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Sánchez forges ahead with China links despite US criticism and EU uncertainty
Xi Jinping has urged EU solidarity against “unilateral harassment” as Pedro Sánchez defends a foreign policy of dialogue and cooperation
Beijing and Madrid have presented a united front in response to escalating global trade tensions, with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Spanish President Pedro Sánchez pledging to deepen bilateral ties and promote multilateralism.
Their meeting, held in Beijing this Friday April 11, comes just days after US President Donald Trump announced a steep increase in tariffs on Chinese goods, while granting a 90-day truce for other countries, including those in the European Union.
Xi, who hosted Sánchez on his third official visit to China in as many years, described the current moment as one of “multiple risks and challenges” for the international community. He called for closer cooperation between China and EU member states to resist what he termed “unilateral harassment”, a clear reference to Washington’s aggressive tariff measures.
“The more turbulent and chaotic the international situation is, the more important is the stable and firm development relationship between China and Spain,” Xi said, reaffirming his commitment to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership agreement that marks its 20th anniversary this year.
He added that “friendship between China and Spain is the right choice” and encouraged further cooperation grounded in mutual respect, support and shared economic interests.
The Chinese leader reiterated his country’s long-standing support for the unity and strength of the European Union, positioning the bloc as an “important pole in a multipolar world”. Xi also urged Europe and China to work together to uphold economic globalisation, maintain international order and contribute to a fairer global governance system.
“There will be no winners in a tariff war,” he warned. “Going against the world can only end in self-isolation.”
The meeting follows Trump’s decision to raise tariffs on Chinese imports to 145% after Beijing retaliated against earlier US measures. The rest of the world, including the EU, has been granted a 90-day respite under a revised 10% tariff ceiling, prompting a relief rally in financial markets.
However, the US has expressed unease over Sánchez’s overtures to China, particularly at a time when Washington is pressuring allies to align against what it sees as Chinese economic aggression.
Sánchez: “Spain’s foreign policy is not against anyone”
At a press conference following his meeting with Xi, Sánchez stressed that Spain’s international engagement is based on constructive diplomacy.
“Our foreign policy is not against anyone. It is in favour of understanding between countries, the defence of the multilateral order and free trade,” he said.
The Spanish leader defended his trip, which also included a visit to Vietnam, as part of a “positive agenda” focused on enhancing dialogue and economic cooperation.
He highlighted the strength of the relationship with China and underlined Spain’s desire to see “more balanced” EU-China ties, including collaborative efforts in areas of mutual interest and efforts to resolve differences through negotiation.
Sánchez also reaffirmed the value of Spain’s transatlantic ties. “We support a positive relationship between the EU and a historic partner such as the United States, which has been mutually beneficial,” he said, in a diplomatic nod to both Washington and Brussels.
The temporary easing of US tariffs has buoyed the ailing markets, but it has not resolved underlying tensions, and Pedro Sánchez aims to open a new trade channel with Asia to chart a course for other European leaders, though they have been placated for now by Trump’s tariff pause. For how long remains to be seen.
Image: @sanchezcastejon/X
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