Madrid, May 28: The US Ambassador to Spain, Benjamin Leon, has urged caution regarding China‘s involvement in sensitive sectors such as telecommunications, data management, and defense. This marks Leon’s first public appearance since taking office in February. He expressed concerns that China’s increasing presence in strategic areas could pose threats to security, technology, and essential infrastructure.
According to Greek media outlet To Vima, Leon highlighted worries about companies collaborating with Chinese tech firm Huawei, which the US considers a security risk. He stated, “I don’t believe this is the level of security under which Spain and the US are sharing information. Spain can maintain economic ties with China.” However, he emphasized the need for safeguards to prevent Chinese interference in areas deemed critical to national security.
Leon remarked, “If Spain ensures that China is kept away from essential areas, then why can’t there be dialogue? But I see that they are beginning to penetrate necessary sectors, and Spain should be very cautious about this.”
The ambassador warned that China aims to seize critical technology, and practices such as unfair trade and economic pressure pose risks to supply chains, scientific research, and security.
This statement comes amid tense relations between the US and Spain over defense spending and geopolitical issues. Ties have been strained since the US refused to support NATO’s commitment to increase defense spending to 5% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
In early March, Spain denied the US access to its military bases and airspace during operations related to conflicts 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 US troops in Spain, must operate under international law. She described the current actions as unilateral, lacking support from multilateral organizations such as the United Nations, NATO, and the European Union.
Robles added, “The bases will not provide support unless it is deemed necessary from a humanitarian perspective. This treaty will not come into effect until a solution is found.”