A meeting between US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Spain's Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo yielded differing accounts. The US Treasury's summary highlighted a demand for increased Spanish military spending and the elimination of the 'Google tax,' presenting the conversation as 'frank.' In contrast, Minister Cuerpo described the meeting as 'constructive' and saw potential for negotiation.
The US expressed its continued opposition to Spain's digital services tax and other non-tariff barriers. Bessent's emphasis on increased Spanish defense spending, despite his lack of direct authority in that area, underscored Washington's willingness to leverage military concerns in trade discussions.
Minister Cuerpo highlighted Spain's view of the meeting as an opening for negotiation regarding trade disputes. He defended Europe's approach to China as a strategic partner, even amidst US President Trump's suggestions that countries might need to choose between the US and China.
The US Treasury's communication style was markedly different from previous meetings with French and German officials. Statements following those encounters emphasized common interests and positive relationships, unlike the more direct and critical assessment of the meeting with the Spanish minister.
The article suggests underlying tension over Spain's growing ties with China, which had previously drawn criticism from the US Treasury Secretary. The official US summary notably omitted any reference to this topic.