Spanish King Juan Carlos I arrived in Shanghai Sunday evening, starting a six-day state visit to China, at the invitation of President Hu Jintao.

This is the third visit of Juan Carlos I to China, during which he will meet with Hu, as well as top legislator Wu Bangguo and Premier Wen Jiabao in Beijing.

Juan Carlos I will also attend some art exhibitions in Shanghai and Beijing, as part of the on-going "Year of Spain in China" exchange program.

Besides the economic power house and the capital, Juan Carlos I will also tour Sichuan Province in southwest China.

"China-Spain relations have maintained a smooth development in recent years, and the two sides have given each other mutual support and coordination on major international issues," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang at a regular press conference.

Qin said China highly appreciates the firm support from Spain on issues relating to China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as active efforts of the Spanish government to promote China-EU relations.

China hopes the visit of Juan Carlos I will further promote bilateral relations and friendly cooperation in all fields, he said.