'Now is the time': Catalan president commits to strengthening ties with China

Catalan president Salvador Illa reaffirmed his commitment to deepening relations with China on Monday during an official visit to the country. 

"With respect for the Chinese perspective and from our mentality, I believe now is the time to strengthen our relationship. That is our goal,” Illa said.

He made these remarks during his opening speech at a dinner in Beijing as part of the official events marking Catalonia’s designation as the World’s Gastronomic Region for 2025.

Illa emphasized the role of gastronomy in promoting Catalonia internationally and said that he wants to “make Catalonia known” through its culinary excellence.

The dinner was hosted by chef Eduard Xatruch of Disfrutar, named the best restaurant in the world for 2024. 

Meanwhile, Illa reacted to the recently announced EU–US tariff agreement. Under the agreement, the United States will impose a 15% tariff on European products starting in August.

While the president acknowledged that the deal offers "a framework of certainty, which is better than an environment of uncertainty," he also urged caution. "We need to see how the agreement is implemented and what the fine print says," he warned.

Illa pointed out that the most significant impact of the tariffs on the Catalan economy is not necessarily direct but rather the effect they may have on Catalonia’s trade partners.

The president said the conflict is a reminder of a "key lesson" and that commercial relations "must be diversified."

In fact, Illa said this is one of the goals of his trip to China. "We are working to open new markets," he added.

The president acknowledged the “peculiarities” of the Chinese market, yet praised Catalan companies for their efforts to establish themselves there.

During his visit, Illa met with several Chinese business leaders, including Shen Ying, secretary of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). 

For his part, Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez commented on the EU–US agreement, saying he supported it “without enthusiasm.” 

“I value the European Commission’s efforts and the constructive attitude of its president during the negotiations,” Sánchez said.

However, he stressed that the EU must “step up its game” in response to the new global dynamics driven by U.S. President Donald Trump.