Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez delivers a speech at UCAS, April 13, 2026. (Image by CAS)

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez visited the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) on April 13, and toured an exhibition of its scientific achievements and accepted an honorary professorship from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS).

CAS President HOU Jianguo accompanied the prime minister during his visit. ZHOU Qi, CAS Vice President and UCAS President, presented the honorary professorship certificate to Prime Minister Sánchez.

Sánchez visits an exhibition showcasing China's latest sci-tech achievements. (Image by CAS)

During his visit, Sánchez was introduced to the latest research, exchanged views with scientists in frontier fields, and learned more about China-Spain innovation cooperation and high-tech projects.

The Chinese Academy of Sciences is a global leader, standing at the forefront in critical research fields that will define our future: science, technology, innovation, the green transition, the digital transformation, said the Prime Minister.

Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez (C) receives honorary professorship from UCAS, April 13, 2026. (Image by CAS)

In a time of uncertainty, we face challenges that affect us all: climate change, global health threats and the governance of emerging technologies. “Science helps us, helps us to understand them, turning them into opportunities for progress,” said Sánchez.

This is why cooperation matters.

In recent years, collaboration between research institutions and scientific communities of China and Spain has grown stronger. These partnerships show something important. “Something very important: cooperation does not weaken science. It strengthens it. It improves its quality, expands its impact and creates lasting bonds between scientific communities,” he said.

Spain and China will continue to work side by side, advancing knowledge for the common good, the Prime Minister promised.

Sánchez visits an exhibition showcasing China's latest sci-tech achievements. (Image by CAS)

Approximately 220 guests attended the event, including the spouse of the Prime Minister of Spain, the Spanish Ambassador to China, the Chinese Ambassador to Spain, as well as representatives from China's Ministry of Science and Technology, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, various CAS institutes, and UCAS faculty and students.