The United States Ambassador to Spain, Benjamin Leon, has cautioned the Spanish government to proceed with extreme caution as it seeks to strengthen its relationship with China, particularly in critical sectors such as data, defense, and telecommunications. Speaking publicly for the first time since assuming his role in February, Leon expressed concerns over public contracts awarded to companies collaborating with Huawei, the Chinese technology giant that Washington considers an unacceptable threat to US national security.
Ambassador's Concerns Over Chinese Influence
Leon stated that Spain's current engagement with China does not align with the level of security shared between Spain and the United States. He emphasized that if Spain ensures China is excluded from critical areas, negotiations could be possible. However, he noted that China is beginning to penetrate these sectors, urging Spain to be extremely vigilant.
Leon accused China of seeking to dominate critical technologies through unfair trade practices and economic coercion, thereby expanding its strategic influence. He warned that such actions pose real risks to supply chains, research, and security, calling on Europe to safeguard its research, intellectual property, and democratic values.
Strained Relations Over Defense Spending
Relations between the Trump administration and Spain's leftist government have been tense due to Madrid's refusal to meet the NATO commitment of raising defense spending to 5 percent of GDP. Additionally, Spain has not allowed the United States to use its military bases and airspace in the war against Iran. In October, Trump suggested imposing economic sanctions on Spain for its failure to increase defense spending.
Leon acknowledged that Spain has frustrated Trump but downplayed the likelihood of US economic or military sanctions. He expressed confidence that a compromise would always be reached between Spain and the United States, allowing them to continue working together and improving their relationship.
Strategic Importance of Spanish Bases
Leon described the US-Spanish naval bases in Rota and Moron, located in southern Spain, as fundamental for collective defense. This statement comes amid concerns that a US drawdown of troops in Europe might affect these installations. He stressed the dangerous times we live in and emphasized that Europe must be prepared to defend itself, with the United States standing by its side.
