Spanish PM Meets Xi Amid Trade Tensions

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is on his second visit to China in 18 months, meeting with President Xi Jinping and other top officials amid ongoing EU-China trade tensions. The discussions are set against the backdrop of disputes over electric vehicle tariffs and China's retaliatory investigation into EU pork imports. Sánchez will also participate in business forums and cultural events, including inaugurating a Cervantes Institute in Shanghai. Notably, despite the trade frictions, Spain has welcomed Chinese carmaker Chery's plans to open an electric vehicle plant in Barcelona. The visit reflects efforts to stabilize China-EU relations and foster a balanced approach to bilateral trade. EU members are concurrently deciding on a European Commission proposal to impose duties on Chinese-made EVs, with a decision expected by October 30.