Donald Trump’s vision of America First is looking more like ‘America Alone’ after Spain just doubled down on its push for closer EU-China ties. During a high-profile meeting in Beijing on April 14, 2026, Chinese President Xi Jinping openly praised Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez as a key bridge between China and the European Union, committing to stronger relations with Europe while taking a clear shot at the U.S. leadership.
The move signals a growing rift between Washington and Madrid, with Spain positioning itself as a vocal opponent of Trump’s foreign policy and a champion of multilateralism — even if it means defying American pressure. Xi’s remarks at the Great Hall of the People were anything but subtle. He called for a “stronger bond between China and the European Union,” arguing that cooperation between the two powers would stabilize global peace and prosperity.
