On December 17, 2024, Zhang Donggang, Chair of the University Council of Renmin University of China (RUC), met with Marta Betanzos Roig, Ambassador of Spain to China.

Zhang Donggang emphasized that China and Spain, both with long histories and rich cultural heritages, are significant representatives of Eastern and Western civilizations. In recent years, RUC has continuously expanded its educational and cultural exchanges with Spain, establishing partnerships with 7 Spanish universities and institutions including Barcelona Autonomous University, and jointly inaugurating the China-Spain Center on Civilizational Exchange and Cooperation in Madrid with Complutense University of Madrid. Zhang expressed the hope of further deepening educational and cultural exchanges between China and Spain through youth exchange programs, social practice and collaborative research, enhancing talent cultivation, research innovation and integration between industry and education, as well as promoting mutual learning and connectivity in civilizational dialogues, so as to jointly build a brighter future for humanity.

Ambassador Betanzos noted that RUC and Spain have maintained a longstanding and fruitful relationship in talent cultivation, academic research and other aspects. She expressed the hope to deepen cooperation with RUC based on existing collaborations in higher education, scientific innovation, and civilizational exchange, building more platforms for bilateral exchange, and fostering academic and youth interaction, in order to drive the development of higher education in both nations.Afterward, Ambassador Betanzos delivered a keynote speech titled Spain and China over 50 years: 50 years of Diplomatic Relations; 20 years of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership at the RDCY Forum for Area Studies, Ambassador Forum. Zheng Xinye, Vice President of RUC, attended and delivered a welcoming remark, while Wang Wen, Dean of the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies, Renmin University of China (RDCY), presided over the entire event. Over 200 representatives from RUC, Peking University, Tsinghua University, Beijing Foreign Studies University, Communication University of China and other universities, as well as government agencies and companies, participated and engaged in interactive discussions with the ambassador.

In his opening speech, Zheng Xinye, Vice President of RUC, highlighted the profound historical ties and friendship between China and Spain. In recent years, under the Belt and Road Initiative, the two nations have deepened cooperation in trade, investment, education, and culture. Amid a complex and changing international landscape, China is committed to strengthening pragmatic cooperation with Spain in areas such as green energy, electric vehicles, digital economy and advanced materials, bringing greater benefits to the people of both countries. RUC will continue to leverage its role in higher education and as a think tank, advance international exchange and cooperation, foster deeper understanding and trust between China and Spain.

Reflecting on Spain’s democratic transition since the 1970s, Ambassador Betanzos highlighted the country’s significant achievements in economic diversification and globalization. Remarkable progress have been made during recent years in high-tech industries, renewable energy, telecommunications and tourism. While outlining Spain’s foreign policy and core values, she emphasized the close cooperation between Spain and Europe, Latin America, North Africa, etc. Moreover, Spain is dedicated to promoting global governance, addressing climate change, and to advancing gender equality and inclusivity.

“The Asia-Pacific region has become a key priority in Spain’s foreign policy. Over the past 15 years, Spain has strengthened its diplomatic, consular, and commercial presence in the region.” Betanzos stated. Particularly, diplomatic relations between Spain and China have been further strengthened in recent years. In 2022, the Consulate General of Spain in Chengdu was established, further expanding Spanish diplomatic network in China. Recalling the historical connections between the two countries, Sino-Spainish exchanges could date back to the 16th century. The two nations are not only economic partners but also share a deep bond in cultural and intellectual realms.

During the Q&A session, Ambassador Betanzos addressed various questions from the audience. On the topic of tariffs on electric vehicles, she noted that there remains room for dialogue between China and the EU, with both sides aiming to improve trade relations through discussions. Regarding cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI), she highlighted the significant potential for China and Spain to collaborate in AI governance and technological innovation. In terms of AI, she expressed Spain’s willingness to work with China in relevant areas such as its global governance, its formulation of technical standards, and its promoting application. When asked about visa facilitation for Chinese tourists, Ambassador Betanzos explained that although Spain must adhere to the unified visa policies of the Schengen Area, the country is actively pursuing measures to simplify visa processes and encourages more Chinese tourists to visit Spain.

In the concluding remarks, Wang Wen, Dean of RDCY, noted that the speech showcased Spain’s national charm and the promising prospects for future Sino-Spanish cooperation, hoping that platforms like the Ambassador Forum would attract and inspire more individuals to engage in Sino-Spanish exchanges and collaborations.