The President of the Spanish Government, Pedro Sánchez, insisted on Monday on the need to a negotiated solution to tariff tensions between the Union European and Chinese because “A trade war would benefit no one“. Sanchez made this warning at the meeting held in Beijing with the Business Advisory Council of the two countries, which includes 22 Spanish and 21 Chinese companies.
A meeting after his speech at the inauguration of the 9th Spain-China Forum, which was the first act on his agenda during his visit to the Asian country and in which he called for dialogue and the search for consensual solutions to resolve common problems in the midst of tariff tensions between China and the European Union.
Beijing announced in June an anti-dumping investigationunfair competition) against certain imports of pork and pork products from the European Union, a response to tariffs imposed by Brussels on Chinese vehicles. This could particularly affect Spain, as it is the largest exporter of pork to China among all EU countries.
Sanchez did not explicitly refer to to these tariff tensions from the opening of the forum, but he did so in front of Chinese and Spanish businessmen, to whom he said that current trade tensions represent a great challenge.
Spain will work for a negotiated solution
“Measures such as the imposition of customs duties Additions to Chinese electric vehicles are a challenge for everyone,” said Sánchez, who guaranteed that Spain would work for a negotiated and agreed solution within the framework of the World Trade Organization. A solution that he believes must contribute to creating greater equality of conditions and promoting the development of European industry in collaboration with Chinese companies in the sector.
“A trade war would benefit no one. In this environment,” he added, “it is vital that Spain and China maintain constructive dialogue and based on mutual respect.” During the meeting, held at the headquarters of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Sánchez stressed that this Advisory Council is a clear manifestation of mutual commitment. to strengthen and deepen in relations between China and Spain at a crucial time for the global economy and for both countries.
In addition, Sanchez transmitted to Chinese Premier Li Qiang Spain’s intention to promote balanced agreements that benefit both the European Union and China and “build bridges” so that both sides defend a fair trade order together. Sánchez clarified to his Chinese counterpart that this defense must be based on the most scrupulous respect for the multilateral framework and on maintaining the openness of both markets so that their economies can grow and benefit their industries and societies.
Increase trade
This is what he explained that he intended to do on this trip. increase economic exchanges and above all, avoid restricting themHe added that his government had the firm will to increase the presence of Spanish companies in China and to boost relations between the two countries, while declaring its determination to attract more Chinese investment quality to Spain.
In this context of collaboration, he stressed that there are challenges to be faced, among which he cited, in addition to tariff tensions, the deep trade imbalance between Spain and ChinaThe aim has therefore been to promote a balanced relationship based on respect and reciprocity and which benefits both countries.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the Spanish companies Alsa, Grupo Antolín, BBVA, Cepsa, Denodo, Gestamp, GRI Renewable Industries, Grupo Jorge, Isdin, La Liga, Mondragón, Nicolás Correa, Osborne, Roca and Técnicas Reunidas, in addition to leaders of the CEOE and the Spanish Chamber of Commerce. This was the second meeting of this Business Advisory Council, which held its first meeting in Madrid in 2018 during the visit of the Chinese president, Xi Jinping.
