Spanish prime minister says ‘China a partner of the EU’
4/11/2025 6:30:11 PM
Pedro Sanchez has signalled a rapprochement with China despite warnings by other EU members that it would be detrimental to do so.
In a news conference in Beijing after meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Sanchez said that “Spain sees China as a partner of the EU,” according to the El Pais newspaper.
“Spain is in favour of more balanced relations between the EU and China. As an active member of the EU, we emphasize the positive to build a positive Spain-China agenda,” he said.
French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou said earlier that it is naive and dangerous to think China can replace the United States as a trade partner and urged EU members to stick together.
Earlier this week, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned the EU against seeking to pivot towards China and away from the US, singling out Sanchez’s push to deepen ties with Beijing. “That would be cutting your own throat,” Bloomberg quoted him as saying.
In a news conference in Beijing after meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Sanchez said that “Spain sees China as a partner of the EU,” according to the El Pais newspaper.
“Spain is in favour of more balanced relations between the EU and China. As an active member of the EU, we emphasize the positive to build a positive Spain-China agenda,” he said.
French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou said earlier that it is naive and dangerous to think China can replace the United States as a trade partner and urged EU members to stick together.
Earlier this week, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned the EU against seeking to pivot towards China and away from the US, singling out Sanchez’s push to deepen ties with Beijing. “That would be cutting your own throat,” Bloomberg quoted him as saying.