Month: September 2023

Vietnamese PM Pham Minh Chinh: Vietnam and China are comrades and brothers

The 20th China-ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) Expo opened on September 16 in Nanning, the capital city of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, in southern China. Some 2,000 enterprises participated.

With a high-level political attendance, speeches were made at the opening ceremony by Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Laotian Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet (who had concluded an official visit to China, his first bilateral visit since assuming office, just the previous day), Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtan Wechayachai.

Among the bilateral meetings held by Premier Li Qiang were those with his counterparts from China’s two socialist neighbours, Vietnam and Laos.

Meeting his Vietnamese counterpart, Li Qiang said that China and Vietnam are friendly socialist neighbours and the two countries are working to build a community with a shared future with strategic significance, adding that under the guidance of the top leaders of two parties, the relations between the two parties and countries have maintained a sound momentum of development.

Li emphasised that China regards relations with Vietnam as a priority in its neighbourhood diplomacy, and will work with Vietnam to implement the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties, strengthen high-level guidance, support each other, safeguard common strategic interests and bring bilateral relations to a new level.

Noting that Vietnam and China are comrades and brothers, and the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership is Vietnam’s earliest and most valued foreign relationship at the highest level, Pham Minh Chinh said it has always been the objective requirement, top priority and strategic choice of Vietnam’s foreign relations to continuously deepen the relations between the two parties and the two countries. The development of Vietnam’s foreign relations will not harm the interests of any third party, he added.

Meeting his Laotian counterpart, Premier Li said that the China-Laos community with a shared future has been continuously advanced, adding that China has always viewed relations with Laos from a strategic perspective.

China is ready to work with Laos to implement the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties and countries, strengthen the synergy of development strategies, deepen cooperation in various fields, and share opportunities and jointly promote development, to deliver benefits to the two peoples and contribute to regional peace.

China supports Laos in assuming the rotating presidency of ASEAN next year.

For his part, Sonexay Siphandone said that Laos is willing to strengthen exchanges of experience in party and state governance, promote pragmatic cooperation in such fields as the Belt and Road, economy, trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges, strengthen coordination and cooperation in international and regional affairs, jointly safeguard strategic interests, and promote the upgrading of China-Laos community with a shared future.

We reprint below reports on these two meetings. They were originally carried by the Xinhua News Agency.

Chinese premier meets Vietnamese PM in Nanning

NANNING, Sept. 16 (Xinhua) — Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Saturday in Nanning, the capital of south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, pledging to bring bilateral ties to a new level.

Noting that China and Vietnam are friendly socialist neighbors and the two countries are working to build a community with a shared future with strategic significance, Li said that under the guidance of the top leaders of two parties, the relations between the two parties and countries have maintained a sound momentum of development.

Li said China regards relations with Vietnam as a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy, and will work with Vietnam to implement the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties, strengthen high-level guidance, support each other, safeguard common strategic interests and bring bilateral relations to a new level.

Li pointed out that China is willing to expand mutually beneficial cooperation with Vietnam and import more marketable quality Vietnamese products, explore port opening and upgrading, accelerate the construction of smart ports to provide more convenience for bilateral trade, and strengthen cooperation on railway connectivity, key minerals and other fields to jointly build a mutually beneficial, stable and unimpeded industrial chain and supply chain system.

He also said China wishes to expand exchanges and cooperation on youth, education, medical tourism and other fields to promote mutual understanding and amity between the two peoples.

Continue reading Vietnamese PM Pham Minh Chinh: Vietnam and China are comrades and brothers

Stop the War Coalition condemns war preparations against China

Britain’s Stop the War Coalition held its Annual General Meeting in London on September 16.

In a significant development, a resolution proposed by Manchester Stop the War, opposing the preparation for war against China, was passed unanimously. It notes that the US Biden administration, “is overseeing a massive military buildup in the Pacific amidst constant talk of war with China”, and continues:

“Just as Ukraine served as a proxy to aggravate Russia, the US is stoking Taiwan with arms and military trainers, creating uncertainty around the One China policy agreed with China and supported internationally.”

The resolution further notes the attempts being made to extend NATO’s reach into Asia and criticises Britain’s participation in the AUKUS pact alongside the Australia and the United States, as well as its increased military collaboration with Japan.

Key speakers at the meeting included Stop the War leaders Lindsey German and Andrew Murray, Irish Member of the European Parliament Clare Daly, independent Member of Parliament for Leicester East Claudia Webbe, and President of the RMT rail and transport union Alex Gordon. Videos of their speeches can be viewed here. A message of solidarity was also read from former Leader of the Labour Party Jeremy Corbyn.

