Madrid, May 28: U.S. Ambassador to Spain, Benjamin Leon, has urged caution regarding China’s involvement in sensitive sectors such as telecommunications, data management, and defense. This marks his first public appearance since taking office in February.
Leon warned that China’s increasing presence in strategic areas poses risks to security, technology, and essential infrastructure. According to Greek media outlet To Vima, he expressed concerns over public contracts awarded to companies collaborating with Chinese tech giant Huawei, which is viewed as a security threat by the U.S.
“I don’t believe this is the level of security under which Spain and the U.S. share information. Spain can maintain economic ties with China,” Leon stated. However, he emphasized the need for safeguards to prevent Chinese encroachment in areas deemed critical to national security.
“If Spain ensures that China is kept away from essential sectors, why can’t there be dialogue? But I see they are starting to infiltrate necessary areas, and Spain should be very cautious about this,” he added.
Leon warned that China aims to seize critical technology, and that improper trade practices and economic pressure pose threats to supply chains, scientific research, and security.
This statement comes amid rising tensions between the U.S. and Spain over defense spending and geopolitical issues. Relations have been strained since the U.S. refused to support NATO’s commitment to increase defense spending to 5% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
In early March, Spain denied the U.S. use of its military bases and airspace during operations related to the conflict with Iran. Spanish news outlet El País reported that following Spain’s refusal to provide military support for an attack on Iran, the Pentagon recalled a dozen KC-135 tanker aircraft stationed at Morón de la Frontera (Seville) and Rota (Cádiz).
At that time, Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles stated that the cooperation agreement with Washington, which underpins the presence of U.S. troops in Spain, should operate under international law. She described the current actions as unilateral, lacking support from multilateral organizations like the United Nations, NATO, and the European Union.
Robles said, “Bases will not provide support unless it is deemed necessary from a humanitarian perspective. Until a solution is found, this treaty will not be implemented.”
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