Pedro Sánchez, the President of the Spanish Government, articulated the need for Europe to reassess its relationship with China during an informal conversation with journalists on his official visit to Vietnam and China.

He expressed confidence that Spain can play a pivotal role in establishing more balanced alliances between the two parties.

Beginning his Asian tour in Hanoi, Sánchez addressed concerns surrounding potential economic repercussions for Spain stemming from tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump.

He dismissed notions that Spain might face recession as a result of these tariffs, calling for political unity and criticizing the perceived contradictions within the Popular Party (PP).

Sánchez expressed concern over the global impact of the announced tariffs, particularly in the U.S., urging the Trump administration to reconsider and return to the negotiating table.

While awaiting further developments, he deemed it premature to discuss recession, citing Spain's robust economic growth and positive forecasts.

In response to the crisis, Sánchez highlighted his government’s record in crisis management and reiterated Spain’s capacity for response, exemplified by a contingency plan presented last week in light of the tariffs.

He called for unity among political parties to address the national, territorial, and sectorial consequences of the tariffs, emphasizing the inconsistency of the PP engaging in budget negotiations with the Vox party at the regional level while attempting to distance itself from them nationally.

He acknowledged the importance of dialogue but remarked that some proposals from PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo were redundant and not aligned with the current crisis.

Sánchez indicated that direct discussions with Feijóo were not imminent as dialogues continued with parliamentary groups.

The President also criticized the growing influence of an 'ultra-right international', which he has warned about for some time, asserting the risks it poses for Europe and for the Spanish right.

Earlier, the PP released a statement claiming that the government has excluded them from crisis negotiations by unilaterally agreeing with Junts on a tariff quota, which they argue inequitably distributes resources among the Spanish populace.

When asked if the current situation should prompt parliamentary groups to negotiate new budgets, Sánchez reiterated the government's commitment to pursue this path without shirking its responsibility, affirming that Spain is well-equipped to respond to the challenges posed by the Trump administration.

On the EU's response to the tariffs, Sánchez expressed full support for the European Commission's approach, advocating for a united front that combines reaching out to negotiate while also implementing strategic measures.

Regarding his visit to China and Vietnam, Sánchez underscored the significance of enhancing market relationships with these countries at this critical juncture, especially in terms of reducing existing trade imbalances.

He noted the potential for China to invest in productive sectors in Europe, highlighting Spain's strengths in energy transformation, automotive production, gigafactories, and green hydrogen projects.