It’s not Spain that’s pushing the EU, it’s Trump.

For an adversarial relationship, as the one between EU and China, it was still one overall based on understanding and a degree of predictability. That just ends up being more attractive than an ally turning into a rabid dog and stabbing you in the back.

I think no one should be surprised by this.

FYi, for a lateral analysis to Chinese Spanish relationship, see also this Elcano Royal Institute , basically:

" Spain shares the EU’s threefold vision of China as partner, competitor and rival, and advocates a greater role for its institutions and greater coordination and collective action among its member states to achieve a more balanced relation and overcome a clear bilateral asymmetry in favour of China."

Add: According to some opinions in the FT, Pedro Sanchez , the current PM (socialist party) is sort of a tactical maverick, sometimes seemingly inconsistent, but it’s all about the needs of (his) current political arena.

Not a good idea. Russia relations fell overnight and this would just be a repeat

Pivot to a closer relation with the more stable, less fascist alternative? Oh no, save us all.