Spain and China have pledged to strengthen ties and expand cooperation, as leaders from both countries warned of mounting threats to the global order and multilateralism.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Tuesday, where both leaders emphasized the need for closer collaboration amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.
China’s President Xi Jinping and Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez attend a meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on April 14, 2026. Haruna Furuhashi/Pool via REUTERS
Xi described the current international order as “crumbling,” stressing that deeper relations between China and Spain would serve the interests of both countries. Sanchez echoed the sentiment, calling for stronger engagement between Europe and China to counter risks to multilateral cooperation.
Sanchez’s visit, which runs from April 11 to 15, comes as Western nations increasingly seek to improve relations with Beijing despite ongoing trade and security tensions. The Spanish leader is among several Western officials visiting China this year.
Spain has positioned itself as a strong advocate within Europe for expanding trade ties with China and treating it as a strategic partner. Sanchez has also encouraged Beijing to take a more active role in global challenges such as climate change, security, and inequality.
FILE PHOTO: Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Chinese President Xi Jinping speak as they walk along the gardens of Diaoyutai Guest House after a meeting in Beijing, China, 11 April 2025. ANDRES MARTINEZ CASARES/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo
During his visit, Sanchez said China had agreed to measures aimed at narrowing Spain’s nearly $50 billion trade deficit. He is also expected to sign agreements with Chinese Premier Li Qiang covering increased access for Spanish agricultural products and cooperation in transport and infrastructure.
In addition to economic issues, Sanchez raised geopolitical concerns, including conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. He criticized violations of international law and highlighted tensions surrounding Israel’s actions in Lebanon and Gaza.
Sanchez also noted increasing pressure on governments that speak out against such violations, referencing warnings directed at Spain by Israeli leadership over its stance.
