KABUL (Pajhwok): Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who is on a visit to China, said Beijing should take on a greater role in addressing global challenges, including climate change, security and defence.
Sánchez arrived on Monday and delivered a speech at Tsinghua University in Beijing, Reuters reported.
He said Europe must also intensify its efforts as the United States steps back from leadership roles on multiple fronts.
He noted that China accounts for 74 percent of Spain’s total trade deficit and stressed the importance of cooperation to build a “balanced global economy that ensures shared prosperity.”
Sánchez said China could play a stronger role in tackling climate change, improving global health, regulating the development of responsible artificial intelligence and addressing nuclear weapons concerns.
“For example, by insisting, as it is doing, that international law be respected and that conflicts in Lebanon, Iran, Gaza, the West Bank and Ukraine come to an end,” he said.
Sánchez is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday, with talks likely to focus on key geopolitical issues.
This marks Sánchez’s fourth visit to China in the past four years.
sa
