Beijing, September 10 (TDI): Chinese President Xi Jinping has hoped that Spain will continue to play “a constructive role” in advancing his country’s ties with the European Union amid escalating trade tensions.
He expressed these views in a meeting with visiting Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez here the other day. Sanchez was in the Chinese capital on the second day of a four-day visit to China.
“China is willing to work with the EU to review the successes in bilateral relations and to advance China-EU relations steadily, based on independence, mutual benefit, and contributing to global welfare,” Xi said, adding that next year would mark the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic relations.
China’s foreign ministry stated that Sanchez said that Spain supports the principles of free trade and open markets, opposes trade wars, and is willing to continue playing a positive role in promoting the healthy development of EU-China relations.
The Spanish prime minister hoped for deepening cooperation on new energy vehicles with China while vowing for a supportive environment for Chinese businesses.
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In a separate meeting with his Chinese counterpart Li Qiang, he said that his country is for strengthening its relations with China.
Spain-China Forum Held During Sanchez’s Visit
Sanchez kicked off his visit by inaugurating the ninth Spain-China Forum on Monday, a diplomatic dialogue platform established in 2003.
In a post on X Sanchez said that the comprehensive strategic partnership between Spain and China, which will see its 20th anniversary next year, is “crucial” for strengthening the bonds of the two sides across all areas.
Sanchez is visiting Beijing when an anti-dumping investigation into EU pork imports, and vote by European Union members on whether to impose tariffs of up to 36.3 per cent on Chinese electric vehicles are hot issues.
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Spain was among the EU members to back the move in an advisory vote for the proposed tariffs to counter what Brussels says are unfair subsidies.
China is Spain’s largest trading partner outside the EU, according to the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, with total trade between the two countries standing at US$48.6 billion last year.
Both sides should leverage key platforms on trade and technology to “promote development and achieve mutual benefits” in hi-tech areas like artificial intelligence, digital economy, and new energy.
During the visit, the two sides signed several agreements in various fields, including green development, Sanchez said.
