Sanchez Believes Beijing Can Play Key Role in Middle East Peace

In four years, Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez undertook his fourth state visit to China from 11 to 15 April 2025. This visit occurs in the middle of the US-Iran conflict and a reorientation of foreign policy of several countries in favor of a rapprochement with the Middle Kingdom. He is the latest of a series of Western leaders from UK, Canada, Finland and Ireland, who have paid a state visit to China since the start of 2026.

Over the past few years, Spain has evolved into China’s ‘privileged interlocutor’ within the EU. Previously, Italy was the only European country to join China’s Belt and Road Initiative, but then withdrew in 2025. Although Spain has not gone so far as to sign up for the BRI, it appears to have the ear of Beijing at the moment.

During a speech at Tsinghua University, Sanchez emphasized that China can play a key role in the current Middle East crisis. A comprehensive and lasting peace can and must be found through political and diplomatic means. He sees that the new world order is multipolar and superpowers must take into consideration the position of middle powers.

China reiterated its commitment to multilateral platforms such as the UN for tackling global issues. On the other hand, Spain believes that superpowers, like China, should take more responsibility for global issues such as #ClimateChange and #EnergySecurity.

Sanchez echoed the EU’ position to have a more ‘balanced and reciprocal’ trade with China. In fact, he aims to control the trade deficit with China to within USD 50 billion. Following his meeting with China’s President Xi, Sanchez held a press conference and announced that 19 bilateral agreements between Spain and China have been signed.

The two countries inked a landmark investment deal entitled High-Quality Investment Agreement, which includes clauses for technology transfers and local content. In addition, the two sides will institute a permanent mechanism for dialogue on trade and investment.

Spanish pork products is specially prized by Chinese consumers and Spain is targeting to export cherries to China for the first time in 2026, subject to meeting the phytosanitary protocols.

On the #EnergyTransition battle front, Spain is positioning itself as the gateway for Chinese Electric Vehicles (EV) into the European Union. Additionally, both sides will cooperate on Green Hydrogen (#GH2), with China pledging a USD one billion investment into Envision Energy to develop an electrolyzer plant in Spain.

A Joint Action Plan was adopted to strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, focusing on trade, agriculture, science and societal (#P2P) exchanges.