Spanish media: Europe seeks to establish a closer relationship with China
Reference News website reported on April 13 that the Spanish China Policy Observatory website published an article titled "Sánchez Leads the EU to Target China" on April 10. The author of the article is Julio Rios. The following is a compiled translation of the article:
When analyzing the relationship between Spain and China, emphasizing the bilateral "good relationship" is indeed the main theme, and it is true. In the past 50 years of exchanges, Sino-Spanish relations have rarely been in the shadow. In 2025, the two countries will celebrate the 20th anniversary of establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership. This is why we can witness important meetings with unique political value this year. Against the backdrop of deteriorating relations with the United States led by Trump, such understanding between China and Spain is more meaningful. Prime Minister Sánchez is conducting a visit to China against this background.
In recent years, after the pandemic, both Spain and China have made clear efforts to expand bilateral relations. In the diplomatic field, Sánchez has visited China multiple times, where he is highly respected as one of the European leaders. His visits have facilitated significant investments in key areas of Spain's economy, highlighting China's position as a priority trade partner for Spain. Both sides share the view that there are broad possibilities for cooperation across various fields, from the automotive industry and sustainable transportation to technology, tourism, and climate change. Both hope to establish a stable economic relationship through constructive cooperation.
Due to the shift in the U.S. government's attitude during Trump's first term, Europe's stance toward China has become significantly tougher, but now Brussels must adjust to create a predictable trade and investment environment.
Despite disputes between the EU and China in areas like electric vehicles and dairy products, the EU remains China's second-largest trading partner. If the differences with the United States escalate, the EU and China must ease tensions and avoid simultaneously experiencing two large-scale trade conflicts of such magnitude.
After Trump's re-election as U.S. President, he has criticized the EU at all levels, potentially disrupting traditional practices and balances. The EU needs to adapt to the new situation by strengthening its autonomy and making new judgments.
From the beginning, Sánchez has been critical of the White House, pointing out the need to explore the possibility of building a closer relationship with China. Recently, Spanish Foreign Minister Alvaro emphasized the desirability of moving away from Washington's confrontational policy toward China so that the EU can formulate its own China policy without being overly dependent on the White House.
Neither Madrid nor Brussels intends to damage their economic relationship with the United States, but the current spiraling situation indicates that Europe is moving toward geopolitical realignment, taking into account the importance of China's market to European countries.
Recently, several European officials have visited China, including French Foreign Minister Barro and EU Commissioner Šefčovič responsible for trade and economic security. Other officials will also visit China soon. This highlights the increasing frequency of interactions between China and the EU amid global turbulence.
Europe must protect itself from the impact of global economic fluctuations and reduce dependence on unstable trade partners like the United States. Within the EU, Sánchez represents a high-quality voice that can promote rebalancing and thaw relations between the EU and China. (Compiled/translated by Wang Meng)
Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7492629815846126132/
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