The King’s state trip to China concluded today in a room at the Regent Hotel in Beijing, where Don Felipe and Doña Letizia met with representatives of around 400 of the 5,200 Spanish residents living there. in front … Upon returning to Spain, King Felipe VI emphasized the importance of the role played by the Spanish colony in the country’s external projection. “The Queen and I would like to pay tribute to your contribution to the development of our country. Spain exists in the world because of people like you.We make valuable connections every day in business, science, education, culture, and institutions. And I want to say clearly: Spain values you and is proud of you. “We need you.”
King Felipe VI warned about China’s role in the international arena and Spain’s position regarding this bilateral relationship, recalling:Today, he is a central figure on the international stage.major challenges and transformations are underway. In this regard, he said that “Spain maintains a fruitful dialogue both with European countries and with itself” and that this relationship is based on clear principles. «We will continue to uphold our values of democracy, international law and human rights. and multilateral cooperation – from our firm confidence in who we are as a nation, a modern, cooperative, creative, open and committed Spain, to the great challenges of our time.
The King emphasized the active role of Spaniards living in the Asian country and the historical footprint they represent. “As Spaniards living in China, you are actively participating in projects in your country. You are not just an observer. you are the main character. ”said before reminiscing that his work reflects “a Spain that knows how to adapt without losing its identity, a Spain that knows how to cooperate without abandoning its values, and a Spain that reaches out without ceasing to raise its voice when needed.”
Before bidding farewell to them all, Don Felipe turned to the past and heritage shared with China. To this end, he recalled the Jesuit missionary Diego de Pantoja. He was “the first Spaniard to come here to Beijing more than four centuries ago with the desire to know the two cultures and build a bridge between them.” “Today, that spirit of contribution, dialogue and respect still lives on among you Spaniards who call this city and this country home, through your work and your example. Historic ties between Spain and China» concluded the King.
There are up to 7,000 Spaniards in China
The Spanish community, registered in various Chinese consulates, numbers approximately 5,500 people and is particularly concentrated in the Shanghai and Hong Kong/Macau areas, each with just under 2,000 residents. However, these figures do not fully reflect the real aspects of the Spaniards’ presence in the country, as many compatriots do not have formal registration in the register. Therefore, at the moment, There may actually be more than 7,000 Spaniards living in ChinaThis figure does not include the increased flow of tourists traveling to the country, boosted by visa exemptions for stays of less than 30 days.
Don Felipe and Doña Letizia left the lounge of the Regent Hotel at 2pm (local time), hoping to speak to almost every guest at a community reception hosted by the Spanish Embassy in Beijing. The royal couple enjoy these types of meetings because they get to learn first-hand about the lives of Spaniards in each country they visit. Two hours after the meeting started, Don Felipe and Doña Letizia again boarded the plane of Air Force Group 45 And they began to return home.
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