Spain has been one of the strongest voices in Europe calling for expanding trade with China and treating it as a strategic ally, rather than considering it as an economic and geopolitical rival.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is in China for his fourth visit in four years. Spain is presenting itself as a bridge between China and the European Union at a time when Europe's relations with the United States have become strained.
"I strongly believe that it is in the interest of Spain and Europe to strengthen ties with China," Sanchez said from Beijing on Tuesday.
China-EU trade imbalance “unsustainable”
The visit focuses on improving economic cooperation with the world's second-largest economy. Sanchez described trade between China and Spain as having an "excessive" deficit.
Madrid hopes to reduce a trade deficit that has more than doubled in four years, reaching almost $50 billion by 2025. According to Sanchez, China now represents 74% of Spain's total trade deficit, a figure he called unsustainable in the long term.
Following talks last Thursday, agreements were reached to expand market access for Spanish agricultural products in China and to support the development of Spain's transport and infrastructure sectors.
Spain seeks a more balanced and globalized economy that generates shared prosperity, Sanchez said in a post on X commenting on the agreement. “We must continue to move towards a multipolar order built on respect and pragmatism,” he added.
Sanchez welcomes China's role in the Middle East
Spain is particularly interested in strengthening political and economic ties with Beijing, as Sánchez's government faces strained relations with the United States over its stance on the conflict in Iran. The Spanish government has opposed military action in the region, which has contributed to friction with Washington.
Spain's efforts to boost trade with China come after US President Donald Trump threatened to cut off trade with Spain. Trump's threats came after Spain refused to allow the use of its military bases for US strikes against Iran, a key economic partner of Beijing.
Sanchez also welcomed China's role in efforts to resolve the conflict in the Middle East.
“The role that China can play is important in finding diplomatic means to end this war and contribute to stability and peace,” Sanchez said. “All nations, especially those that are in dialogue and have not actively participated in this illegal war, are not only welcome, but are absolutely necessary,” Sanchez added.
Spanish Prime Minister Reaffirms 'No to War' Against Iran
The Spanish prime minister warned that international law is being constantly undermined and called for closer cooperation to promote peace and prosperity. He argued that China must take a more important role in addressing global challenges such as climate change, security, defense and inequality.
Speaking at Beijing's Tsinghua University on Monday, Sanchez said Europe must also step up its efforts as the US retreats from leadership roles on many fronts.
In talks with President Xi Jinping on Tuesday, Sanchez raised the need for reform of the global multilateral system. “We need to better recognize the multipolar reality of today’s world,” he said.
While President Xi warned against a return to the “law of the jungle,” he described the global landscape as one where “chaos reigns” and “international order is collapsing,” adding that deeper ties between China and Spain were in the interest of both countries.
Sanchez's visit comes as many Western governments are seeking to improve relations with Beijing, despite ongoing security and trade tensions and questions about human rights, amid growing dissatisfaction with US policies under President Donald Trump. /DW
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