Spain Told to Shield Key Sectors From Chinese Influence

US Ambassador Benjamin Lyons has delivered a blunt message to Spanish authorities: keep Chinese companies out of critical national infrastructure or risk damaging one of Europe’s most important security relationships. In remarks reported by Greek media outlet Tovima, Lyons expressed particular concern over Huawei-linked firms winning government contracts in telecommunications and data management. He argued that such involvement creates unacceptable vulnerabilities at a time when Spain and the United States continue to share sensitive intelligence. Although he conceded that economic engagement with China is legitimate, Lyons warned that “strategic sectors” require special protection. The intervention comes against a backdrop of strained defence cooperation. Spain has declined to increase military spending in line with NATO targets and has restricted American access to its air bases during Middle East contingencies. These moves prompted the Pentagon to recall tanker aircraft stationed at Morón de la Frontera and Rota, signalling that Washington is prepared to act when core expectations are not met. Spanish officials have maintained that any use of their territory must adhere to multilateral legal frameworks. The ambassador’s comments are therefore seen as both a security alert and a diplomatic nudge aimed at realigning Madrid’s China policy with transatlantic priorities.