2023 rang in the Year of The Rabbit - in Chinese culture a symbol of longevity, peace, and prosperity - making it a fitting year to mark a significant milestone between Spain and China: half-a-century of official diplomatic relations.
Both countries signed a landmark deal back in 1973 to cooperate across institutional, cultural, and economic areas to mutual benefit. The perfect excuse to organise a packed calendar of cultural events celebrating 50 years of friendship.
The China National Traditional Orchestra wowed Madrid and Barcelona with opera and traditional music performances featuring instruments like the Erhu, Pipa and the Guzheng.
A culinary feast called 'China Taste' delighted Spanish foodies with a number of restaurants offering lesser-known Chinese delights to raise funds for the Red Cross.
Strong bilateral ties were also promoted through the longest cargo train journey in the world that connects both countries, going all the way from Madrid to YiWu in China.
Terracotta army march to Spain
Perhaps the most famous guests were also the oldest - 2000 years old, in fact. The Terracotta Army arrived in force in Alicante and received hundreds of thousands of visitors.
China's Minister of Culture and Tourism Hu Heping was in attendance at the inauguration and said that "China and Spain may be thousands of miles apart and have different situations, but they are both rich in history and cultural heritage." He also stated that "cultural and tourism exchanges and cooperation have become increasingly close and have played a role in enhancing mutual understanding and appreciation."
The Terracotta Warriors are on display in Alicante. / CGTN Europe
European first for Prime Minister Sanchez
In March, Pedro Sanchez met President Xi Jinping in Beijing, becoming the first leader this year to be invited to China from the European Union. The pair discussed closer bilateral cooperation on a number of key issues and Sanchez reiterated the importance of their relationship on his arrival.
"The world has changed enormously in five decades, so this is an excellent opportunity to renew the ties that bind us," he said.
The trip proved fruitful for Spain with Sanchez signing significant agriculture deals, with 50,000 tonnes of Spanish almonds heading for China by 2025, an amount set to almost double within the next decade.
Spanish exports to China reached an all-time high two years ago, and this latest deal helps Spain to reduce its trade deficit with China.
"Reciprocity, balance, a level playing field and transparency, I think those are the key elements so that we can continue the relationship between the European Union and China," said Sanchez.
You You and Jiu Jiu were born back in September 2021. /CGTN
Madrid's twin panda cubs steal the show
No landmark celebrations would have been complete without an event to celebrate Madrid Zoo's most loved double-act You You and Jiu Jiu.
The twin panda cubs turned two this year and are in rude health, symbolic of a relationship between the two nations that has prospered over the past 50 years, promising much for the next 50.
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