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Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called on China to take on a greater role in global affairs, including climate change, security, and conflict resolution. His comments came on April 13, 2026, during his fourth state visit to China.

Sanchez warned that Europe must step up efforts amid what he described as a retreat by the United States from key international responsibilities.

Speaking at Tsinghua University in Beijing, Sanchez said China should use its growing global influence to help address major international challenges, including ongoing conflicts and economic inequality.

“China can do more. For example, by demanding … that international law be respected and that the conflicts in Lebanon, Iran, Gaza and the West Bank, and Ukraine cease,” he said.

He added that Europe would also need to “redouble its efforts, especially now that the United States has decided to withdraw from many of these fronts.”

Sanchez’s latest trip to China is aimed at underscoring Spain’s push to deepen ties with Beijing while pursuing a more independent foreign policy.

The visit comes at a time when several Western leaders have also traveled to China, reflecting efforts to maintain engagement despite ongoing trade tensions and security concerns.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez @sanchezcastejon receives honorary professorship from UCAS https://t.co/Nvefihg8Hh pic.twitter.com/Yz1eqmCKBm

— CGTN (@CGTNOfficial) April 13, 2026

Spain has emerged as one of the European countries most supportive of expanding cooperation with China, viewing Beijing as a strategic partner rather than a rival.

This approach has placed Madrid at odds with Donald Trump, whose administration has taken a more confrontational stance toward China and has criticized Spain over defense spending and its refusal to support U.S. military operations related to the Iran conflict.

Sanchez’s government has also taken steps that have strained relations with Washington, including denying U.S. access to certain military bases and closing Spanish airspace to aircraft involved in the war with Iran.

Talks with Xi Jinping

Sanchez is scheduled to meet Xi Jinping on Tuesday, with discussions expected to focus heavily on geopolitics and global stability.

Spanish officials view China as a potential stabilizing force in an increasingly fragmented international system. The talks are also expected to include meetings with Premier Li Qiang and senior legislator Zhao Leji.

According to a government source, the emphasis on geopolitical issues reflects Spain’s broader strategy of diversifying its global partnerships beyond traditional alliances.

However, this focus has raised concerns among some business leaders and opposition figures in Spain, who fear it could further complicate already tense relations with the United States.

Economic issues remain central to the visit, particularly Spain’s large and growing trade deficit with China.

Sanchez noted that China accounts for around 74% of Spain’s total trade gap, which has more than doubled in recent years to nearly $50 billion in 2025.

Madrid is seeking to boost exports in sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing to help rebalance trade, while also encouraging more Chinese investment in Spain.

“We need China to do the same. To open up so that Europe doesn’t have to close itself off,” Sánchez said, referring to market access and trade fairness.

Despite strong economic ties, no major business deals are expected during this visit, and Sánchez has not brought a large business delegation with him.

Still, officials hope to finalize a regional agreement that would ease restrictions on Spanish poultry exports affected by bird flu, following a similar arrangement that helped protect pork exports during a previous outbreak.

Rising Chinese Investment and Economic Cooperation

China has become an increasingly important economic partner for Spain, with bilateral trade exceeding $55 billion in 2025. Chinese investment in Spain has also surged, reaching $700 million in 2025 and totaling $10.5 billion since 2010.

Much of this investment has been concentrated in energy and extractive industries, though both sides are looking to expand cooperation into technology, infrastructure, and sustainability.

During the visit, Sanchez is expected to meet representatives from major Chinese companies, including technology firm Xiaomi, and host forums focused on energy, bioscience, and innovation.

The visit signals a broader effort to move the Spain-China relationship from transactional trade toward deeper strategic cooperation.

Domestic and International Reactions

Sanchez’s approach has received mixed reactions at home. While it remains popular among voters, some business leaders warn that growing tensions with the United States could have economic consequences.

“The United States is the leading foreign investor in Spain,” said Ramon Gascon Alonso, a trade representative. “We have a significant volume of trade with the United States in sectors that are central to our economy, absolutely vital.”

Opposition figures have also criticized the timing of Sanchez’s outreach to China, arguing that it risks undermining NATO unity and Spain’s long-standing alliance with Washington.

At the same time, Chinese officials have welcomed Spain’s stance. China’s ambassador to Spain, Yao Jing, said the relationship reflects mutual respect and shared economic interests.

“Spain is more reasonable in dealing with China,” he said. “It has its own judgment, its own interests, it wants access to Chinese markets. So, we do business.”

Shift in Global Alignment

Sanchez’s visit highlights a wider shift in global diplomacy, as countries seek to navigate an increasingly multipolar world. Spain, the eurozone’s fourth-largest economy, has positioned itself as a bridge between Europe and emerging global powers, including China and India.

The visit also comes months after Felipe VI made a rare state visit to China, signaling a broader effort to strengthen bilateral ties. Sanchez emphasized that global progress is no longer centered in one region.

“Progress no longer has a single center; rather, it germinates simultaneously in various places around the world,” he said.

As geopolitical tensions continue to rise and traditional alliances evolve, Spain’s outreach to China reflects both economic necessity and a strategic recalibration of its role on the global stage.