On August 21, 2008, Chinese President Hu Jintao sent a message of condolences to Spanish King Juan Carlos over the heavy casualties caused by a deadly plane crash in Madrid. In the message, Hu, on behalf of the Chinese government and people and in his own name, expressed sincere sympathy to King Juan Carlos and via him to the families of the victims as well as those injured and extended profound condolences to the victims.

On the same day, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao also sent a message of condolences to his Spanish counterpart Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero.