During a debate in the Madrid Assembly, Rocío Albert, the Economy, Finance, and Employment Minister for the Community of Madrid, accused the President of the Government of having "prostrated" himself before China during his recent visit. The minister emphasized that Madrid's companies have traded with the Chinese market for decades "without the need to pledge allegiance to the communist regime".
The socialist group criticized this stance, pointing out the political contradiction and China's economic relevance for regional exports. They also recalled institutional gestures made by the regional executive itself towards the Asian giant.
“"It is one thing to go to sell and quite another to go and prostrate oneself."
Albert distinguished between the commercial activity of companies and the political position adopted by the central government. She insisted that the European Union views China as both a partner and a systemic rival, advocating for a relationship based on pragmatism and reciprocity, without a "red carpet" or political submission.
The minister criticized the President of the Government for having traveled to Beijing on several occasions to "submit to the dictates of the Xi Jinping regime," instead of defending the interests of Spanish companies. She described these actions as an inappropriate political display for a European leader.
This exchange occurs at a time of increasing debate over the relationship with China in Spain and Europe, particularly due to commercial dependence and Brussels' growing scrutiny of the Asian country's practices. The Community of Madrid thus seeks to establish a distinct foreign policy stance towards Beijing from that of the central government.
