A Spanish industry leader emphasized the urgent need for stable trade relations with China to counter growing global trade instability fueled by rising tariffs at a time when Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez arrived in China for his third trip in three years.
Javier Tora Mira, chairman of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in South China, denounced the protectionist measures and highlighted the importance of strong China-Spain economic ties in the current climate in an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN) on Friday,
"Tariffs and to put boundaries to international trade is not helpful for the global economy and for globalization. Tariffs will affect especially the consumers, consumers' pocket and economy, and also will affect a lot of SMEs, small-and-medium-sized enterprises. They will not be able to survive in this environment. Many workers will lose their jobs, and also, many companies will close," he said.
Spanish MP Sanchez landed in Beijing on Thursday for a two-day official visit to China at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang. The Spanish PM's last two trips to the country occurred in September 2024 and March 2023, respectively.
Mira praised Sanchez's visit as a stabilizing force, noting that "I want our two leaders to work to give stability to the countries, especially our countries and the regions, Europe and Asia. And I think the Spanish (Prime Minister's) visit is positive because we will give more value to the commercial relationships between China and Spain."
Beyond navigating current global challenges, Mira outlined substantial opportunities for deeper collaboration between the countries.
"The potential is big because Spain not only has a good location in Europe, (but) as well as an entrance for Latin America and South America. But especially the areas we can cooperate, like Spain, is strong in food and beverages, olive oil, meat, wine, fruits, fashion, and technology. In research and development, we have a lot of scientists and investigators in Spain, leading many new technologies as well. China is very strong in new technologies, such as EVs or electric vehicles, green energies, robotics, electronics, etc. That's why I think the mix between the two countries can have a big potential," said Mira.
China, Spain eye deeper economic ties amid global trade challenges: expert
Permanent representative of Israel to the United Nations (UN) Danny Danon on Thursday denied that any discussions had occurred between Israel and the UN regarding delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Danon made these remarks at the UN headquarters in response to a query from a China Central Television (CCTV) reporter about the ongoing failure to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Israel blocked the entry of goods and supplies into Gaza on March 2, following the end of the first phase of a January ceasefire deal with Hamas. It resumed attacks on Gaza on March 18.
With no food, no supplies, and no relief in sight, Gazans have been enduring a relentless fight for survival.
In response to mounting international condemnation, Israel has proposed that its military take over the distribution of aid - a move widely criticized by the international community.
Briefing a Security Council meeting on Tuesday, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher noted that the UN has met for over 12 times with the Israeli authorities regarding the latter's proposed aid distribution model, yet no solution had been found.
Danon, however, stated that no discussions have taken place in recent weeks regarding the issue.
"I don't know about that. Actually I listened to Mr. Fletcher's remarks at the Security Council the other day, and I can tell you that he visited Israel but he had no discussion about that fund because it was way back and in the last few weeks there was no dialogue about that. I would expect UN officials to engage when they want to speak about issues they know how to reach us, they know how to reach the U.S. mission. We are here to engage," he said.
"They got some information from the media, I assume. But I think they should look into that and to realize that if they want to be involved, that is the way to be involved," he added, reiterating that the UN has not reached out.
In response to Danon's denial, the United Nations reaffirmed its position, standing by the public statement released by Fletcher.
"I heard what he said, and we stand by what Mr. Fletcher has said," Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for UN Secretary-General noted later on the day, commenting on Danon's statement.
"Mr. Fletcher gave the details," he continued.
Israel envoy denies discussions with UN on enabling Gaza aid deliveries
