Spanish Prime Minister Meets Xi Amid Trade Tensions

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is visiting China for the second time in a year and a half, engaging in crucial meetings with President Xi Jinping and other officials amidst ongoing trade tensions over electric vehicles. His itinerary includes a business forum in Beijing and the inauguration of a Cervantes Institute in Shanghai, promoting Spanish culture. This visit follows Spain's support for a proposed 36.7% tariff on Chinese EVs, which led China to investigate EU pork imports. Despite the trade disputes, Sánchez's government is welcoming the establishment of a new electric vehicle plant by Chinese carmaker Chery in Barcelona. The meetings aim to strengthen trade ties between Spain and China while addressing conflicting interests. Sánchez's trip occurs as EU members prepare to vote on the tariff measures, which could significantly impact bilateral trade dynamics.