World · Europe · 14 hrs ago
France and Spain take different approaches to Chinese investment
France and Spain both want Chinese investment to help rebuild their industrial sectors.
Spain’s prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, wants the country to become a gateway for Chinese capital in Europe.
He is focusing on Chinese expertise in electric batteries and low-carbon energy technologies.
Sanchez made four visits to China between 2023 and 2026, more than any other European Union leader during that period.
France is also open to Chinese investment, but it is pushing at EU level for strong social and technology conditions in return.
The difference comes as EU countries work on a proposed Industrial Accelerator Act to shape a “Made in Europe” policy.
The measure was presented in the spring, but no further steps are described.
France and Spain are both open to Chinese investment as a way to reindustrialise.
France is urging the European Union to require strong social and technological commitments from Chinese investors.
Spain is taking a more accommodating approach and aims to make the country a gateway for Chinese capital into Europe.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is seeking Chinese expertise in electric batteries and decarbonised-energy technologies.
- Who
- France and Spain, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.
- What
- The countries are pursuing different approaches to Chinese investment.
- When
- The article was published on 12 October 2026; it describes visits between 2018 and 2026.
- Where
- France, Spain, China and the European Union.
- Why
- Both countries are open to Chinese investment to support reindustrialisation, but differ on the conditions and approach.
France
Spain
Investment conditions
France
France is pushing at the European level for strong social and technological commitments.
Spain
Spain is more accommodating toward Chinese investment.
Approach to capital
France
France is seeking conditions as the EU shapes its “made in Europe” policy.
Spain
Spain wants to become a European entry point for Chinese capital to accelerate reindustrialisation.
No direct quotes in the coverage so far.
Emmanuel Macron visited China four times over seven years.
Pedro Sanchez visited China four times over three years.
The European Commission presented the Industrial Accelerator Act, as the EU worked to define its “made in Europe” policy.
- Sanchez’s visits
- Four trips to China between 2023 and 2026
- Macron’s visits
- Four trips to China between 2018 and 2025
- Spain’s investment aim
- Become a gateway for Chinese capital into Europe
- Spanish priorities
- Electric batteries and decarbonised-energy technologies
- EU proposal
- Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA)
Sources
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