China woos Spain amid tariff tensions

Chinese President Xi Jinping, on Friday April 11, 2025, urged Spain to support global cooperation and multilateralism.

He made the call during a close meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in Beijing.

According to reports, Xi said both nations must promote peace, security, and shared development.

He did not mention U.S. President Donald Trump or the rising tariffs.

But he warned of global risks that require unity and cooperation.

The visit comes as tensions grow between the U.S. and China over tarriff.

Trump announced tariffs of up to 145% on Chinese goods recently

Economic analysts believe this could push Europe closer to China’s market.

Sánchez is visiting China for the third time in two years.

He seeks more investment from Chinese firms in energy and battery sectors.

He also met business leaders producing renewable energy and electric batteries.

Sánchez later said the EU needs balanced ties with China.

He called for dialogue and cooperation to solve differences.

“Trade wars help no one,” he told reporters after the meeting.

Spain hopes to diversify trade as U.S. tariffs hit European goods.

Washington has warned Europe against getting closer to China.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said such moves hurt Europe’s economy.

But Spain’s Agriculture Minister, Luis Planas, disagreed.

He said expanding trade with China does not harm anyone.

“Every country must defend its interest,” he said in Vietnam.

Spain trades less with China than Germany or Italy.

However, Chinese investment in Spain has grown in recent years.

Spain also softened its stance on EU tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.

It abstained from a vote to increase them.

China imports 20% of its pork from Spain, according to Interporc.

Spain relies on Chinese solar panels and raw materials for clean energy.

In December, China’s CATL signed a €4.1 billion battery deal in Spain.

Other firms like Envision also signed green energy deals.

Trump’s earlier 20% tariffs on the EU dropped to 10% for 90 days.

The bloc still faces 25% duties on steel, aluminum, and cars.

Xi’s meeting with Sánchez may shift Europe’s economic direction.

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