China Lobbies Spain to Sink EU Plans to Boost Its Companies

The Chinese government is pressuring Spain to help thwart European Union proposals aimed at making the bloc’s companies more competitive, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez met with President Xi Jinping in Beijing this week, when Chinese officials complained that Europe was becoming too protectionist, said the person, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. The officials warned that the EU’s policies would harm trade and political ties between the regions.