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
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
