In relation to China, Portugal and Spain share significant similar values. On the one hand, a historical relationship that constitutes a solid pillar of the bilateral relationship. On the other hand, China is, in both cases, an important economic partner, whether we are referring to commercial exchange or investments, including the structural problems of the relationship. Likewise, politically, closeness remains at acceptable levels despite the unfavorable recent global situation. And, in general, there remains a fairly well-woven relationship that is reflected in the persistence of a strategic partnership that ensures the fluidity of dialogue and exchanges at all levels.
There are also nuances that provide singular relevance. Portugal, for example, has signed the memorandum of accession to the Belt and Road Initiative. Spain, no. Both, however, are members of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. On the other hand, in the two geolinguistic universes associated with Portugal and Spain, China maintains the relevance of Portugal in the Macau Forum while opting for a relationship without intermediation with the Spanish-speaking Latin American countries.
In the European Union, Portugal and Spain have been characterized by supporting the definition of greater strategic autonomy, while postulating a predominantly constructive position in the characterization of the relationship with China.
In the current international moment, with the ongoing consideration of tensions between the US and the West with the Asian giant, both Madrid and Lisbon, without distancing themselves from the general trend, have also opted for prudence in managing the nuances in the relationship. with Beijing.
In turn, China views both countries as an important cooperative partner. The relationship has been strengthened by the financial crisis and has not suffered either from the Covid-19 pandemic or from the response to the crisis caused by the war in Ukraine.
On the other hand, in parallel, in recent years, a pragmatic Iberianism has become a part of the Spanish-Portuguese relationship. This is clear from the expression of shared options in the context of the EU, whether we are referring to transcendental issues such as post-pandemic recovery funds, energy or Midcat.
Could synergies in relation to China be an issue to explore to optimize each party's relationship with the Asian giant and even assert its own position at the community level?
In recent decades, China has grown as an object of study in our respective academies and societies. We have a greater training offer and we have a cast of specialists who provide a critical mass capable of providing credit to our social and institutional actors in their relationship with China.
We consider, therefore, that the ideal conditions exist to speak of “Chibérica”. With this we suggest a bilateral approach that complements the link with other geocultural trajectories in our environment in relation to China. We suggest the structuring of our own discourse that can only be built through a greater relationship between Hispanic and Portuguese sinology through the mechanisms in use.
China is today a substantial part of the political agenda of both countries. This so often forgotten neighborhood would recommend more bilateral dialogue to specify a roadmap that allows us to gain specific weight in Europe based on our own interests. It is not just about adapting to new trends, often sponsored mostly by third parties with greater political influence, but about influencing, taking an active and shared part in their definition. It's the moment.
Jorge Tavares and Xulio Ríos are editors of “Chiberica” (Popular, Madrid, 2023).
