Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on Monday called on China to assume a more prominent role in shaping a multipolar world, emphasizing cooperation on key global challenges such as climate change, security, defense, and inequality.
Speaking at Tsinghua University in Beijing during his fourth visit to China in as many years, Sánchez stressed that both China and Europe must step up efforts as the United States retreats from leadership in several global arenas.
His remarks come at a time when many Western nations are seeking to maintain engagement with Beijing despite ongoing tensions over trade and security. The visit follows recent trips to China by leaders from Britain, Ireland, Canada, and Finland.
Spain has been among the most vocal European countries advocating for stronger trade ties with China, viewing it as a strategic partner rather than a geopolitical rival. Sánchez highlighted that China could do more in tackling climate change, improving global health systems, ensuring responsible development of artificial intelligence, and promoting nuclear disarmament.
He also urged Beijing to support international law and help bring an end to conflicts in regions including Lebanon, Iran, Gaza, the West Bank, and Ukraine.
“Europe will also have to redouble its efforts, especially now that the United States has decided to withdraw from many of these fronts,” Sánchez said.
The Spanish leader is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday, with discussions likely to focus heavily on geopolitical issues.
Sánchez noted that China accounts for 74% of Spain’s total trade deficit, underlining the importance of strengthening economic cooperation to build a more balanced global economy. Madrid hopes the visit will help reduce its trade gap, which has more than doubled over the past four years to nearly $50 billion in 2025, by boosting exports in agriculture and manufacturing.
Meanwhile, China’s state news agency Xinhua News Agency said the visit is expected to further strengthen bilateral ties and create opportunities for deeper engagement between China and Europe amid growing global uncertainty.