FULL ADDRESS: PM Pedro Sánchez Delivers Key Speech in Beijing | AC1Z

Respected President and Minister of Tsinghua University, professors, female professors, students, and female students of Tsinghua University, Da Jiahao, it is a true honor to be in this Temple of Wisdom, a global reference in teaching and research, a place where humans explore the boundaries of science and our imagination And we also find in those boundaries new ways to cooperate and prosper. Let me begin by speaking precisely about that—about science, and also about imagination. with a story that took place not very far from here, over four centuries ago. In 1583, an Italian Jesuit named Matteo Ricci arrived in China. In his modest luggage, he carried some books, an astrolabe, and a map of the world. It was a European map, accurate in its proportions, highly advanced in the level of detail, but biased in its perspective, because what it did was portray the world as Westerners saw it, With Europe at the center and Asia on its right edge, at the ends of the Earth. When they saw it, the imperial court cartographers asked the Jesuit why China appeared at that edge of the map. And the wise European finally understood that the Mediterranean Sea was the center of his world, but not of others'. Each world had its center, and for this reason Matteo Ricci completely redesigned his map, this time using the Pacific Ocean as the axis and capturing within it the entire Euro-Asian continent. More than 400 years have passed since then, more than 400 years, But unfortunately, there are still people who continue to view the world as it appeared on that first map, distorted by Ricci. And I say it's distorted because I know the world wasn't like that. I know that in 1583 China was already a major power, representing a quarter of the global population and GDP. who traded with half the planet and who led science and technology in many fields. I know it because, at that time, Spain—just as the university president has rightly reminded us—was also a great empire. An empire that exchanged raw materials and manufactured goods with the Ming dynasty through the Manila Galleon Route. and sailed across the oceans with magnetic compasses, with groves, with quarter rudders, In the end, all these technologies are of Chinese origin. At that time, Spain was aware of China's greatness. I knew that Beijing was not the periphery of the world but one of its centers. And today's Spain also knows this. You know that China is rebuilding its greatness, that it is already the world's leading exporter of goods and fourth in services. China's industry and science are transforming the fight against global warming and also reducing poverty. And thus, China is called upon to play an essential role in the future of the world. Therefore, dear President, esteemed teachers and professors, it is a genuine honor for me to address this center of thought as both a Spaniard and a European. There are those who persist in interpreting reality in zero-sum terms. In narrating the growth of some as a loss for the others. or arguing that deepening certain relationships entails giving up others. But I believe this reading is not only incorrect, it is also dangerous due to its static, immobile nature. Because it turns us into prisoners of the past and limits the possibilities that the future offers us. Because it falls into the error of assuming that the world we see on ancient maps is the only possible world. In my opinion, what is happening today is not a transfer of hegemonies, but a multiplication of poles. Not only of power, but also of prosperity. And this is great news for the world, because for the first time in modern history, progress is taking root simultaneously in many places across the planet. Places, moreover, that do not resemble one another, that do not share the same culture, nor the same political system, nor the same social conditions. And that they don't need to ask anyone's permission to grow. That is happening here in China, in Asia, but also on the African continent, and likewise in a region very close to Spain, such as Latin America. That multipolarity I describe is not a hypothesis, nor is it a wish; it is already a reality. The new reality in which the world lives. And therefore we must accept it; we cannot change it, only choose between denying it or embracing it. And the government of Spain, the entire Spanish society, chooses to embrace it. He does it from realism, also from pragmatism, and undoubtedly from responsibility. But I would like to emphasize that we do so also from hope. Because we believe that if Spain, Europe, and China were able to prosper together in the past, there is no reason to think we cannot do so again. Obviously it's not going to be easy, we know that. There are also issues that separate us, matters on which we do not share the same opinion, where we compete, and where we also disagree. Points on which we may never agree, perhaps we will never reach agreement. But humanity advances when we build upon what unites us, not when we deepen the divides that separate us. With that spirit, we have been working from Spain with many other countries, such as Brazil, India, South Africa, Mexico, and of course also in our relations with China. Spain's proposal, therefore, is clear: to build a relationship based on mutual respect. A respect that allows us, among other things, to cooperate in every possible field. Compete where necessary, and also manage our differences when they prove unavoidable. And Spain defends this same vision in all corners of the world and in all capitals. He does it in Madrid, our capital, he does it in Brussels, the capital of Europe, and he does it throughout the rest of the world in the same way. But for that vision to work and for the world to prosper under the new multipolar order, we will need three very important things as we develop over the next 12 years. Three elements I would like to share with all of you. The first is that efficient multipolarity is not possible without a strengthened multilateralism. Some people believe the multilateral system is dead. Unfortunately, we are seeing in the media many cases of crises and wars taking place around the world. They think that world multilateralism is indeed dead, that it belongs to the past. And I want to say here that I profoundly disagree with that analysis. I do it vigorously. I believe that global governance instruments functioned in the 20th century and are today more necessary than ever. That transboundary cooperation rules are the only tools that will enable humanity to overcome such crucial global challenges as the climate emergency or inequality. I believe a multipolar world needs a robust multilateral system. Not to impose a single vision, but to transform the crucible of our gazes