🚨 JUST IN: Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez in Beijing: “We Are Living Through Times of Change” – Urges Reform of International Order Amid Global Tensions

By Reflecto News Desk
April 14, 2026

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez delivered a pointed speech at Tsinghua University in Beijing on April 13, 2026, declaring that the world is undergoing profound transformation as the traditional international order faces challenges from major actors. Sánchez contrasted approaches to global change, stating: “We are living through times of change; the international order that once prevailed is being undermined by significant actors. There are those who choose to deny reality. We prefer to focus our efforts on reforming this international order.”

The remarks, made during his fourth visit to China in just over three years, underscore Spain’s push for a multipolar world where Europe and China assume greater responsibility for stability, particularly amid the fragile US-Iran ceasefire and other regional conflicts.

Sánchez’s Call for a Reformed Multipolar Order

In his address to students and academics, Sánchez emphasized the need for a “clear-eyed understanding” of today’s realities. He argued that the international system is shifting toward multipolarity and urged both Europe and China to step up in areas such as climate change, global health, responsible artificial intelligence development, nuclear non-proliferation, and conflict resolution.

Sánchez specifically called on China to leverage its influence more actively: “China can do more. For example, by demanding, as it is already doing, that international law be respected and that the conflicts in Lebanon, Iran, Gaza and the West Bank, and Ukraine cease.”

He positioned Spain and Europe as advocates for multilateralism and reform rather than denial or unilateral actions, noting that the United States appears to be stepping back from certain global leadership roles. Sánchez stressed that Europe must “redouble its efforts” in response to these shifts.

Context: Spain’s Stance on the Iran Conflict

The speech comes against the backdrop of the short-term US-Iran ceasefire that followed five weeks of US-Israeli military operations beginning in February 2026. High-level talks in Islamabad recently collapsed after more than 21 hours without agreement on Iran’s nuclear program, with US Vice President JD Vance stating that Iran had not accepted key US terms.

Spain has been one of the most vocal European critics of the military campaign against Iran. Sánchez’s government refused to allow US aircraft to use Spanish bases for strikes and has described the operations as unjustifiable violations of international law. His appeal to China aligns with Madrid’s consistent call for diplomatic solutions and respect for sovereignty.

China’s Response and Bilateral Ties

Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to meet Sánchez on April 14, with discussions expected to cover bilateral trade, technology cooperation, investment, and global governance. During recent high-level exchanges, Xi has described the current international landscape as facing “crumbling” or profound changes, echoing themes of multipolarity and the need to uphold the United Nations’ central role.

China has denied US intelligence claims regarding potential arms supplies to Iran and has highlighted its diplomatic efforts to support the ceasefire. Beijing maintains strong economic ties with Tehran as its largest buyer of sanctioned oil while publicly advocating de-escalation across multiple conflict zones.

Broader Geopolitical Implications

Sánchez’s visit and remarks reflect growing European engagement with China at a time of transatlantic strains over the Iran conflict and shifting US priorities. Analysts see this as part of a wider European strategy to diversify partnerships in a multipolar era, focusing on reform of global institutions rather than confrontation.

The timing is notable as President Donald Trump prepares for a summit with President Xi Jinping next month, where issues including the Iran ceasefire, regional stability, and economic relations are likely to feature prominently.

Reflecto News will provide updates on Sánchez’s meetings with Chinese leaders, any joint statements on global issues, and the evolving situation surrounding the US-Iran ceasefire.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What did Pedro Sánchez say about the international order?
Sánchez stated that the world is in “times of change” where the prevailing international order is being undermined. He criticized those who “deny reality” and said Spain and Europe prefer to focus on reforming the order through multilateralism.

Q2: What specific role did Sánchez urge China to play?
He called on China to do more by demanding respect for international law and helping end conflicts in Iran, Lebanon, Gaza, the West Bank, and Ukraine, while also contributing to climate action, global health, AI governance, and nuclear non-proliferation.

Q3: Why is Sánchez visiting China at this time?
This is his fourth trip in over three years, aimed at strengthening trade, investment, and technology ties. The visit also provides an opportunity to discuss global challenges, including the Iran situation, with Chinese leaders.

Q4: How has Spain positioned itself regarding the US-Iran conflict?
Spain has strongly opposed the military operations, refusing US use of its bases and advocating for diplomatic solutions and adherence to international law.

Q5: What is the current status of the US-Iran ceasefire?
A short-term truce remains in effect, but recent high-level talks in Islamabad failed to reach a comprehensive agreement on Iran’s nuclear program.

Q6: How does this speech relate to US-China relations?
It occurs ahead of the planned Trump-Xi summit and highlights European interest in engaging China on global issues amid perceived US retrenchment in some areas.

Q7: What did Sánchez emphasize about Europe’s role?
He said Europe must “redouble its efforts” in global leadership, especially as the US steps back from certain fronts, to promote a rules-based, reformed international order.

For continuing coverage of Spain-China relations, the evolving Iran ceasefire, European diplomacy, and shifts in the global order, stay with Reflecto News — your trusted source for accurate, timely, and balanced international reporting.