China13 April, 20261 min read
Spain’s Sanchez Urges China to Lead Amid US Unreliability and Global Order Crisis
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Sánchez urged China to play a larger role in a multipolar global order. They aligned on defending the international order and opposing the law of the jungle.
Spain-China Strategic Pivot
Sanchez urged China to take a more prominent role in global affairs amid growing European concerns over the reliability of the United States. The visit came amid Madrid's unequivocal criticism of Washington's policies, including the US-Israeli aggression targeting Iran. Chinese President Xi Jinping warned against a return to the "law of the jungle" in international relations.
Sanchez welcomed China's role in addressing turmoil in the West Asia region. The visit marked Sanchez's fourth to China in four years.
Divergent Death Toll Reports
Death toll estimates diverged sharply across sources. The Bangladeshi government and Reuters placed the figure at 28. The Dhaka Tribune and Guardian at 33.
Al Jazeera correspondents counted at least 41. Fire service chief Mahmud Iqbal said most victims were found near the stairwells.
Survivors and the Strike Call
Survivors described workers pounding on locked metal doors as smoke filled the stairwells. Nasrin Begum escaped by jumping from a second-floor window. The Bangladesh Garment Workers' Federation called a nationwide strike.
Federation president Kalpona Akter said Rahman Textile had been cited for fire safety violations in 2024. Labour Minister Tahmina Akhter pledged an immediate government investigation. Firefighter Mahmud Iqbal said 47 people had been injured.
Supply Chain Under Scrutiny
Rahman Textile produced clothing for several European fashion brands. Hessen's compliance team had audited the factory in March. Rahman Textile owner Faisal Rahman claimed the factory had passed its most recent safety inspection in January.
Clean Clothes Campaign said the audit system was fundamentally broken. Rahman was being questioned about allegations that emergency exits had been welded shut.
