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 China-Spain relations see steady growth
  2. ↑ people.com.cn, June 10, 2008, Spain, China pledge to deepen relations
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Zhang Jin, 2010-01-21, (China Daily), Spain could ask EU to lift arms ban on China

External links