Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called on China to shoulder greater responsibility in addressing global challenges during a speech Monday at Beijing’s Tsinghua University, marking his fourth trip to the Asian nation in recent years.
Speaking to university audiences, Sanchez emphasized that China should expand its involvement in tackling climate change, security matters, defense issues, and efforts to combat worldwide inequality. He noted that European nations must also intensify their commitment as America steps back from leadership positions in various international areas.
The Spanish leader’s current Beijing visit represents part of a broader trend among Western leaders seeking continued diplomatic engagement with China despite ongoing trade disputes and security concerns. Earlier this year, government heads from Britain, Ireland, Canada, and Finland have also traveled to China for similar discussions.
Among European nations, Spain has emerged as a particularly strong advocate for increased trade relationships with China, viewing Beijing as a strategic partner rather than primarily an economic or political competitor.
Sanchez outlined specific areas where China could increase its global contributions, including environmental protection, international health initiatives, responsible artificial intelligence development, and nuclear weapons oversight.
“For example, by demanding as it is doing, that international law be respected and that the conflicts in Lebanon, Iran, Gaza and the West Bank and Ukraine cease,” he said.
“Europe will also have to redouble its efforts, especially now that the United States has decided to withdraw from many of these fronts.”
The Spanish Prime Minister is scheduled to hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday, with discussions expected to center on geopolitical matters.
Trade relationships between the two nations remain significantly imbalanced, with Sanchez noting that China represents 74% of Spain’s overall trade deficit. He stressed that enhanced cooperation would be essential for creating a “balanced, globalised economy that generates shared prosperity.”
Spanish officials hope this diplomatic visit will help reduce their country’s trade gap with China, which has more than doubled over four years to reach nearly $50 billion in 2025. Madrid aims to increase agricultural and manufacturing exports to balance the high volume of Chinese imports.
China’s state-run Xinhua news agency reported Monday that Sanchez’s visit would strengthen bilateral relationships and create broader opportunities for stable China-Europe cooperation amid increasing global uncertainties.
