Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is set to visit China in the near future to discuss a range of diplomatic issues, including the territorial integrity of Ukraine. This comes amidst rising tensions between Ukraine and Russia, with recent clashes in eastern Ukraine resulting in the deaths of several Ukrainian soldiers. Sanchez is expected to seek China’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to call for an end to the ongoing conflict in the region. The visit is seen as a crucial opportunity for Spain to play a leading role in promoting peace and stability in Eastern Europe, and to maintain strong ties with China as a global superpower.
Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, has announced that he will advocate for the “territorial integrity” of Ukraine during his upcoming visit to China. His visit comes as Chinese President, Xi Jinping, attempts to position himself as a mediator in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. During a press briefing at the Ibero-American Summit meeting, Sanchez expressed his intention to discuss possible peace prospects with Xi Jinping.
The Spanish Prime Minister vowed that he would work towards a fair and lasting peace in Ukraine. He stated that it was imperative that the territorial integrity of Ukraine is respected, condemning Vladimir Putin for violating it. Spain is a member of NATO and has been a staunch ally of Ukraine. The country had promised to send 10 Leopard tanks to Ukraine.
Sanchez made it clear that he intended to discuss Xi Jinping’s peace plan for ending the Ukraine war. China is the second country Sanchez will visit since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz having visited China in November 2020.
Spain is set to take over the presidency of the European Council in July 2021. This makes Sanchez’s visit even more significant in light of the ongoing regional conflicts.
Earlier this week, Chinese President, Xi Jinping, visited Moscow and met with Russian President, Vladimir Putin. In a joint statement published on Thursday, Russia welcomed China’s willingness to play a positive role in a political-diplomatic settlement of the Ukrainian crisis. Both countries were opposed to any states or blocs that sought to obtain military, political, and other advantages by damaging other states’ legitimate security interests.
During the meeting, Putin praised Beijing’s 12-point position paper on the Ukraine conflict. The 12 points outlined in the paper called for the resumption of peace talks, an end to hostilities, keeping nuclear power plants safe, and protecting civilians and prisoners of war. However, the United States and some experts criticized the peace plan.
Sanchez’s visit to China is expected to further solidify Spain’s support for Ukraine and its membership in NATO. It is also expected to reiterate the country’s commitment to ensuring peace in the region. At present, Sanchez’s visit to China and his discussions with Xi Jinping could be a turning point in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. If China could assist in resolving the conflict, it would be a significant achievement for both China and Russia, who are increasingly looking to assert their influence in the region.