We reprint the full text of the resolution below. The full texts of all the resolutions passed can be read here along with the news report carried in the Morning Star.

Opposing the preparation for war against China

  1. This Conference notes that:
  • Biden’s administration is overseeing a massive military buildup in the Pacific amidst constant talk of war with China – now the main ‘strategic competitor’ – predictions ranging from 2 to 10 years;
  • Just as Ukraine served as a proxy to aggravate Russia, the US is stoking Taiwan with arms and military trainers, creating uncertainty around the One China policy agreed with China and supported internationally, in order to provoke aggression;
  • Increasing military activity in disputed waters in the South and East China Seas and around Taiwan runs a high risk of accidental collision escalating rapidly into a catastrophic war;
  • Increasing tensions jeopardise international cooperation essential to address the mounting climate catastrophe;
  1. We also note that:
  • With the claim ’Euro-Atlantic and IndoPacific security are linked’, the US is building an Atlantic-Pacific Global NATO-style partnership, drawing NATO into Asia, with Britain the most active accomplice;
  • Through AUKUS and a military forces exchange with Japan, Britain is not only stoking a Pacific arms race but also runs the risk of a direct clash with China;
  • Rishi Sunak has identified China as ‘the biggest challenge to the world’;
  • Spending on preparations for war with China is pushing up Britain’s military budget significantly.
  1. This Conference believes that a war between the US and China must be stopped before it starts.
  • We say no to war preparations and provocations;
  • We support the peaceful dialogue across the Taiwan Strait as well as between the countries bordering the South China Sea to resolve differences;
  • We oppose outside interference since this can only complicate dialogue, with failure likely leading into conflict;
  • We call for British withdrawal from AUKUS and from military commitments in the IndoPacific; the government should refrain from any moves that may contribute to destabilising the situation regarding Taiwan;
  • We support activists in the Pacific region opposing militarisation and the arms race, and calling for de-escalation of tensions.
  1. This Conference resolves to step up campaigning to oppose Britain’s part in the war preparations by

(i) developing understanding of the issues and dangers through discussion among our membership supported by educational materials;

(ii) raising public awareness of the dangers of Pacific militarisation and Britain’s part in this;

(iii) including in our campaigning to reverse the TUC’s decision on increasing military spending, factual material on the costs of Britain’s ‘IndoPacific tilt’.

China is proud to be part of the development of Bangladesh

The Bangladesh China Silk Road Forum organised a photo exhibition and discussion meeting in a hotel in the capital Dhaka on September 12 to mark the tenth anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Attracting support from a broad range of progressive forces in Bangladesh, the meeting was chaired by Dilip Barua, Chairman of the Bangladesh China Silk Road Forum, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Bangladesh (Marxist-Leninist) and former minister. The Chief Guest was MA Mannan MP, Bangladesh’s Minister of Planning and member of parliament from the Awami League, while the Special Guest was Yan Hualong, Chargé d’affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka.

Speakers were: Rasheed Khan Menon MP, President of the Workers’ Party of Bangladesh and former minister; Hasanul Haque Inu MP, President of the Jatiyo Samajtantrik Dal (JSD – National Socialist Party) and former minister; Shah Alam, President of the Communist Party of Bangladesh; and Munshi Faiz Ahmed, former Bangladeshi Ambassador to China.

Dilip Barua noted how the aborted Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor (BCIM), which had been one of the first routes proposed under the BRI, could have brought much prosperity for the region had it materialised. (India has refused to participate in the BRI citing the existence of projects under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor in Pakistan-administered Azad Kashmir, which India also claims.)

Planning Minister Abdul Mannan said Bangladesh has received loans from China on good conditions and through amicable negotiations. Saying that China is a leading Asian neighbour of Bangladesh, he added: “China has been there for thousands of years. Now, we see a rejuvenated China… We don’t have enmity or favour for any country, we decide projects based on our benefits and needs.”

As Bangladesh lags behind in the infrastructure sector, including rail, road and power, he said, “we revamped them with Chinese loans.” Bangladesh can benefit more by sharing technology from China.

Former Bangladesh Ambassador to China Munshi Faiz Ahmed said: “BRI is a Chinese idea but China doesn’t own it alone, all the participating countries own it.”

The following report was first published by the Financial Express, which is the second largest English language newspaper in Bangladesh.

The aborted Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor (BCIM) under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) could have brought much prosperity for the region if materialised, former industries minister Dilip Barua said.

