Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is going to try to convince Chinese leader Xi Jinping to support Ukraine during his visit to Beijing.

According to El Pais, Sánchez arrived in China on March 31 and considers his visit an opportunity to convince China to take a more pro-European side, particularly on the issue of Russia's war against Ukraine.

He will probably try to convince the Chinese leader that the peace plan must demonstrate support for Ukraine. Otherwise, it will be ineffective.

Madrid considers Xi Jinping's position decisive in settling the war. "There is a lot of expectation, we believe that this appointment with Xi is very important," the prime minister said on the plane on his way to China.

The outlet notes that Sánchez also hopes to get assurance from Xi Jinping that China will not send weapons to Russia.

Earlier, the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said that China's position on the war in Ukraine will be vital for relations with the European Union.

Previously, French President Emmanuel Macron announced to take Ursula von der Leyen with him on his trip to China next week.