Spain’s Prime Minister says China key to any diplomatic push to end Iran war

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Tuesday (April 14) that he saw no better interlocutor than China to push to end Iran war, speaking during an appearance on his official visit to the Asian country.

China is one of few interlocutors able to move forward diplomatic negotiations to end the war in Iran and open the Strait of Hormuz, Sanchez said, adding the two leaders had also discussed the "grave situation" in Lebanon, Gaza, and Ukraine.

Israel's refusal to discuss a ceasefire in Lebanon has complicated wider diplomacy to halt the conflict in the Middle East.

"Those of us who raise our voice against governments violating international law are being threatened," Sanchez said. "International law is currently being violated primarily by one country: the Israeli government," he added.

The visit by Sanchez comes as many Western governments are seeking to maintain ties with Beijing despite lingering security and trade tension, as discomfort grows over the policies of key ally, U.S. President Donald Trump.

-Production: Alessandro Diviggiano, Elena Rodriguez/Reuters