The project did not see the light of day as a neighbour quit it, he told a photo exhibition and discussion on the 10th founding anniversary of BRI on Tuesday.

“BRI has various infrastructure projects and we had economic corridor under BRI. But our neighbour withdrew itself from the project,” added Mr Barua, also general secretary of the Communist Party of Bangladesh (Marxist-Leninist).

The Bangladesh China Silk Road Forum organised the event at a city hotel with Dilip Barua, who is the chairman of the forum, in the chair.

Indicating the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which was initiated through signing a MoU during the 2023 G20 New Delhi Summit, he said India is now initiating another economic corridor.

BCIM is a proposed corridor connecting India and China through Myanmar and Bangladesh while IMEC will connect India, the United States, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, France, Germany, Italy and the EU.

IMEC is a counter to BRI, commented Mr Barua.

Speaking as the chief guest, planning minister Abdul Mannan said Bangladesh has received loans from China on good conditions and through amicable negotiations.

Citing that China is a leading Asian neighbour of Bangladesh, he said: “China has been there for thousands of years. Now, we see a rejuvenated China.”

“We don’t have enmity or favour for any country, we decide projects based on our benefits and needs.”

Mr Mannan said Bangladesh has diverse projects and collaboration based on mutual respect and trust with China.

As Bangladesh lags behind in the infrastructure sector, including rail, road and power, he said, “We revamped them with Chinese loans.” Bangladesh can be benefited more by sharing technology from China.

“We have deficit in technology. So, we want collaboration in that area,” said the minister, adding that both countries have so many things to give and take.

Speaking as the special guest, Chargé d’Affaires of Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh Yan Hualong said China would continue to assist Bangladesh in its development.

“China is proud to be part of the development of Bangladesh,” he added.

Former Bangladesh high commissioner to China Munshi Faiz Ahmed said the mission of BRI is to establish connectivity, infrastructure and shared prosperity.

“BRI is a Chinese idea but China doesn’t own it alone, all the participating countries own it,” he added.

The success of Chinese socialism

In the following article, originally published in the Young Communist League of Britain’s Challenge magazine, Kate Woolford and Rares Cocilnau debunk some of the most persistent myths surrounding China’s development.

The first misconception discussed is that China is an undemocratic, “authoritarian” state. The authors point to China’s system of whole-process people’s democracy, “which allows citizens to participate in the political process at all levels through a system of people’s congresses, not merely by voting in the occasional election as we do in the West.” The mechanisms of this socialist democracy include Local People’s Congresses – which “exist at all levels, ranging from village to provincial” – as well as the National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. (On this question, readers may also appreciate Roland Boer’s article We need to talk more about China’s socialist democracy).

Regarding China’s foreign policy, Kate and Rares contrast the hysterical claims in the Western media about an “aggressive” and “expansionist” strategy with the reality of China’s longstanding commitment to peaceful coexistence and non-interference in the affairs of other countries. They note that China’s engagement with Africa has been transformative in helping that continent – so long held in underdevelopment by the colonial and neocolonial powers – to develop and modernise:

In Africa, China has funded vital infrastructure projects considered too unprofitable by Western capitalists; contributed emergency food assistance to Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Eritrea; provided 189 million doses of vaccines to 27 countries; and waived 23 interest-free loans for 17 nations. China actively contributes to the common prosperity of developing nations through win-win investments in infrastructure projects such as the Belt and Road Initiative, with more than 150 countries and over 30 international organizations joining it in the 10 years since it was launched.

Further, they compare China’s one overseas military base in Djibouti (which exists primarily to safeguard trade routes against piracy) with the US’s 750 overseas military bases across more than 80 countries, and Britain’s 145 bases across 42 countries.

Lastly, the authors assess the claim that China’s economy runs along capitalist lines. They note that China’s economy is dominated by state-owned enterprises, the combined assets of which constitute nearly 70 percent of GDP, asserting that “it is indisputable that the state-owned sector occupies the leading role within the economy.” They also point to public ownership of land, and to the prominent role of economic planning, with the state setting the direction of the economy and the private sector playing a subordinate role. The article makes the important point that the “approach of enabling a private economy to exist under the leadership of a state-owned economy” is not an innovation of the 1978 reforms but has its origins in the New Democracy period of the early 1950s.

The authors conclude:

Socialism with Chinese Characteristics represents a creative interpretation of Marxism applied to China’s unique material conditions, rather than an abandonment of its principles. This doesn’t mean to say that contradictions between the state-owned sector and private-owned sector have ceased to exist in China, nor that further challenges will not arise. It does however mean that the CPC, armed with the science of Marxism, can confront these challenges and overcome them.

