China has criticised Donald Trump’s threat to cut trade ties with Spain, warning that commerce should never be used as a political weapon.
Beijing spoke out after the US president accused Spain of being a ‘terrible’ ally and suggested Washington could sever commercial relations with the country.
The row erupted after Madrid refused to allow US forces to use the Spanish bases at Rota and Moron during military operations against Iran.
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said trade should not be used to pressure other countries.
‘Trade should not be used as a weapon or as an instrument,’ she said when asked about Trump’s remarks.
Mao also repeated China’s criticism of the US and Israeli strikes on Iran, saying the attacks violate international law and calling for an immediate end to the fighting.
The diplomatic spat has also drawn a response from Germany.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he reminded Trump that Spain is part of the European Union and cannot be singled out in trade negotiations.
‘I told him that Spain is part of the European Union and when we negotiate tariff agreements with the United States, we do it together or not at all,’ Merz said in comments to German media after leaving Washington.
Brussels has also warned it will defend the bloc’s interests if necessary.
European Commission trade spokesperson Olof Gill said the EU expects the US to respect its commitments under the existing trade agreement.
‘The Commission will always guarantee the full protection of the interests of the European Union,’ he said.
Trump’s comments came during a meeting with Merz in the Oval Office, where he sharply criticised Spain’s stance on the Iran conflict.
He also attacked Spain’s defence spending, claiming the country is the only NATO ally unwilling to increase military spending to 5% of GDP.
‘We’re going to cut all trade,’ Trump said, adding that the US has the right to end its commercial relationship with Spain ‘tomorrow, or even today’.
