China and Spain should strengthen co-operation to oppose a return of the world to "the law of the jungle," President Xi Jinping said in Beijing on Tuesday.

He also called for the national sovereignty of countries in the Middle East and Gulf to be "respected" during his meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who is on an official visit to China.

"The sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the Gulf countries in the Middle East should be sincerely respected," state broadcaster CCTV quoted Xi as saying.

Xi Jinping said China would play a "constructive role" in promoting peace talks in the Middle East, after a first round of discussions between the United States and Iran ended without agreement.

"Xi Jinping stressed China's principled stance of promoting peace and urging talks, and reiterated it will continue to play a constructive role on this," state news agency Xinhua said.

Noting the world today is in turmoil, confronted with the contest between the rule of law and the rule of power, he called on both China and Spain to jointly defend true multilateralism.

Xi stressed the need for China and Spain to strengthen co-operation in fields such as trade, new energy and intelligent economy and to encourage exchanges in culture, education, scientific research and sports.

For his part, Sanchez said China can play an "important" role to resolve the Middle East war.

"The role China can play is important in order to find diplomatic means that end this war and contribute to stability and peace," he said after his talk with Xi.

"All nations – especially those which are in dialogue and have not actively taken part in this illegal war – are not only welcome but are also absolutely necessary," Sanchez said.

He called for reforms to make the world order "more representative".

"What we prefer is dedicating all our efforts to reforming a world order that has guaranteed peace for many decades, and also to make it a lot more inclusive, more representative and more democratic," he said.

Sanchez also said he discussed with Xi "the reforms our multilateral system needs to better recognise the multipolar reality of today's world".

Madrid opposes a "new Cold War," decoupling and severing of supply chains, and supports Europe and China in enhancing communication, mutual understanding and co-operation, he said, adding that Spain highly values China's status as a major country. (Agencies)