Xi Jinping places Spain ‘on the right side of history’ and urges working together against the ‘law of the jungle’

In Beijing, at the Great Hall of the People — the venue reserved for major political events in the Chinese capital — Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on Tuesday heard the Chinese president, Xi Jinping, praise Spain’s role in today’s turbulent international order and suggest that both countries should work together to help safeguard multilateralism.

“China and Spain are principled countries that act with moral rectitude, and both are willing to stand on the right side of history,” Xi told Sánchez during a reception in his honor. The leader of the Asian power urged the Spanish prime minister to “oppose the world’s regression to the law of the jungle, and jointly safeguard genuine multilateralism.”

“Let us find ways together to strengthen the multilateral system and international law, which is being undermined repeatedly and very dangerously when it is needed more than ever,” replied Sánchez, who is on an official visit to China for the fourth time in just over three years. Both leaders made a show of unity at a time of heightened tension between Spain and the United States. “No one should take offense at this visit,” said Sánchez in response to how the U.S. government might interpret his outreach to China.

During the visit, 19 agreements are expected to be signed, 10 of which are economic in nature. The Spanish leader emphasized that one of the primary objectives of the trip was “to achieve more balanced trade relations.” Xi Jinping intends to maintain this approach: “We should strengthen communication, consolidate mutual trust, cooperate closely.”

But Sánchez also highlighted the geopolitical dimension of his visit: “We are living in times of change. The international order that has prevailed since the second half of the 20th century is, unfortunately, being undermined by significant players on the international stage.”

Sánchez said he had the opportunity to discuss “the grave situation” in Lebanon, Gaza, Iran, the Strait of Hormuz and Ukraine, and urged Beijing to “continue actively contributing to strengthening the multilateral system” and to conflict resolution. “I find it very difficult to imagine any other partners capable of resolving this situation in Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, other than China,” he said.

Speaking to the Spanish delegation, President Xi acknowledged that international relations are “complicated” right now, but emphasized that relations between China and Spain “are very stable.” He urged both nations to “seize opportunities, pursue innovative development, and strengthen cooperation in areas such as trade, renewable energy, and the smart economy.” Both leaders made reference to the King and Queen of Spain, who paid an official visit to China in November.

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