cross-posted from: https://scribe.disroot.org/post/5102559
Spanish executives are asking their government to back European Union plans that would force Chinese companies to hand over key technological secrets when operating inside the bloc.
Executives made their case to Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares during a meeting in Hangzhou Wednesday, according to people familiar with the discussions.
The business leaders also suggested that Spain impose more stringent demands for companies to hire local workers rather than flying in Chinese staff and to prevent the EU single market from being inundated with low-quality goods, the people said, asking not to be named discussing private conversations.
As the European Commission puts the final touches on policy plans due to be published next month designed to support domestic manufacturers, officials in Brussels are considering drastic new measures to demand tech transfers from Chinese firms.
While the rules would technically apply to all non-EU firms, their main goal would be to keep China’s manufacturing might from overwhelming European industry, Bloomberg reported earlier this week.
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The Spanish government has been courting Beijing as a potential source of trade and investment, even as the EU toughened its approach to China in an effort to shield its companies. Last year, when the EU was considering imposing tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called on his fellow leaders to rethink the plan and referred to China as a strategic partner.
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Spain has recently secured two major Chinese investments. Automaker Chery is setting up a plant outside Barcelona, and battery-maker Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. is working to construct one of Europe’s largest battery plants in partnership with Stellantis NV.
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