China is urging Western powers to focus on supporting multilateralism and open cooperation, Chinese President Xi Jinping said during a meeting with visiting Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, as Beijing seeks allies to step up its tariff fight with U.S. President Donald Trump.
“Both sides should promote the establishment of a fair and sound global governance system, maintain world peace and security, and promote common development and prosperity,” Mr. Xi told Mr. Sanchez at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, according to a report of the meeting published by the official Xinhua News Agency.
The visit comes at a difficult time for both Europe and China.
The tariffs, announced last week by US President Donald Trump and subsequently suspended, could mean the European Union will seek to increase trade with China, the world's third-largest consumer market after the US and the EU.
Mr Xi Jinping did not directly mention Mr Trump or the 145% tariffs the US imposes on Chinese goods, but he spoke of the “many risks and challenges” the world faces that can only be overcome through “unity and cooperation”.
Mr Sanchez is making his third trip to the country in two years as his government seeks to attract investment from the Asian giant.
He is also expected to meet with executives from several Chinese companies, many of which are involved in electric batteries or renewable energy technologies.
After meeting with Mr Xi Jinping, Mr Sanchez said Spain favoured “a more balanced relationship between the European Union and China, finding negotiated solutions to existing differences and closer cooperation in areas of common interest”.
He added: “Trade wars do no one any good. The world needs both China and the US to talk to each other.”
Earlier this week, Spanish government spokeswoman Pilar Alegria said Mr Sanchez's visit was “particularly important” and offered an opportunity to “diversify markets” given US tariffs.
– Warnings from Washington
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticized Spain for its moves toward China, saying Tuesday that Spain, like any other country that tries to get closer to China, will “cut its own throat” as Chinese manufacturers seek to sell goods they cannot sell in the U.S.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
