Sánchez seeks a stronger and more balanced relationship with China

BeijingAlthough it had been long planned, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez became the first European leader to make an official visit to China following the tariff crisis. Chinese President Xi Jinping declared this Friday that the European Union (EU) should work with China to "jointly resist unilateral harassment," referring to the trade war instigated by Donald Trump.

At the press conference at the Spanish embassy, Sánchez insisted that "Spanish foreign policy is not against anyone, it is in defense of understanding between countries, the multilateral order, and free trade," in a clear reference to the United States' threats for having moved closer to China. Sánchez defended his response as "consistent with what other administrations have done" and that it is coordinated with the EU.

In Beijing, Sánchez met with Chinese business leaders from the automotive (Chery and Leap Motors), battery (CATL), energy (China Energy, China Three Gorges International, Envision), and renewable energy (GCL, Hygreen) sectors. The president asserted that Spain is seeking Chinese investments that generate added value and skilled employment.

As tangible results of this meeting, both countries signed agreements on health and for the export of medicines and cosmetics. On previous trips, these sectors had explained to President Sánchez the difficulties in accessing the Chinese market. Protocols were also signed in the areas of education and film production.

Probably among the most relevant agreements are one on the export of cherries, a fruit highly valued in the Chinese market, and another on the pork sector, which will allow for expanded exports. These agreements were more or less finalized since 2024, but the EU's intention to impose tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles caused them to be paralyzed.

Improving relations

During the meeting, Sánchez insisted to President Xi Jinping that relations between the two countries must be deepened, but also called for sensitivity in rebalancing them so that they are fair and beneficial for all. China has a scandalous trade surplus with Spain and also with the EU. The Spanish prime minister stressed the need to build a positive agenda with China, as it is an essential partner in addressing problems such as the climate emergency. He also called on Xi to seek lasting peace in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Regarding Brussels, European Commission spokesperson Paula Pinho stated this Tuesday that Ursula von der Leyen "is always in contact with the various leaders of the European Union," especially in the context of a trade war and ahead of a trip like Sánchez's to the Asian giant. "I wouldn't go that far; I wouldn't say that any prime minister [like Sánchez] represents the European Commission on their trips, but there are certainly exchanges about what vision and messages we want to convey in order to coordinate as much as possible," the EU spokesperson added.

In fact, despite the fact that the EU has been distancing itself from China in recent years and aims to reduce its trade dependence on Beijing, the return of Trump and his tariff offensive has caused Brussels to once again look to China as a possible alternative to the United States, although it does not see it with the same first place as the United States, although it does not see it with the same mandate as the United States. In this sense, the European Commission has announced that the EU and China will hold a summit to be held in China during the second half of next July.