Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez sat down with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Tuesday, April 14, and both men used the meeting to talk about a global order they see under strain. Xi called that order “crumbling” and argued that closer ties between Madrid and Beijing would benefit both countries. Sanchez agreed, urging stronger engagement between Europe and China to protect multilateral cooperation.
The trip runs from April 11 to 15. It is one of several visits to China by Western officials this year, as governments try to repair relations with Beijing even though trade and security disputes remain unresolved.
Trade deficit and agreements
Spain has made itself one of the louder voices in Europe for wider trade with China and for treating it as a strategic partner. Sanchez has also pressed Beijing to play a bigger part on climate change, security and inequality.
The money side was concrete. Sanchez said China had agreed to steps meant to narrow Spain’s trade deficit with it, which stands at nearly $50 billion. He was also expected to sign agreements with Premier Li Qiang on greater access for Spanish agricultural products and on cooperation in transport and infrastructure.
Gaza, Lebanon and Ukraine
Sanchez did not limit himself to economics. He raised the conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, criticized breaches of international law, and pointed to tensions over Israel’s actions in Lebanon and Gaza. Governments that speak out on such violations face growing pressure, he said, and he cited warnings that Israeli leaders had directed at Spain over its position.
