China and Spain signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the China-Spain Joint Economic and Industrial Cooperation Committee on Wednesday, marking a new step forward in strengthening bilateral economic ties between the two countries, according to a spokesman for China's Ministry of Commerce on Thursday.
The signing ceremony of the MoU was witnessed by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Spain's King Felipe VI, who was in Beijing for his first state visit to China since his enthronement, which took place on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of China-Spain comprehensive strategic partnership.
Speaking at a press conference in Beijing, Ministry of Commerce Spokesman He Yadong said the Spanish King's visit marks a new chapter in bilateral trade cooperation. He hailed the role of the new MoU in enhancing dialogue and promoting trade cooperation between the two countries.
"The signing of this MoU is a concrete step to implement the Action Plan for Strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the People's Republic of China and the Kingdom of Spain (2025-2028), which was jointly released by both sides in April this year. The memorandum aimed at enhancing dialogue in the economic and trade fields between the governments of the two countries," he said.
"In the future, we will leverage this mechanism to strengthen policy coordination, address enterprises' appeals in a coordinated manner, and provide robust support for deepening and solidifying practical cooperation between China and Spain," said the spokesman.
On Thursday morning, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce and the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Trade and Enterprise jointly hosted the third meeting of the China-Spain Business Advisory Council in Beijing, providing a platform for entrepreneurs from both sides to exchange opinions and establish connections, according to He.
Cooperation memorandum to deepen China-Spain economic ties: spokesman
Dozens of protesters in Japan's Shizuoka Prefecture rallied in front of Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force's Camp Fuji on Tuesday to condemn the government's deployment of new missiles at the base.
Japan's Defense Ministry said on Tuesday that a Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile (HVGP) for island defense had been deployed at Camp Fuji, and Camp Kengun in Kumamoto Prefecture had been equipped with a ground-launched version of the upgraded Type 12 land-to-ship guided missile.
This marks the first time that long-range missiles with counterstrike capabilities have been brought into service in Japan and marks a significant shift from the country's long-standing exclusively defense-oriented policy under its war-renouncing Constitution.
Protesters have expressed concern that the deployment could turn the area into a potential military target and have repeatedly called on the defense ministry to hold public briefings, which have yet to take place.
"As local residents, we cannot remain silent. We must speak out to reassure our residents and ensure their safety. This time, they are deploying a Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile, but this will continue. After Camp Kengun and Camp Fuji, they will deploy more throughout the country. We cannot ignore this. We must voice our opposition," said Hiroyuki Takahata, a protester.
"As mentioned in the latest appeal, the government disregards the Constitution in this missile deployment. It should focus on its primary duty of protecting people's lives and well-being," said another protester.
The local civic group Stop Missiles at Fuji Association has also submitted a petition to the Japanese military, demanding that the Japanese government stop deploying missiles at Camp Fuji and re-examine its security policies.
"Missiles have been transported to Kumamoto and also deployed here, without any explanation. This is tantamount to deceiving us. We are extremely angry," said Hiromi Yamazaki, a representative of the organization.
"Since Sanae Takaichi took office, we have seen that Japan is heading toward a situation where it could start a war, so we must speak out. We don't want the younger generation to bear that kind of future. This is our wish," said Michiko Takahata, another protester.
Japanese rally against government's missile deployment
