US envoy warns Spain to be 'very careful' in deepening ties with China

Spain must exercise extreme caution as it strengthens its relationship with China, particularly in sensitive sectors like data, defense, and telecommunications, warned U.S. Ambassador to Spain Benjamin Leon. In one of his first public addresses since assuming the role in February, Leon voiced concerns that Spanish public contracts have been awarded to companies associated with Huawei, the Chinese tech giant that the U.S. deems an "unacceptable risk" to its national security.

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Spain must proceed very carefully as it deepens its relationship with China to keep it out of critical sectors such as data, defence and telecommunications where Beijing seeks to dominate.

"I don't think that attains the level of security at which Spain and the United States are exchanging (information)," Leon stated. He suggested that while Spain could negotiate with Beijing if it kept China out of critical areas, he observed a growing penetration into these sensitive sectors, necessitating significant care.

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I don't think that attains the level of security at which Spain and the United States are exchanging (information).

Leon emphasized that China aims to dominate critical technologies through unfair trade practices and economic coercion, posing risks to supply chains, research, and security. He called on Europe to safeguard its intellectual property and democratic values. China has consistently denied accusations of unfair practices and espionage.

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If Spain ensures that China is kept out of critical areas, why not negotiate (with Beijing). But I see that they are starting to penetrate into critical areas and Spain must be really careful about this.

The U.S.-Spanish relationship has faced strain due to Spain's refusal to meet NATO's defense spending targets and its stance on U.S. military bases. Despite past tensions, Leon expressed optimism about finding compromises and continuing to improve bilateral relations, highlighting the importance of naval bases in Rota and Moron for collective defense during these "very dangerous times."

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China seeks to dominate critical technologies. It uses unfair trade practices and economic coercion to expand its strategic influence. And that poses real risks to our supply chains, our research, and our security.