China, Spain to Boost Ties Amid Global Turmoil; Xi Warns Against 'Law of the Jungle'

President Xi Jinping engaged in significant discussions with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Beijing, emphasizing the need for enhanced cooperation between China and Spain in a world grappling with 'chaos and turmoil.' Xi articulated a vision where both nations, described as 'principled countries that stand for justice,' should bolster communication and mutual trust to counter a global drift towards 'the law of the jungle.' This call for closer ties extends to key sectors such as trade, new energy, and technology, signaling China's intent to deepen its economic partnerships.

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Both China and Spain are principled countries that stand for justice. They should strengthen communication, consolidate mutual trust, and cooperate closely to oppose the world's regression to the law of the jungle.

Prime Minister Sanchez, on his part, aimed to solidify Spain's role as a crucial intermediary between China and the European Union. He acknowledged China's growing global influence and welcomed its potential contribution to resolving the Middle East conflict, stressing the importance of diplomatic means for stability and peace. Sanchez also highlighted the necessity of reforming the current multilateral system to better reflect the world's multipolar reality. However, he did not shy away from addressing the 'unsustainable' trade imbalance between China and the EU, a point of concern for European nations.

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How a country treats international law and the international order reflects its worldview, its conception of order, its values, and its sense of responsibility.

The meeting occurred against a backdrop of shifting international relations, with Western leaders increasingly visiting Beijing. This trend is partly influenced by the United States' recent foreign policy shifts under President Donald Trump, which have unsettled traditional allies. Sanchez's visit, his fourth to China in four years, underscores Spain's strategic effort to boost economic engagement, particularly in securing greater market access for its goods and exploring technological joint ventures, even as potential trade threats loom from the US.

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The role China can play is important in order to find diplomatic means that end this war and contribute to stability and peace.