More than a decade of reign later, Philip VI Keep collecting milestones. But there are more or less relevant ones and the one of these days is one that will count in history. The kings of Spain are in Chinain his first state trip there since Juan Carlos I abdicated and in full Government approach to Beijing. A movement that, between EU reluctance and Trump criticism. Not oblivious to all this, Felipe VI has called for “concord”, “unity” and “friendship” between countries in a highly relevant speech.
During his toast hosted by President Xi Jinping and First Lady Peng Liyuan, Philip VI has self-quoted his words at the UN General Assembly. Under the request to have “memory” so as not to forget “the hard lessons that the 20th century has taught us”, he has asked that “we never abandon, no matter how difficult it may be, the search for harmony“.
“In a complex geopolitical framework full of uncertainties, Spain believes it is essential to preserve a world order based on rules, multilateralism and cooperation“, the monarch said in front of a hundred guests. Among those present, Chinese and Spanish businessmen, such as the presidents of the CEOE and the Chamber of Commerce, Antonio Garamendi and José María Bonet, respectively, as well as the president of LaLiga, Javier Tebas.
Accompanied on his trip by the Ministers of Economy and Foreign Affairs, Felipe VI has placed emphasis on listening and “the voice of China” is heard in the world. Specifically, “in the dialogue on how to face the great global challenges”, a task in which “China’s voice and commitment are and will be of enormous importance.”
For this reason, he defends that Spain and China aspire to “continue deepening a relationship that places special emphasis on the innovation and the sustainability“, a task to which the ministers Carlos Cuerpo and José María Albares have joined, after the .
Memory has played a key role in Felipe VI’s speech. Looking far back, he recalled how “many of the great technological revolutions of humanity were possible thanks to a wealth of synergies, creativity, cooperation, between east and west“, which “has often sprouted from this earth” and which wishes to “continue to feed our future.”
The memory has passed through “the “Silk Road”“our legendary embassies of the 16th century” but also by the writer Vicente Blasco Ibáñezwhose words from 1923, on a visit to China, he has referred to as inspiration. The Valencian writer asserted then and Felipe VI defends today that “the soul of China endures unchanged through thousands of years.”
But, in a special chapter, the memory of Felipe VI has led him to highlight his own father’s legacy. The king has remembered the visit of the former head of state in 2007. then Juan Charles I and Sofia advanced some “milestones” that still stand today. “These milestones tell us about more than half a century of trips, meetings, agreements…”.
“China embodies the permanence of ancient civilizations,” in which “a dignity evident in traits of Chinese society that we admire, such as pragmatism, perseverance and the desire to improve,” persists. “China continues to surprise the world“, he assured.
In turn, Xi Jinping has claimed that “a well-forged friendship erases distance” and has expressed his conviction that “the friendship between Spain and China will last forever”, recalling the Spanish saying that “he who has a friend has a treasure”. As a ‘response’, Felipe VI has sent a extramural messagebecause in his opinion “The friendship between Spain and China undoubtedly benefits both peoples and is consistent with two countries with a long history and a global vocation”.
