Xi and Sanchez pledge joint resistance to 'law of the jungle'joint resistance to 'law of the jungle' in world order
Chinese President Xi Jinping met with visiting Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Beijing on Tuesday, calling for the two countries to work together to resist what he described as the "law of the jungle" and defend true multilateralism in a turbulent world. Xi framed the current global situation as a contest between justice and power, emphasizing the need for coordinated action between China and Spain. Sanchez's visit, his fourth to China in roughly three years, reflects Spain's effort to strengthen ties with Beijing while positioning itself as a bridge between China and the European Union amid strained relations with the United States. The meeting also covered economic cooperation in areas including trade, new energy, and the intelligent economy, as well as cultural and scientific exchanges.
Chinese Perspective
Xi Jinping emphasized that China and Spain should jointly resist unilateral power dynamics and defend multilateralism, framing the current world order as a struggle between justice and power. China views this partnership as part of a broader effort to build a more equitable international system and expand cooperation in strategic sectors like new energy and technology.
Spanish Perspective
Spain seeks to diversify its geopolitical relationships and strengthen economic ties with China while maintaining its role as a bridge between Beijing and the European Union. Sanchez has been critical of U.S. and Israeli actions in the Middle East, and views China as a stabilizing force that can help address global conflicts and promote international law.
- Spain is Europe's fourth-largest economy by GDP.
- Sánchez's fourth China visit in four years marks the most frequent by any EU leader.
- China invested over €9.7 billion in Spain from 2010 to 2025.
