The United States Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, criticized the Spanish government's stance on the trade war with China. He warned that Spain's pursuit of closer ties with China would harm its own interests, likening it to 'cutting its own throat'. This criticism followed statements by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressing a need for Europe to re-evaluate its relationship with China.
Spain's Minister of Agriculture, Luis Planas, attempted to downplay Bessent's comments, emphasizing Spain's commitment to maintaining and expanding its trade relations with China. Planas highlighted that strengthening economic ties with China doesn't necessarily conflict with Spain's EU allegiances and cited the European Commission President's calls for dialogue with China.
Bessent's criticism stems from concerns about China's trade practices and its implications for US businesses. He emphasized the importance of stronger alliances between the US and countries that have been 'good military allies', suggesting that Spain may not fall into this category given its approach to China and its stance on NATO funding.
The tension between the US and Spain is expected to continue, particularly with Prime Minister Sánchez's upcoming meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, scheduled during a period of heightened US-China trade conflict.