Finance
Spanish Premier Urges China to Take Bigger Role in Multipolar Order
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 13, 2026
3 min readLast updated: April 13, 2026
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Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, during his fourth visit to China in four years, called on Beijing to play a larger role in tackling global challenges such as climate change, security, AI and inequality, as Europe seeks to step up amid perceived U.S. disengagement.
Spanish PM: China Should Lead on Finance, Trade, Security, and Climate Change
Spain's Approach to China and Global Leadership
Spanish Prime Minister's Call for Greater Chinese Involvement
HONG KONG, April 13 (Reuters) - Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Monday said China should take on a more substantial role with issues including climate change, security, defense and the fight against inequality, adding that Europe will also have to redouble its efforts as the U.S. withdraws from leadership roles on many fronts.
Sanchez, who is making his fourth visit to China in four years, spoke at Beijing's Tsinghua University.
Context of the Visit
His visit https://www.reuters.com/world/china/spanish-premier-sanchez-heads-fourth-china-visit-risks-annoying-trump-2026-04-12/ comes as many Western governments seek to maintain engagement with Beijing despite lingering security and trade tensions. It follows visits to China earlier this year by the prime ministers of Britain, Ireland, Canada and Finland.
Spain's Strategic Position
Spain has been one of Europe's loudest proponents of expanding trade and treating China as a strategic ally rather than an economic and geopolitical rival.
Key Issues Highlighted by Sanchez
Climate Change and Global Security
Sanchez said China could do more in terms of fighting climate change, promoting global health, controlling the development of responsible artificial intelligence as well as nuclear weapons.
"For example, by demanding as it is doing, that international law be respected and that the conflicts in Lebanon, Iran, Gaza and the West Bank and Ukraine cease," he said.
"Europe will also have to redouble its efforts, especially now that the United States has decided to withdraw from many of these fronts."
Upcoming Diplomatic Engagements
Sanchez is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday where they are expected to focus on geopolitics.
Economic Relations and Trade Deficit
Trade Imbalance and Cooperation
China accounted for 74% of Spain's total trade deficit, Sanchez said, adding that cooperation was important to build a "balanced, globalised economy that generates shared prosperity."
Spain's Economic Goals
Madrid hopes Sanchez's visit will narrow Spain's trade deficit, which more than doubled in four years to nearly $50 billion in 2025. It is looking to boost agricultural and manufacturing exports to offset high volumes of China's imports.
Chinese Perspective on Bilateral Ties
China's official news agency Xinhua on Monday said Sanchez's visit was set to further consolidate bilateral ties and pointed to a broader pathway for steady engagement between China and Europe at a time of growing global uncertainty.
(Reporting by Farah Master in Hong Kong and the Beijing newsroom; Editing by Thomas Derpinghaus)
Key Takeaways
- •Sánchez urged China to bolster its leadership in multilateral efforts on climate, health, AI, nuclear arms and conflict resolution amid waning U.S. engagement, highlighting Europe’s need to ‘redouble its efforts’.
- •He is emphasizing the deepening strategic and economic ties with China—Spain’s bilateral trade deficit with China makes up three‑quarters of its overall goods shortfall, which soared to approximately €57 billion in 2025.
- •Sánchez’s visit reflects Spain’s proactive diplomatic strategy to view China as a strategic partner, seeking to boost exports and attract investment, including in agriculture, manufacturing and green‑energy sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions about Spanish premier urges China to take bigger role in multipolar order
1Why did Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez visit China?
Pedro Sanchez visited China to strengthen bilateral ties, discuss global issues like climate change and security, and address Spain's trade deficit with China.
2What issues does Spain want China to take a bigger role in?
Spain is urging China to take greater responsibility in climate change, global security, defense, fighting inequality, and supporting a multipolar world order.
3How significant is China's trade relationship with Spain?
China accounts for 74% of Spain's trade deficit, with Madrid aiming to boost exports to China and balance bilateral trade.
4How does Spain's approach to China differ from other European nations?
Spain treats China as a strategic ally, advocating for expanded trade and engagement rather than viewing China solely as a geopolitical rival.
5What global context influenced Spain's call for China to play a bigger role?
The US reducing its international leadership prompted Spain and Europe to encourage China to take more active global roles, especially in finance and security.