The visit of Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares to China drew attention not only because of rising tensions between Beijing and Washington. Amid threats from Donald Trump to impose new tariffs on Spanish goods if Madrid does not increase military spending to 5% of GDP, the minister reiterated Spain’s consistent position regarding NATO. While in Hangzhou, Albares made it clear that closer ties with China do not call into question Spain’s commitments to the Alliance.
The minister emphasized that Spain remains an important and reliable NATO partner, despite the complex situation on Europe’s eastern borders. He stated that the country adheres to European values and is ready to engage in dialogue with various regions of the world, including Latin America, Africa, and major powers such as China.
Albares’s visit to China continued the high-level diplomatic exchanges between the two countries. Earlier this year, Pedro Sánchez had already visited Beijing, and in November, an official visit by the Spanish monarchs is expected. Relations between Madrid and Beijing have significantly strengthened, especially against the backdrop of increased Chinese investment in the Spanish economy, primarily in sectors linked to environmental transformation.
During talks with Wang Yi, the Chinese Foreign Minister, Albares raised the issue of the trade imbalance between the two countries and called for fairer conditions for Spanish companies on the Chinese market. He also announced plans to construct a new Spanish embassy building in China, which is scheduled to open in 2026.
Meanwhile, tensions with the United States are growing. Donald Trump once again expressed dissatisfaction with Spain’s stance on military spending, threatening to impose additional tariffs and even hinting at the country’s possible expulsion from NATO. These statements followed Spain’s successful bid for an exemption from the general rule on increasing the defense budget, which sparked irritation in Washington.
Unlike the United States, Chinese authorities are taking a pragmatic approach to cooperation with Spain. Official Chinese media note that increased engagement helps build trust and stability in bilateral relations. Chinese experts expect Madrid to play a constructive role in developing dialogue between China and Europe.
At the same time, Beijing continues to respond firmly to trade pressure from the US, tightening control over the export of strategic materials, including rare earth elements and components for electric vehicle batteries. Against this backdrop, Washington is considering introducing new restrictions and even canceling the leaders’ meeting between the two countries, although later American officials stated that negotiations are still planned.
Spain, caught between two global centers of power, is trying to maintain a balance of interests without sacrificing economic opportunities or strategic alliances. In the coming months, Madrid will have to navigate between the demands of its NATO partners and China’s growing influence in the European market.
