Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has been one of Europe’s most vocal critics of US and Israeli military actions in the Middle East.
BEIJING (AP) — The leaders of China and Spain pledged Tuesday to work to protect multilateralism at a time of conflicts, including war in Iranwith Chinese President Xi Jinping saying countries must “resist the world’s retrogression to the law of the jungle”.
Xi said they should “jointly maintain true multilateralism”, strengthen communication and cooperate closely, during a reception for the Spanish prime minister. Pedro Sánchez in the Great Hall of the People.
Sánchez agreed and said that China and Spain “can contribute to finding solutions to the various trade tensions that exist, to the geopolitical difficulties and complexities of today’s world, to the wars, to the environmental and social challenges that affect the world.”
Sánchez is in his Fourth trip in just over three years in the second largest economy in the world. Spain is looking to strengthen political and trade ties. The visit comes as Sanchez faces a strained relationship with the US over his opposition to the Iran war.
Sánchez sees China as the key to ending the war
Later, during a press conference, Sánchez said China was the only global player he could see helping to end the wars in Iran and other countries, such as Ukraine.
“I find it very difficult to find other interlocutors, beyond China, who can resolve this situation in Iran and the Strait of Hormuz,” Sanchez said, urging the Asian giant to do more on the diplomatic front.
Sánchez has been one of Europe’s most vocal critics of US and Israeli military actions in the Middle East. His government recently declared its airspace is closed to US aircraft being used in the Iran war and said it is not allowing the US use jointly operated military bases in southern Spain for actions related to the war.
In Beijing, Sánchez said his country wants to avoid impunity for those who commit crimes in places like Gaza, where he said a “genocide” has been committed.
“International law is being violated today, essentially by one country: the government of Israel,” he said. “There is also an absolutely illegitimate response from the Iranian regime in relation to a war that we have described from the beginning as a mistake and an illegality.”
Spain hopes for greater access to its products in China
One goal of Sanchez’s trip is to find ways to reduce the trade gap with China. He said that after raising the issue with Xi, he felt “understanding and willingness to work to achieve this balance.”
Sánchez said Spain will sign 19 agreements, 10 of them on the economic side, including some to expand access for Spanish agri-food products to China and increase exports.
“The current trade imbalance between Europe and China, and between Spain and China, is excessive and we must do everything possible to correct it,” he said.
The Prime Minister added that China should see Spain and Europe as a place to invest.
Sanchez’s wife faces possible trial
While Sánchez was in China, an investigating judge in Spain concluded a preliminary investigation with the recommendation that his wife, Begoña Gómez, who is traveling with her husband, stand trial. influence peddling charges and misuse of public funds. A court will decide whether she does so.
Sánchez has repeatedly maintained her innocence.
When asked about the case that hit his wife last year, Sánchez replied that “I just ask that the justice system do justice.”
He added: “I am convinced that time will put everything in its place.”
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By E. EDUARDO CASTILLO Associated Press
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