Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has embarked on a diplomatic mission to bolster economic relations with China, as uncertainties surrounding U.S. tariffs continue to ripple through global markets. The visit, part of a broader Asian tour including Vietnam, comes at a critical juncture as Spain navigates the fallout from U.S. trade policies under President Donald Trump, which have introduced sweeping tariffs on European Union goods.
During his trip, Sánchez met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing to discuss deepening cooperation in key sectors such as technology, green energy, and logistics. The Spanish government views China as a vital partner to offset potential economic disruptions caused by U.S. tariffs, which include a 20% levy on EU products. Sánchez emphasized the need for “open markets and balanced alliances” to ensure Spain’s economic resilience, while also advocating for dialogue to prevent a broader trade war.
Bilateral trade between Spain and China has shown steady growth, with trade volumes exceeding €44 billion in 2024. Spanish exports to China rose by 4.3% last year, signaling potential for further expansion. Sánchez’s agenda includes securing Chinese investment in Spain’s green technology sector, building on previous commitments like Chery’s electric vehicle plant in Barcelona.
However, the outreach has drawn scrutiny from Washington. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that aligning too closely with Beijing could harm European interests, a sentiment echoed by critics who caution against over-reliance on China. Despite this, Sánchez’s administration remains committed to positioning Spain as a bridge between the EU and China, leveraging its influence to foster cooperation amid global trade tensions.
