The China Chair Foundation was established in April 2024 to fulfill the legacy of Ms. Paquita López, wife of the Foundation’s president, Mr. Marcelo Muñoz, and to complete and expand the work previously carried out by the China Chair Association. It is the first non-governmental foundation in Spain dedicated to promoting knowledge and institutional relations between Spain and China, as well as the European Union and the People’s Republic of China.

The China Chair Foundation is the continuation of the efforts and dedication of Marcelo and Paquita, since 1978, and many others, especially from the China Chair Association, to raise awareness of the reality of China and its importance in the 21st century and to foster relations between the two countries. It aims to make this reality known to institutions, associations, political parties, universities, and, in short, to the entire Spanish civil society.

On April 5, 2024, the China Chair Foundation (FCC) was officially established, consolidating a project initiated in 2012 to promote these goals. The Foundation responds to the need to increase its activities, given China’s increasing influence in the global order and the growing demand from Spanish civil society.

Aware of China’s decisive and cross-cutting role at the political, social, and business levels in the new world order, we believe that Spain and the European Union must be independent and leading actors in this global context. Our goal is to support relations and mutual understanding between Spanish, Chinese, and European institutions, promoting progress in freedom and ensuring mutual benefits through strategic autonomy in relations.

We aspire to encourage rapprochement between institutions and mutual understanding between Spanish and Chinese citizens, since without this social understanding and cultural exchanges, progress in bilateral relations is impossible. Our goal is to promote common interests between Spain and China, between Europe and China.

The Foundation’s Board of Trustees includes experts in the relations between the two countries in various areas of expertise, and has an Honorary Board of Trustees composed of prominent figures in politics, economics, business, and diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Our activities, main focuses:

• Political Information and Dialogue: Promote dialogue on 21st-century China between Spanish and Chinese politicians, opening avenues for bilateral cooperation.
• Academic Exchange: Bring the reality of China closer to Spanish academics and university students, promoting exchange programs and scholarships.
• Journalistic Information: Facilitate access to verified information on China for Spanish journalists and communicators.
• Training through studies and workbooks in different areas of Chinese politics.
• Exchange between Spanish and Chinese leaders through visits and trips between the two countries.

Our objectives are:

• Dissemination and Debate: Raise awareness of China’s global reality, positively influencing Spanish civil society, the media, public administrations, social stakeholders, political parties, universities, business schools, and companies.
• Dialogue-Based Vision: Promote a dialogue-based vision of the Chinese model of society, highlighting how Western and Chinese civilizations can understand each other, complement each other, and jointly contribute to a better globalized world.
• Collaboration and Exchange: Establish collaboration agreements with universities, business schools, journals, institutions, and associations that study China’s transformation and its global impact, promoting friendship between our two countries.

Our Values ​​focus on:

1. Plurality and Dialogue: We promote a dialogue-based and pluralistic vision, fostering understanding between the cultures and societies of Spain and China, and between Chinese and Western civilization.
2. Knowledge and Education: We value the dissemination of knowledge about China’s global reality, supporting education, academic exchange, and debate for deeper mutual understanding.
3. Collaboration and Cooperation: We are committed to establishing and promoting collaboration agreements with various institutions and associations, facilitating the exchange of ideas and resources.
4. Independence and Autonomy: We maintain our independence as a Foundation, while promoting the activities of the China Chair Association and other related entities.
5. Social Impact: We aspire to positively influence Spanish civil society, its media, public administrations, and other social stakeholders, promoting a balanced and dialogue-based understanding of China.
6. Respect and Complementarity: We foster respect and complementarity between Western and Chinese civilizations, jointly contributing to a better globalized world.
7. Innovation and Adaptability: We value continuous transformation and adaptability in our mission to understand and respond to the evolution of China and its impact on the global context.
8. Commitment to Friendship and Progress: We are dedicated to promoting friendship and progress between Spain and China, Europe and China, facilitating understanding and cooperation for the mutual benefit of both worlds.