After a century of aggression and humiliation at the hands of foreign powers, China was one of the poorest countries in the world. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, the conditions and living standards of the Chinese people improved at a radical pace. Inheriting a backward, semi-feudal economy of virtually no industry, the Communist Party of China (CPC) solved the titanic problems of feeding and employing the population, stabilising commodity prices, and unifying financial and productive work– in summary, performing centuries of economic development in mere decades.

During this period, life expectancy rose by 31 years, the fastest-ever increase in a major country in human history; the average calorific intake doubled; annual income quintupled, going from 60 billion yuan to 300 billion yuan. The economy grew by 64 percent each decade, surpassing even the economic growth of the Soviet Union, which lagged behind at 54 percent. Despite this massive progress since 1949, China still faced large levels of poverty in the 1970s. Industrial expansion was waning, and these economic setbacks were further exacerbated by the Great Leap Forward and Cultural Revolution.

The CPC determined that, in order to develop productive forces and tackle poverty, they would need to forge their own path rather than continuing to emulate the Soviet model. From 1978, they permitted the re-emergence of a small private sector and opened up to foreign investments. After these changes, China transformed from a low-income to an upper-middle income country, and since 1981, has seen 800 million people lifted out of internationally defined poverty within its borders, accounting for 75 percent of the reduction in global poverty during this period.

In the face of these staggering achievements, cynics from both the left and the right continue to misrepresent and condemn modern-day China. The purpose of this article is to address some of the major accusations, namely that China is undemocratic; an international aggressor; and, since the reforms, has ceased to be socialist.

Continue reading The success of Chinese socialism

At both the G20 and in Vietnam, US hegemony looks ever more perilous

In this article, which was originally published by People’s World, Amiad Horowitz makes an assessment of US President Joe Biden’s recent visit to Asia, which saw him first attend the G20 summit meeting in the Indian capital New Delhi and then continue to Vietnam.

Horowitz notes that Biden used the G20 Summit to announce an international infrastructure development program which seeks to compete with China’s very successful Belt and Road Initiative, called the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). He adds:

“One cannot help but notice the irony that the Biden administration is so eager to invest in infrastructure abroad to counter China while repeatedly failing to invest in the crumbling US infrastructure at home. This is opposed to China, whose government has completed countless major infrastructure programs both at home and abroad.”

Turning to Biden’s visit to the Vietnamese capital Hanoi, Horowitz observes that the US has long sought to use the country to ‘encircle and contain’ its neighbour China:

“Leading up to this trip, many so-called experts claimed that the goal of this trip was to up the pressure on Vietnam to join the US anti-China coalition. If that was Biden’s goal, he failed.

“In the days leading up to his arrival, high-level Vietnamese officials met with their Chinese counterparts, and both sides assured each other about their continued friendship. China remains Vietnam’s biggest economic partner, and both countries cooperate in all fields—from defense, to culture, to their shared goals of building socialism in their respective countries.”

Noting that the US and Vietnam agreed to upgrade their bilateral diplomatic relations from a comprehensive partnership to a comprehensive strategic partnership, the author goes on to note that, in his speech in Hanoi, Biden made a number of errors in this regard, specifically he, “incorrectly claimed that a ‘comprehensive strategic partnership’ was the highest level of bilateral relations in Vietnam’s foreign policy. In actuality, ‘special strategic partnership’ is the highest level. Vietnam’s relationships with China, Cuba, Laos, Cambodia, and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea are rated at this level.”

The author is a long-term resident of Vietnam.

President Joe Biden just finished a major trip to Asia for the G20 Summit in India, with an important stopover in Hanoi, Vietnam. The trip saw a mix of successes and setbacks for the Biden administration.

This year’s G20 Summit took place from September 9 to 10 in the Indian capital of New Delhi. It was the first G20 meeting since last month’s major expansion of BRICS and was seen by many watchers as a forum for the U.S. and its allies to maintain their current waning dominance over the global economy. Another goal of the meeting, of course, was to reaffirm the pro-NATO narrative that Russia is economically and politically isolated.

Some of the highlights of the gathering included the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the economic group and a push for greener economic initiatives, such as the Global Biofuel Alliance.

Biden also used the summit to announce an international infrastructure development program which seeks to compete with China’s very successful Belt and Road Initiative, called the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). Biden repeated the often-debunked claim that China’s Belt and Road program uses economic coercion to get countries to sign on.

