SPAIN’s Prime Minister met China’s President today during his second recent trip to China, amid a row over electric cars. 

It is the second time in a year and a half that Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has visited the east Asian country.

The Xinhua News Agency reported the meeting between Mr Sanchez and President Xi Jinping, along with other top officials, at Beijing’s Diaoyutai State Guest House – but gave no details about what they discussed.

Mr Sanchez also attended a business forum in Beijing for Spanish and Chinese companies. 

On Tuesday he is set to attend the inauguration of a Cervantes Institute, a centre that promotes Spanish language and culture.

Prior to holding talks and dining with Mr Xi, Sanchez held talks with Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang and the head of the legislature, Zhao Leji. 

Mr Sanchez visited China in March 2023 when Spain held the rotating European Union presidency.

Spain was among 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 imports of EU pork.

EU exports of pork products to China hit a peak of €7.4 billion (£6bn) in 2020. 

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.

Mr Sanchez’s visit ends on Wednesday.