Fujian and Spain: Oceanic friendship for over 400 years

At the opposite ends of the vast Eurasian continent, two maritime civilizations thrive by the sea. Over 400 years ago, Fujian and Spain shared close ties through the Maritime Silk Road.

Fujian, located in East China, boasts a 3,752-kilometer coastline, while Spain is surrounded by three seas. This shared maritime heritage has instilled a common spirit of exploration among the people. The expansive oceans have nurtured major maritime civilizations in the East and West. Zheng He and Wang Jinghong led China's great era of naval exploration. On the other side of the Eurasian continent, Columbus and Magellan charted new paths, unveiling a new world map.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, Spain developed Manila as a vital transshipment hub, initiating the prosperous "Manila Galleon Trade" and establishing Yuegang Port in Zhangzhou as a key point along the route. Ships gathered and traders interacted as Fujian merchants exchanged goods like porcelain, silk, and tea with their Spanish counterparts, sparking a significant influx of foreign silver and marking the silver age of Chinese currency circulation.

The maritime exchanges between Fujian and Spain have had lasting impacts on architecture, cuisine, and language. Maritime traders from Yuegang introduced Spanish brick construction techniques, blending them with local craftsmanship to create the unique Minnan (south of Fujian) rouge brick, which has become a classic symbol of Minnan architecture.

Similarly, goods exported from Fujian have subtly influenced Spanish lifestyle habits. For instance, the Spanish term "té" for "tea" originates from the Minnan dialect "tee". In the 21st century, exchanges between Fujian and Spain have entered a new phase. Spain has become one of Fujian's key trade and investment partners within the European Union, with bilateral trade reaching 19.83 billion yuan ($2.7 billion) in 2024.

Cultural interactions are also flourishing. In 2024, the "Maritime Silk Road Starting Point - Refreshing Fujian" cultural and tourism promotion event in Madrid highlighted Fujian's unique culture and rich tourist attractions.