The leaders of Vietnam and Spain on Wednesday pledged to boost economic ties and defence cooperation and voiced their support for upholding free trade, at a time when both are hit with the Trump administration's reciprocal tariffs.

Pedro Sánchez is on a diplomatic mission to Asia. He will visit Vietnam and China. The visit occurs as US tariffs on EU goods take effect. Sánchez will meet Vietnamese leaders in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

They sign a protocol on food safety, animal and plant health, and fisheries that includes legislation exchange and business collaboration. It envelops and monopolizes everything. The trade war driven by Donald Trump echoes in every corner of the world and monopolizes political leaders' conversations.