China views Spain as a better strategic partner [0] than Germany.

China and Spain signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2021 [1] and Spain is lobbying on behalf of China against the "Made in EU" act [2].

On the other hand, Germany is backing EU quotas and origination requirements to push back against Chinese overproduction [3].

Of course, China and Germany have fallen out due to Ukraine [4] as well as China's negative perception about the EU as an institution [5].

[0] - https://cn.chinadiplomacy.org.cn/2026-06/19/content_11855853...

[1] - https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/gjhdq_665435/3265_665445/3356_6...

[2] - https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-04-16/china-lob...

[3] - https://www.ft.com/content/06b7fe04-25f7-445b-824a-135ae7359...

[4] - https://www.reuters.com/world/china/germany-closer-us-than-c...

[5] - https://fddi.fudan.edu.cn/_t2515/57/f8/c21257a743416/page.ht...