Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez Highlights Cooperation as Key to Scientific Progress at Chinese Academy of Sciences
During his official visit to China, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez addressed the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), emphasizing that international collaboration strengthens scientific quality and impact. He was awarded an honorary professorship during the event. The visit showcased mature research partnerships between China and Spain in fields such as large-scale scientific facilities, agriculture, optical astronomy, and marine science. Sanchez also highlighted reciprocal talent exchanges, with Spanish scholars studying at UCAS and many UCAS students conducting research in Spain. He pledged to continue promoting deeper scientific and educational ties between the two nations.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez underscored the vital role of cooperation in driving scientific progress during a visit to the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) on Monday. Speaking at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Sanchez emphasized that collaboration strengthens rather than weakens science, improving its quality and expanding its impact while creating lasting bonds between scientific communities. He was awarded an honorary professorship by UCAS during the event.
Earlier in the day, Sanchez toured an exhibition highlighting CAS's recent landmark innovations in science and technology. This visit underlines the maturing scientific partnership between China and Spain, which has progressively shifted from high-level strategic alignment to concrete, on-the-ground implementation.
Key Areas of Bilateral Scientific Cooperation
The collaboration between Chinese and Spanish research institutions spans multiple cutting-edge fields. In the area of large-scale scientific facilities, the CAS Institute of High Energy Physics has signed agreements with its Spanish counterparts to jointly advance technologies for fourth-generation synchrotron radiation light sources. This cooperation aims to push the boundaries of particle physics and materials science.
In agriculture, the two nations have established a joint center for plant-environment interactions to tackle global food security challenges, according to the CAS. This center focuses on understanding how plants respond to environmental stresses, which is critical for developing resilient crops in a changing climate.
Long-Standing Partnerships in Astronomy and Marine Science
In the field of optical astronomy, research bodies from both countries maintain a long-standing collaboration that includes the joint construction of astronomical optical infrastructure. These efforts contribute to global observations of celestial phenomena. In marine science, sustained cooperation spans ocean remote sensing, disaster mitigation, marine ecology, and the sustainable management of marine resources, the CAS said.
The UCAS continues to foster robust ties with Spanish universities and research institutions. This relationship is reflected in a steady two-way exchange of talent. Over the past decade, more than 10 Spanish scholars have pursued advanced studies at UCAS, while nearly 100 UCAS students have embarked on research and academic programs in Spain, according to the CAS. This reciprocal flow of talent injects enduring momentum into the innovation partnership between the two countries.
Commitment to Future Collaboration
Expressing his gratitude for the honorary professorship, Sanchez said that he will continue to promote deeper exchanges and cooperation between Spanish scientific and educational institutions and those of the CAS, including the UCAS, for the benefit of the people of both countries and the world. According to CGTN, Sanchez is undertaking an official visit to China from Saturday to Wednesday, marking his fourth trip to the country within four years. This visit reinforces the deepening ties between Spain and China in scientific research and higher education.