Meanwhile, his government claims that despite decades of U.S.-led predatory international trade and investment programs through the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, that this new program would be better.

One cannot help but notice the irony that the Biden administration is so eager to invest in infrastructure abroad to counter China while repeatedly failing to invest in the crumbling U.S. infrastructure at home. This is opposed to China, whose government has completed countless major infrastructure programs both at home and abroad.

One major setback for Biden’s agenda at the G20 was the summit’s final statement. The U.S. failed to get the other participants to accept language condemning Putin and the war in Ukraine. After hundreds of hours of negotiations and many drafts, the final statement made no mention of Russia and simply called for all countries to settle their differences through negotiations. The final language is being seen as a Biden defeat and a victory for Indian President Narendra Modi, whose government maintains friendly relations with Russia.

Despite all evidence to the contrary, Biden ally and French President Emmanuel Macron claimed that the G20 Summit somehow proves that the U.S.-led attempt to isolate Russia has succeeded.

After the summit concluded, Biden moved on to Hanoi. Vietnam has one of the quickest growing economies in the world and is a major leader in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The country also shares a border with China, and the U.S. has repeatedly sought to use Vietnam to further “encircle and contain” China.

Leading up to this trip, many so-called experts claimed that the goal of this trip was to up the pressure on Vietnam to join the U.S. anti-China coalition. If that was Biden’s goal, he failed.

In the days leading up to his arrival, high-level Vietnamese officials met with their Chinese counterparts, and both sides assured each other about their continued friendship. China remains Vietnam’s biggest economic partner, and both countries cooperate in all fields—from defense, to culture, to their shared goals of building socialism in their respective countries.

The highlight of Biden’s side trip was the signing of an agreement between the U.S. and Vietnam to raise the bilateral diplomatic relationship from a “comprehensive partnership” to that of a “comprehensive strategic partnership.” This upgrade in diplomatic ties offers a lot of potential economic and trade benefits for both countries and is generally seen as a win-win for Washington and Hanoi.

However, Biden’s speech in Vietnam featured a number of errors of fact. First, Biden incorrectly claimed that a “comprehensive strategic partnership” was the highest level of bilateral relations in Vietnam’s foreign policy. In actuality, “special strategic partnership” is the highest level. Vietnam’s relationships with China, Cuba, Laos, Cambodia, and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea are rated at this level.

Later in his remarks to the media, Biden began to drift from the pre-press conference plan and had to be abruptly interrupted by White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. Even after she called an end to the press conference, however, the president continued to inaudibly answer another question that was shouted from the press pool.

After this trip, it is becoming increasingly apparent that the U.S.’ international influence is continuing to decline as the world speeds further toward a new multipolar reality. India was able to prevent the U.S. from forcing its anti-Russia language into the G20 summit’s final statement, and Vietnam was able to upgrade its bilateral relationship with the U.S. while avoiding having to join the U.S. led anti-China coalition, and in fact, maintaining its close and friendship relationship with Beijing.

Li Xi: China will always be part of the developing world and a member of the Global South

The Summit Meeting of the Group of 77 and China, a major organisation of developing countries, was held in the Cuban capital, Havana, September 15-16.

Attended by more than 1,300 participants from 116 countries and 12 organisations and agencies of the United Nations system, it represented a major diplomatic achievement by Cuba and a stunning rebuff to US attempts to isolate the heroic socialist island. Representation was drawn from 33 nations from Latin America and the Caribbean, 46 from Africa, 34 from Asia, and three from Europe. They comprised 31 heads of state and government, 12 vice presidents, dozens of ministers from multiple portfolios, and many other high-level dignitaries.

Li Xi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee attended as the special representative of President Xi Jinping.

Addressing the summit on September 15, Li said that Cuba has made a great effort and contributed significantly to promoting the collective strength and solidarity of developing countries in addressing global challenges and in safeguarding the development interests of developing nations. He applauded Cuba’s effort and contribution.

The world, he added, is undergoing changes on a scale unseen in a century. Developing countries are becoming stronger. A significant shift is taking place in the international balance of power. And South-South cooperation is growing significantly in both quantity and quality.

At the same time, however, unilateralism and hegemonism are becoming rampant. Some countries are resorting to such practices as unilateral sanctions, erection of ‘fences and barriers,’ decoupling, and disruption of industrial and supply chains, seriously undermining the legitimate development rights and interests of developing countries and their space for development.

China is the world’s largest developing nation and a natural member of the Global South. China is ready to work with Cuba and other G77 members to open a new chapter in South-South cooperation in the quest for greater development through stronger solidarity, build a Global South community with a shared future, and usher in a new era of common development.

