Spain-China partnership raises alarm among European allies

Spain’s increasingly close relationship with China is drawing concern from European Union partners as Madrid pursues economic and political ties with Beijing.

According to the BBC, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has visited Chinese President Xi Jinping four times in four years and has urged the EU to improve relations with China amid growing uncertainty over the United States.

The warming relationship was highlighted during Barcelona’s La Merce festival, where Shanghai became the first Asian metropolis invited as city of honour. Shanghai Vice Mayor Lu Shan said Chinese and Catalan traditions share “a common spirit”.

However, some European governments view China as a strategic rival and fear Spain’s openness to Chinese investment could weaken the bloc’s common approach.

Sino-Spanish relations specialist Victor Cortizo said: “Our prime minister has made the decision to pursue national gain over EU relations.”

Chinese investment in Spain has risen sharply, particularly in battery factories and car manufacturing, while concerns remain over security and trade imbalances.