On the morning of April 13, as Tsinghua University approaches its 115th anniversary, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez visited the University and delivered a speech at the “Distinguished Global Scholars Lecture”.
Tsinghua University President Li Luming met with Sánchez prior to the speech. Both sides expressed a commitment to strengthening bilateral exchanges and explored possibilities for future cooperation between Spain and Tsinghua.
Sánchez delivered a lecture entitled “Spain-China Relations in the Global Landscape”. Li Luming attended the event and delivered welcome remarks. Yang Bin, Vice Chancellor of the University Council, presided over the event.
Group photo of the event
Li Luming extended a warm welcome to Sanchez on his visit. He noted that China-Spain relations have maintained a high-level of development in recent years, with solid progress achieved across various fields. Tsinghua University has always attached great importance to friendly exchanges with Spanish partners, and has developed deep and fruitful collaborations with leading Spanish universities and renowned enterprises in areas such as talent development, scientific research and innovation, and cultural exchange. Looking forward, Li expressed Tsinghua’s hope to work closely with the Spanish government and its people to further promote comprehensive cooperation across multiple fields, explore joint efforts in emerging sectors such as new energy, digital economy, and artificial intelligence, and enhance mutual understanding between the two nations. These efforts, he noted, will contribute to a more strategically stable, dynamically growing, and internationally influential comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Spain.
Sánchez delivers a speech at Tsinghua University.
In his speech, Sánchez highlighted that China and Spain, as well as China and Europe, had previously achieved shared prosperity, and there is no reason why they cannot once again join forces to achieve this today. He emphasized that human progress stems from finding common ground, not from deepening divisions. He also noted that humanity itself is a miracle—the only miracle in the world—and that it is the responsibility of all people to ensure this miracle endures through mutual understanding and cooperation.
Sánchez began his address by recalling the legacy of Matteo Ricci, who traveled to China more than four hundred years ago to create world maps. He stressed that the current international order should not be viewed through outdated perspectives or zero-sum thinking, but rather with an open and inclusive mindset that embraces the reality of a multipolar world. To advance a more equal, orderly, peaceful, and prosperous multipolar world, Sánchez called for the development of a more efficient, transparent, and representative multilateral system, as well as a global trade framework that is more balanced and sustainable, with shared benefits and responsibilities. He also urged joint efforts to address pressing global challenges such as climate change, public health, artificial intelligence governance, and nuclear security. Sánchez further expressed high appreciation for China's positive role in global affairs, stating that China's engagement is crucial to the world. He concluded by calling for mutual understanding and cooperation to protect the planet and ensure the continuity of humanity's miracle.
Sánchez engages in a discussion with experts and scholars
During the subsequent expert exchange session, Sánchez held in-depth discussions with Chinese and Spanish experts on the future direction of China-Europe relations and the prospects for China-Spain cooperation amid profound shifts in the international landscape.
The participating experts examined both the opportunities and challenges in global governance, regional security, economic and trade affairs, and technological development, and offered recommendations for bilateral and multilateral cooperation. The discussion concluded that, under current circumstances, strengthening policy coordination and expanding the scope of cooperation between China and Spain is of great significance for advancing China-Europe relations and jointly addressing global challenges.
Sánchez meets with Tsinghua University students.
The event was attended by the Spanish diplomatic delegation, heads of relevant Tsinghua schools and departments, representatives of Spanish students studying at Tsinghua, and a large number of Chinese students.
Editors: Li Han, John Paul Grima
