Sanchez Criticizes Israel While Ignoring China's Human Rights Issues
- Pedro Sanchez called for the EU to suspend its free trade agreement with Israel, citing human rights abuses.
- During a visit to China, he praised Xi Jinping and overlooked serious human rights violations in China.
- Sanchez's actions have led to accusations of hypocrisy, prioritizing trade interests over human rights concerns.
On October 14, 2024, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called for the European Union to suspend its free trade agreement with Israel, citing alleged systemic human rights abuses in Israel's military actions in Gaza and Lebanon. This stance contrasts sharply with his recent visit to China, where he praised President Xi Jinping and neglected to address significant human rights violations occurring in China, including the treatment of Uyghurs and the situation in Hong Kong. Sanchez's approach to China has raised eyebrows, especially after he reversed his support for EU tariffs against Chinese goods following a billion-dollar investment pledge from a Chinese energy company. This shift has been interpreted as a betrayal of his EU counterparts and highlights a perceived hypocrisy in his human rights advocacy. While targeting Israel may resonate with his Socialist base, Sanchez's favorable treatment of China suggests a prioritization of trade interests over human rights concerns, leading to accusations of inconsistency in his foreign policy.