Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez Engages in High-Level Talks in China Amid Electric Car Dispute

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other top officials in Beijing during a visit aimed at strengthening business ties despite tensions over electric cars. Sánchez also attended a business forum, met with various Chinese leaders, and supported the inauguration of a cultural center.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez engaged in high-level discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday, marking his second visit to China in a year and a half amid tensions over electric vehicles.

The Xinhua News Agency confirmed the meeting at Beijing's Diaoyutai State Guest House but did not disclose details of their discussions.

Sánchez, the centre-left Socialist leader, also took part in a business forum for Spanish and Chinese companies in Beijing and plans to attend additional business events and the inauguration of a Cervantes Institute in Shanghai on Tuesday.

Before dining with Xi, Sánchez held talks with Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang and Zhao Leji, the head of the ceremonial legislature. He arrived in China late Sunday and is scheduled to depart on Wednesday.

In March 2023, Sánchez visited China while Spain held the rotating European Union presidency. Spain recently supported a significant tariff on Chinese electric vehicles, leading China to investigate EU pork imports in response.

Despite the tension, Spain, which saw a decline in pork exports to China, still welcomes Chinese carmaker Chery's plans to establish an electric vehicle plant in Barcelona.

(With inputs from agencies.)