Frequent China-Spain exchanges boost trust, strengthen cooperation: Spanish scholar

The frequency of visits by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to China in recent years has helped strengthen mutual trust, according to a Spanish scholar, who noted how growing exchanges between the two sides across multiple sectors is also helping boost bilateral ties and advance shared development.

Felix Valdivieso, chairman of the China Observatory at the IE University in Spain's Segovia, was speaking as the Spanish prime minister concluded his latest five-day visit to China on Wednesday.

The trip marked Sanchez's fourth visit to the country in as many years and came after a landmark visit by Spain's King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia to China last November.

In an exclusive interview with the China Global Television Network (CGTN), Valdivieso said these high-level visits have helped consolidate trust between the two countries while also delivering concrete results.

He believes that the benefits of such diplomatic engagement can be turned into sustained cooperation, allowing bilateral relations to deepen and produce tangible outcomes over time.

"One is that frequency creates credibility. And secondly I think it enables a transition from symbolic diplomacy to process-based diplomacy where relationships, negotiations and follow-ups accumulate overtime and generate tangible outcomes," he said.

Valdivieso also stressed that Spain could draw valuable experience from China in sectors such as electric vehicles, advanced technology and green energy.

"There is an absolute possibility or potential for growth for these industries like energy, high-tech and the automotive sector. And the reason I say this, is because in these sectors, in the electric automotive sector, in high-tech and in green energy, China is [very] much ahead of most of the countries in the world and certainly Europe, and of course Spain within Europe. And basically Europe and Spain cannot go without Chinese technology in certain sectors," he said.

Speaking on exchanges between the two countries' academic and business communities, Valdivieso highlighted their role in building communication bridges, fostering mutual trust and supporting long-term bilateral relations.

"I would say that academic exchanges play a fundamental role in building trust and mutual understanding and long-term cooperation. We do studies on China, on different sectors, on family business, on technology, on Chinese soft power, etc. This academic collaboration helps first to tap into China's economic, regulatory and cultural environment in a rigorous and nuanced way. And secondly by executive education and corporate engagement, we create direct channels between China and Spain, fostering practical understanding and long-term relationships," he said.

Frequent China-Spain exchanges boost trust, strengthen cooperation: Spanish scholar

Israel aims to fuel division among Lebanese factions by holding direct talks with the Lebanese government, said a senior Hezbollah official in an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN).

Bilal Lakkis, a member of Hezbollah's Central Committee, said Israel's military plans are failing in southern Lebanon, with no prominent military gains despite weeks of bombardment.

Israel has been bombarding most bridges over the Litani River, leaving only about two intact, in what appears to be an attempt to create an expanded buffer zone or to advance further north. Asked how Hezbollah views this strategy, Lakkis dismissed Israeli objectives as incoherent and militarily unachieved.

"Every day one of Israel's leaders says something different. Some say 'we need protection from the attacks', others say they want an occupation to settle the Israeli military. A third group says they want a buffer zone. A buffer zone needs a huge military victory, which has not been achieved. This proves that there is hesitance among them, there is no clarity. In any case, the region south of the river, some parts of it are just three kilometers between the river and the occupied Palestinian territories, so it doesn't achieve security," he said.

The United States hosted political talks for the first time in decades between the Lebanese government and Israel this week. Asked whether any agreement could be implemented without Hezbollah's consent and what Israel seeks from these negotiations, Lakkis was unequivocal in his rejection.

"The government is violating all laws. Some in Lebanon had hopes that the war on Iran would hit the brain, all the affiliates would perish. Instead they found success in holding negotiations in Pakistan. Every time Netanyahu fails militarily, he attempts to fuel the division within the Lebanese body," he said.

Asked about whether Hezbollah would avoid actions that might fuel such divisions, Lakkis emphasized the group's commitment to internal stability.

"The resistance in Lebanon doesn't want any internal instability. That is a long-standing historic stance. It's a red line for us to tamper with peace and stability. Moreover, the Arab and the Islamic support towards the resistance and Hezbollah specifically is at its best. To resist that is a way more valuable gain than to be dragged against an internal party. We are keen on national unity and Islamic unity," he said.

Hezbollah official says Israel aims to fuel division among Lebanese factions