Li advanced three proposals to:

1) Stay true to the original aspiration of the G77 for independence and greater collective strength through unity.

The G77 was born nearly 60 years ago in the struggles of its members for national independence and against exploitation and oppression. Developing countries have since advocated the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and the Bandung Spirit, won national independence, and endeavoured to safeguard world peace and promote global development.

2) Advocate equity, justice and inclusiveness.

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has voted overwhelmingly for 30 consecutive times, demanding an immediate end to the US embargo against Cuba. We must continue to make our voice heard loud and clear at the UNGA and other major international fora and events.

3) Pursue development, revitalisation and win-win cooperation.

We need to foster new drivers for our own development, focusing on cooperation in areas of food security, poverty alleviation, industrialisation, green development, digital technology, and artificial intelligence.

China is the largest developing country in the world, Li stressed. “No matter what stage of development it reaches, China will always be part of the developing world and a member of the Global South. South-South cooperation is always a high priority in China’s cooperation with other countries. This is our strategic choice, and it is not a stopgap measure.

“We, the developing nations, have won national independence and liberation after a long and arduous journey. We share a fervent desire to bring a better life for our people. We have invariably stood in solidarity through thick and thin. We have supported each other and grown together, and we are a community that rise and fall together.”

Li combined his attendance at the summit with an official friendly visit to Cuba. Meeting with First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) and Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, he said that China stands ready to promote the development of the respective party building and socialist causes of the two countries.

For his part, Diaz-Canel said that China has firmly stood with the Global South nations and effectively safeguarded the common interests of developing countries, noting that the Cuban side thanks China for its assistance to Cuba’s economic and social development and is ready to maintain close friendly exchanges with the CPC and promote practical cooperation. He also expressed gratitude for China’s firm support for the Cuban people’s just struggle against unilateral blockade and sanctions.

When visiting Army General Raul Castro, the leader of Cuba’s socialist revolution, Li conveyed Xi Jinping’s greetings to Raul and said that the traditional friendship between China and Cuba was forged and carefully cultivated by the older generation of leaders of the two countries. Raul is a close friend of the CPC and the Chinese people and has made historic contributions to the development of relations between the two parties and the two countries. Facing the complex and ever-changing international situation, China is willing to work with Cuba to jointly build a China-Cuba community with a shared future.

Raul Castro asked Li to convey his greetings to Xi. He recalled his exchanges with Chinese comrades, saying that Cuba is happy and encouraged by the great achievements made in the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics and is willing to learn from China’s development experience. He also visited the Fidel Castro Ruz Centre together with Li.

Following his visit to Cuba, Li’s itinerary featured visits to Brazil and Egypt at the invitation of their governments and ruling parties.

We reprint below the full text of Li’s speech as well as a report of his meetings with Cuban leaders. They were originally carried by the Xinhua News Agency. The full text of the Summit Declaration may be read here.

Full text: Remarks by Li Xi at Summit of the Group of 77 and China

HAVANA, Sept. 15 (Xinhua) — The following is the full text of the remarks by Li Xi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the special representative of Chinese President Xi Jinping, at the Summit of the Group of 77 and China in Havana, Cuba, on Friday.

Working Together for Stronger Solidarity, Greater Development, and Closer South-South Cooperation

Your Excellency President Miguel Díaz-Canel,

Your Excellency Secretary General Antonio Guterres,

Excellencies Heads of State and Government,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Friends,

It is my great pleasure to attend the Summit of the Group of 77 (G77) and China as President Xi Jinping’s special representative. May I begin by thanking the government of Cuba for the meticulous preparations and thoughtful arrangements that have made the Summit possible.

As the Chair of the Summit, Cuba has made a great effort and contributed significantly to promoting the collective strength and solidarity of developing countries in addressing global challenges and in safeguarding the development interests of developing nations. We applaud your effort and contribution.

The world is undergoing changes on a scale unseen in a century. Developing countries are becoming stronger. A significant shift is taking place in the international balance of power. And South-South cooperation is growing significantly in both quantity and quality.

Emerging markets and developing countries have contributed as much as 80 percent of the world’s economic growth in the past 20 years, and now account for more than 40 percent of global GDP, up from 24 percent 40 years ago. South-South cooperation is playing an increasingly important role in driving the momentum of collective rise of developing countries and in sustaining the continued global economic growth.

