On 12 May, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke by phone with Spanish Foreign Minister Arancha González Laya.

Wang noted that President Xi Jinping, in his recent message of sympathy to King Felipe VI and phone call with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, expressed firm support to the Spanish government and people in combating COVID-19. China has been providing containment supplies to Spain and sharing with Spain without reservation diagnostic and therapeutic solutions and experience in COVID-19 response. China is happy to see that the situation in Spain is moving steadily in a positive direction, and will continue to help it to the best of its ability. He has confidence in Spain's ability to bring the virus under full control at an early date, and hopes that the Spanish government will continue to protect the health and safety of Chinese nationals in the country.

Wang said that China's support and assistance to Spain and other countries is a manifestation of international humanitarian spirit guided by the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind. Such help does not come with any political conditions, or any intention for selfish geopolitical gains. Recently, some politicians of certain country have tried to politicize the epidemic, label the virus and attack and smear China in order to shift the blame for their own inadequate epidemic response. Such moves are not helpful for COVID-19 response at either the national or global levels. We trust that Spain will stick to its objective and impartial position, promote international cooperation against the virus, and in particular, support the WHO in continuing to play its leading and coordinating role in the global battle against the disease. This year marks the 45th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between China and the European Union. We count on Spain, an important EU member, to promote greater trust and wider cooperation between China and the EU, and open up new prospects for the relations between the two sides through the fight against COVID-19.

Foreign Minister González noted that the King, the Prime Minister and she herself expressed on multiple occasions their appreciation to the support and help from the Chinese government and people. Spain always has confidence in the quality of Chinese products and has purchased a large amount of medical supplies from China. It will continue to stand in solidarity and enhance cooperation with China in fighting COVID-19 for an early victory against the disease. Spain supports the WHO in continuing to play its due role in international anti-epidemic cooperation. It is hoped that the EU and China will speed up negotiations on a Bilateral Investment Treaty, deepen business cooperation and continue to strengthen EU-China relations through the joint battle against the virus.