into a fortress for all humanity. Not to end our differences, but to deal with them peacefully, with respect. Because multipolarity without rules leads to rivalry. And from rivalry only wars, commercial conflicts, and ruin arise. That is why, from Spain, we call for a profound renewal of multilateral architecture. It must become more efficient, more transparent, more accountable, and also more inclusive and plural. Because if multilateralism is to remain useful, it must change and better reflect the current global power balances and sensitivities. We cannot allow the past to suffocate the future of multilateral organizations. That is why I believe the West should relinquish not only its shares of representation but also prioritize global stability and the trust of southern countries. That is why I believe we must transform the United Nations as soon as possible, with a much stronger General Assembly and a more representative Security Council. and with a more democratic decision-making system in which all regions truly have a voice and a vote. Moreover, medium powers can also play a unifying and harmonizing role, which is precisely what is expected of them. And from Spain, we also believe it would be good for the first time in history, a woman to lead the United Nations Secretary-General's office. The second point I would like to share with all of you is that this new multipolar order must function, and it must do so through balanced and reciprocal trade relationships. We cannot move from the imbalance of the 20th century to a different one in the 21st century. And for that development to be stable, sustainable, and healthy, the multipolar order will require a more horizontal and more just economy. in which there are no losing and winning regions, but truly global supply chains that create jobs, wealth in all the rectitudes of the planet and share the negative externalities proportionally. Why do I say this? Because the European Union is doing its part. One may debate whether he is doing it with greater or lesser speed, undoubtedly with difficulties, which I acknowledge, but he is fulfilling his part. In just the last decade, we have signed trade agreements with 25 countries. We have increased our imports from the so-called Global South by 80%. And we have created more than 25 million jobs annually outside our borders. We need China to do the same—to open up, so Europe won't have to close itself off. That helps us correct the current trade deficit we have with it, a deficit that is not balanced, which increased again by 18% just last year and which is unsustainable for our societies in the medium and long term. It is unsustainable due to the isolationist movements it fuels and the social grievances and suffering it causes. To give you an idea, our trade deficit with China already accounts for 74% of our country's total deficit. Therefore, I believe it is important that we correct it, cooperate, and jointly build a globalized, balanced economy that generates shared prosperity. The third element we will need for a multipolar order to function is greater involvement by both the major powers and the middle powers. in the management and provision of what academics call global public goods. For example, the fight against climate change, security, defense, and the fight against inequality. Ultimately, emerging powers and established powers alike must provide these global public goods. Size entails not only power, but also a responsibility that cannot be delegated. Because the major problems of the 21st century don't require visas, they cross borders, and they are everyone's concern. I think, for example, of the fight against climate change or the challenges posed by global health, in the development of responsible artificial intelligence, in the control of nuclear weapons, in the eradication of poverty, and in safeguarding, as I have said before, global health. These are the areas in which funding has dropped by 23% over the past year. A 23%. Without the cooperation of the major powers—and of course also China—these goals are not merely difficult; they are simply unattainable. I know that China is fully aware of the situation and is doing a lot, and I welcome that, but I believe China can do even more. For example, demanding—just as is being done—that international law be upheld and that conflicts end in Lebanon, Iran, Gaza, the West Bank, and also in Ukraine. Because international law is the foundation of everything. By sharing its technology with the most disadvantaged countries, forgiving debt, and contributing to the system's financing through participation in debt-for-equity swaps. Naturally, Europe will also have to intensify its efforts, especially now that the United States has decided to withdraw from many of these fronts. Europe's contribution is and will remain essential, and therefore I humbly ask you to see it in the same light. Do not fall into the error of Matteo Ricci, and let yourselves be deceived by maps. Although Europe may appear small on a world map, in reality it is quite the opposite. The data are as follows. The European Union is currently the world's largest trading bloc and the second-largest economy. It is also the first recipient of foreign direct investment. It is the second most innovative ecosystem. It also has a qualified population. It is the second most productive economy on the planet and the first in terms of vital satisfaction, social cohesion, and well-being. With this, I don't mean to boast about anything, nor to hide many of our shortcomings, which we certainly have. What I mean by this is that Europe is a key actor in the stability, prosperity, and peace of the world. And without a united Europe, and therefore a fragmented one, there can be neither a stable international order nor a prosperous future for humanity. Nor can it be achieved without the participation of this great country, China. That is why we are called to understand one another and to cooperate. Dear professors, students, I am concluding now. Four centuries after Matteo Rizzi arrived in China and had to correct his map, humanity continues to seek the most accurate perspective from which to view the world as it truly is. And I do not eat as power or harm dictates. A few days ago, four American astronauts traveled farther from Earth than any other human being has ever gone. And from there they may have obtained that angle. From there, they saw the Earth as it truly is. A sphere without ends or boundaries. A blue sphere, unique and irreplaceable, in the most hostile environment for life that can exist. We humans are the result of that miracle. Perhaps the only one in the universe. And therefore, our duty is to understand one another and cooperate so that this miracle continues to flourish. Thank you very much. Xixi.