Continue reading Li Xi: China will always be part of the developing world and a member of the Global South

Belt and Road: A Ten-Year Celebration and Reflection

In the following op-ed, Erik Solheim – President of the Green Belt and Road Institute and former UN Under-Secretary-General – reflects on the first decade of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Solheim observes that “China has signed more than 200 Belt and Road cooperation agreements with 152 countries and 32 international organizations”, accounting for three-quarters of the world’s population, and practically all developing countries. The BRI has “brought huge benefit to developing countries, lifting millions of people out of extreme poverty.” For that reason, the author considers that the BRI is, without doubt, “the most important international initiative that serves as a global cooperation platform to reshape global development.”

Solheim describes a number of BRI projects around the world which are aiding low-carbon development and connectivity. He cites the Mombasa-Nairobi Railway and the Addis Ababa – Djibouti Railway as “shining examples that have helped African connectivity and green transformation.”

The author introduces a series of interesting suggestions for further enhancing green development along the Belt and Road, and concludes by expressing his hope that the BRI’s second decade will be as successful as its first.

This piece was first published on CGTN on 19 September 2023.

In February this year, I had an exciting visit to Bracell in Brazil. It is the most modern and greenest pulp factory in the world, a few hours from the megacity of Sao Paulo. The operations are purely fuelled by renewable energy and forests are used in a sustainable way. It underlines the South-South cooperation in the new global era. Bracell operates fully in Brazil, producing 3 million metric tons of pulp a year and creating about 6,000 jobs for the Brazilians. The mother company is the Indonesian RGE, which set up this factory in Brazil as part of its global product schemes. China has a prominent role to play as well, since the project is funded by Chinese banks and its pulp will primarily supply the Chinese market for paper and tissue. From Brazil to Indonesia and China, Bracell showcases a new global development cooperation landscape, bringing together three of the most important developing nations in the new global economy.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization, BRICS and the Belt and Road Initiative are among the new mechanisms to unlock the potential of such South-South cooperation. And there is no doubt that the Belt and Road is the most important international initiative that serves as a global cooperation platform to reshape global development. Since it was unveiled in 2013 by President Xi Jinping, it has progressed with robust vigor and vitality. This year marks the 10th anniversary and it is right on time to sum up what has been achieved and to look ahead.

Looking back, the first decade of the Belt and Road cooperation has been a resounding success. Its great achievements are generally three-fold.

First, the sheer scale. As of June, China signed more than 200 Belt and Road cooperation agreements with 152 countries and 32 international organizations. Together, they account for about 40% of the world’s economy and 75% of global population. With a handful of exceptions, all developing countries are part of the initiative. And in different countries, the Belt and Road takes on different forms. It is by far the most important investment venture of our time. It has brought huge benefit to developing countries, lifting millions of people out of extreme poverty.

Second, the great contribution of green corridors. The China-Laos Railway has delivered more than 4 million tons of cargo since it was put into operation in 2021, hugely helping landlocked Laos to link to global markets in China and Europe and increase cross-border tourism. Indonesia’s first high-speed train, the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway, reached 350 km per hour during the joint commissioning and test phase in June this year, reducing the journey between the two huge cities from over 3 hours to 40 minutes. The Mombasa-Nairobi Railway and the Addis Ababa – Djibouti Railway are shining examples that have helped African connectivity and green transformation. The green corridors have not only helped facilitate transportation and green mobility in developing countries, but also greatly boosted trade, the tourism industry and social development.

Third, the commitment to green development. In September 2021, President Xi Jinping announced the decision to halt all Chinese overseas coal investment. The move reflected a strong determination to advance green transition and has had a profound effect in driving other developing countries to a green path and high-quality development.  Interestingly it happened at a time when many Belt and Road countries like Kenya, Bangladesh and Pakistan also decided to abandon coal.

Looking ahead, China may need to consider new steps to further green the BRI to ensure its sustainability and continued progress.

First, it is important to designate the BRI as a major vehicle for green investments. China has taken a leading position in nearly all renewable technologies. BYD is now the biggest electric vehicle company in the world. LONGi is the world’s biggest solar enterprise. China Three Gorges Corporation is a global leader in hydropower development and operation. Envision ranks as one of the world’s largest wind turbine companies. CATL has led the way in battery making. These companies have huge interests in and abilities to invest overseas. BYD recently said that it will invest over 620 million US dollars in an industrial complex to make electric cars in Brazil and LONGi has massive investment in Malaysia to produce solar products.

