Xi Jinping Welcomes Spain — ‘In Harmony with History’ alongside China

Xi Jinping Praises Spain’s Support

Chinese leader Xi Jinping commended Spain for aligning with China on what he described as the “right side of history” during a meeting with Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in Beijing.

Sánchez is currently visiting China officially, marking his fourth trip there in four years. His focus remains on enhancing political and commercial relations between Spain and the Chinese Communist Party.

According to the Chinese state news outlet Xinhua, Xi emphasized the need for both countries to deepen collaboration in trade, energy, and various sectors. He called for a “comprehensive strategic partnership” to yield greater benefits for their people.

“China and Spain are principled nations that act with moral integrity, and both countries are willing to stand on the right side of history,” Xi stated, urging Sánchez to “reject a return to the survival of the fittest,” advocating for true multilateralism and the safeguarding of global peace and development.

Sánchez responded by stressing the importance of reinforcing the multilateral system and international law, especially at a time when those principles face significant challenges.

He described China as a crucial global player in addressing ongoing conflicts, asserting that Spain, deeply committed to Europe, wishes to play an active role in creating a peaceful new world order.

“It’s hard to envision any country other than China resolving the situation between Iran and the Strait of Hormuz,” Sánchez remarked, while also criticizing international law violations he attributed to the Israeli government and pointing out Iran’s responses to the war as illegal.

During their dialogue, Xi referred to Spain as a “bridge” to the European Union, to which Sánchez responded by mentioning his own experience as an ambassador to Europe.

Xi advocated for stronger ties between China and the EU, suggesting such cooperation could benefit both societies and enhance global stability amid a precarious international landscape.

Sánchez affirmed Spain’s commitment to rising to historic challenges, claiming a need for a courageous, clear, and predictable approach to Spain’s foreign relations.

He brought up pressing issues including Lebanon, Gaza, Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, and Ukraine during his talks with Xi, urging China to continue playing an active role in bolstering the multilateral system.

On social media, Sánchez stated that their meeting reaffirmed the strengthened bonds between Spain and China, indicating a commitment to EU-China relations founded on trust, dialogue, and stability.