CHINESE President Xi Jinping discussed trade and the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Monday.

A statement from the Spanish government said that the meeting at Beijing’s Diaoyutai State Guest House “demonstrates the shared desire by both countries to maintain a regular dialogue at the highest level in their bilateral relations.”

Both sides committed to co-operate through the United Nations to achieve an end to the fighting in Ukraine and Gaza.

According to the government statement, Mr Sanchez, who also met with his counterpart Li Qiang, said: “We want to build bridges to jointly defend a fair trade order that permits the growth of our economies and benefits our industries and citizens.”

Statements from both countries said they were in favour of free trade and the promotion of cultural exchanges and tourism, but there was no specific comment on the ongoing dispute with the European Union over electric vehicles.

But President Xi said: “We hope that Spain will continue to provide a fair, equitable, safe and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies to invest and do business in.”

Ms Sanchez said: “Spain supports the principles of free trade and open markets and does not support a trade war.”

Trade is one of the most divisive issues between China and Spain. Spain was amongst the EU members that expressed support earlier this year for a 36.7 per cent tariff on Chinese electric vehicles. 

The Chinese government responded by launching an investigation into the lucrative trade in pork between the two countries.

The tension over pork has not stopped Spain from welcoming the plans of Chinese carmaker Chery to open a plant for electric vehicles in Barcelona.

The Spanish leader also held talks on Monday with the head of the Chinese legislature, Zhao Leji.