Sanchez, China can play important role in ending US-Iran war

"It is very difficult to meet other interlocutors who can unravel this situation provoked in Iran and the Strait of Hormuz more than China, so I think China can play an important role in finding a diplomatic way for the war to end, contributing to stability and peace". Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said this at a press conference in Beijing after meeting President Xi Jinping. "We do not support this war, but businesses, families, Spain, the EU and the world are already noticing its consequences, and therefore, any effort that all nations can make, especially those that have an interlocutor and have not actively participated in this illegal war, is welcome and necessary," the socialist leader added.

Bilateral relations between China and Spain 'enjoy excellent health' and 'we have raised relations to the highest level' for years, Sanchez explained to reporters, recalling how Spain is a 'deeply pro-European' country and 'a key member of the EU', emphasising that these are interests and values that 'we always defend'. However, Sanchez also added that it is in the interest of Spain and Europe to strengthen the relationship with China, and that we should 'build bridges': 'We want to contribute in an active form to the construction of a new global order,' Sanchez said. Regarding the possibility of the US being 'offended', a journalist asked, by the possible close relationship between Madrid and Beijing, Sanchez emphasised that Spain 'has a consistent position on foreign policy, no one should be offended'. "It is in the interests of Spain and Europe that the multipolar system is respected" which is not happening now. "We have no problem being on the right side of history," he added.

Xi responded to the Spanish premier's endorsement by positively emphasising Spain's positioning in the international context. ''Spain is on the right side of history,'' Xi Jinping said upon receiving Sanchez. ''China and Spain are principled countries that act with moral integrity and both are ready to stand on the right side of history,'' the Chinese president told Sanchez, with whom he had a meeting lasting about an hour, as reported by El Paìs. The Chinese leader asked the Spanish prime minister to 'reject the world's return to the law of the jungle' and to 'jointly defend genuine multilateralism and safeguard world peace and development'.

In their meeting in Beijing, Xi and Sanchez pledged to strengthen bilateral relations and work to safeguard multilateralism at a time when the world is affected by various conflicts, including the war in Iran. "We must strengthen communication, consolidate mutual trust, cooperate closely, oppose the world's regression to the law of the jungle and safeguard genuine multilateralism together," Chinese President Xi Jinping said as he received Sanchez in the Great Hall of the People.

Xi Jinping stressed that "today's world is pervaded by chaos and faces a struggle between justice and power". "The way a country treats international law and international order reflects its worldview, its conception of order, its values and its sense of responsibility. China and Spain are both nations of principles and morality, and they should strengthen communication, consolidate mutual trust and cooperate closely to counter the regression of the world to the law of the jungle, jointly defend genuine multilateralism, safeguard the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order based on international law, promote the realisation of a fair and orderly multipolar world, inclusive economic globalisation and the building of a community with a shared future for humanity,' the Chinese leader stressed, according to Xinuha news agency on its website.