Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is in China for his fourth visit in the last four years.
Spain presents itself as a bridge between China and the European Union at a time when Europe’s relations with the United States have become strained.
“I firmly believe that it is in the interests of Spain and Europe to strengthen relations with China,” Sanchez told Beijing on Tuesday.
China-EU trade imbalance “unsustainable”
The visit focuses on improving economic cooperation with the world’s second largest economy. Sanchez described trade between China and Spain as a “huge” trade deficit.
Madrid hopes to reduce a trade gap that has more than doubled in four years, reaching nearly $50 billion in 2025. According to Sanchez, China now accounts for 74% of Spain’s total trade deficit, a figure he called unsustainable in the long term.
Following last Thursday’s talks, agreements were agreed to expand market access for Spanish agricultural products in China and to support the development of Spain’s transport and infrastructure sectors.
As Spain seeks a more balanced, globalized economy that creates shared prosperity, Sanchez said in a post, “We must continue to move toward a multipolar system built on respect and pragmatism.”
Sanchez welcomes China’s role in the Middle East
Spain is particularly keen to strengthen its political and economic ties with Beijing, as the Sanchez government faces strained relations with the US over its stance on the conflict in Iran. The Spanish government has opposed military action in the region, which has contributed to friction with Washington.
Spain’s efforts to boost trade with China come after US President Donald Trump threatened to cut trade with Spain. Spain refused to allow its military bases to be used for US strikes against Iran, Beijing’s key economic partner, following Trump’s threats.
Sanchez also welcomed China’s role in resolving conflicts in the Middle East.
“The role that China can play in ending this war and finding diplomatic means that contribute to stability and peace is vital,” Sanchez said. “The involvement of all countries, especially those in dialogue and those that have not actively participated in this illegal war, is not only welcome, but absolutely necessary,” Sanchez said.
China and the EU should play a bigger global role
The Spanish Prime Minister warned that international law was being repeatedly undermined and called for closer cooperation to promote peace and prosperity. He argued that China should play a more important role in addressing global challenges such as climate change, security, defense and inequality.
Speaking at Beijing’s Tsinghua University on Monday, Sanchez said Europe must also step up its efforts as the United States retreats from a leadership role on many fronts.
In discussions with President Xi Jinping on Tuesday, Sanchez raised the need to reform the multilateral global system. “We need to better recognize the multipolar reality of today’s world,” he said.
For his part, President Xi warned against a return to the “law of the jungle”. He described the global scenario as one in which “chaos is rampant” and “the international order is crumbling,” adding that deeper ties between China and Spain are in the interest of both countries.
Sanchez’s visit comes as many Western governments seek to improve ties with Beijing amid growing discomfort with US policies under President Donald Trump, despite security and trade tensions and questions about human rights.
Edited by: Elisabeth Schumacher