Second, efforts can be made to optimize the green corridors. The Mombasa-Nairobi Railway can potentially connect East Africa all the way to Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi, landlocked countries that have beautiful landscapes and are desperately longing to become attractive tourist destinations, as well as to be linked to ports and thus global markets. Similarly, the Jakarta-Bandung Railway could continue to reach Surabaya, the second-largest city of Indonesia, with fantastic landscapes and historical sights. I am glad to see that China and Indonesia have discussed this potential extension after Premier Li Qiang took a test ride on the bullet train recently. In addition, it is crucial to promote collaboration among countries involved in the Kunming-Singapore Railway Network to complete the project in an efficient manner, so that the countries can benefit from a most advanced transport system, boosting tourism and increasing economic integration. The Kunming-Singapore rail web will have a tremendous impact on the region’s connectivity and prosperity.

Third, the BRI should become a platform dedicated to exchanging investment and best practice for nature protection. President Xi Jinping visited Saudi Arabia in November last year. Saudi Arabia and Iran were invited this August to be new members of the BRICS. The Chinese support to peace has brought a very positive influence on the Middle East. There is huge space for cooperation between China and the Middle East on desert control and water management. The Ninth Kubuqi International Desert Forum opened last month in the city of Ordos, and lots of discussion emphasized that China’s best practice of desert control can be shared with the Middle East. By the same token, presidents of five Central Asian nations met with President Xi Jinping in Xi’an this May at the China-Central Asia Summit, which resulted in an inspiring declaration on environmental cooperation. China’s success in water management and protecting wild animals such as giant pandas, Tibetan antelopes and snow leopards shows the way for nature protection overseas.

Fourth, people-to-people bonds should be enhanced. One serious consequence of the COVID pandemic is the breakdown in the texture of global connectivity. Relationships and connections suffered an unprecedented challenge. The Belt and Road can play a significant role in creating a better global atmosphere and fighting stupid ideas of zero-sum and decoupling. The Belt and Road can serve as a forum to strengthen people-to-people exchanges, bridging cultural gaps and promoting understanding among peoples. I recently worked with Zhejiang Province to set up a tourist office in Europe, which will function as a window into the splendid Song Dynasty as well as the tea and silk culture of this historical province. The forthcoming Asian Games in Hangzhou is another example of bringing people together. Tea and sport are great catalysts to unite people from diverse regions and backgrounds.

The Belt and Road ten-year fruitful journey demonstrates that it is not about unreachable visionary or hollow dreams, but about determination and real action. It has met the inaccessible development hopes of many developing countries and has brought concrete benefits to people and communities. Let’s hope that, over the next decade, the Belt and Road will continue to be a major driver in global green development and bringing people together across continents.

Xi Jinping: China’s modernisation is socialist modernisation

The following is an excerpt from a speech given by Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), at a study session for new members of the Central Committee and some other leading party members on February 7, 2023. It originally appeared in the Chinese language edition and subsequently the English language edition of Qiushi, the main theoretical journal of the CPC Central Committee.

In the speech, Xi Jinping clarifies that China’s modernisation is socialist modernisation led by the CPC. He notes that: “The report to the 20th CPC National Congress held in October 2022 pointed out that Chinese modernisation is socialist modernisation pursued under the leadership of the Communist Party of China. This is an overarching and fundamental definition of Chinese modernisation.”

He explains that the nature, purpose, founding mission, convictions, policies, and principles of the party determine that Chinese modernisation is socialist modernisation, and not modernisation in any other form, adding:

“With Marxism as its fundamental guide, our Party has deepened its understanding of the laws that underlie governance by a communist party, the development of socialism and the evolution of human society, opening up a new frontier in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of our times.”

Stressing the absolute necessity of party leadership in the process and course of modernisation, Xi says that: “Without it, Chinese modernisation will veer off course, lose its soul, or even bring about catastrophic mistakes.” The party has ” integrated high ideals with phased targets, which once set, it has tenaciously pursued with relentless hard work and dedication. After the launch of reform and opening up in 1978, we advanced gradually and consistently toward our goals for building a modern socialist country.”

In a comment strikingly similar to one he made recently to visiting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, Xi says that: “Reform and opening up has been a crucial move in making China what it is today.”

The report to the 20th CPC National Congress held in October 2022 pointed out that Chinese modernization is socialist modernization pursued under the leadership of the Communist Party of China. This is an overarching and fundamental definition of Chinese modernization. Why is it important to emphasize the leading role of the Party in Chinese modernization? It is because Party leadership has a direct bearing on the fundamental orientation, future, and ultimate success of Chinese modernization.

Party leadership determines the fundamental nature of Chinese modernization. The nature, purpose, founding mission, convictions, policies, and principles of our Party determine that Chinese modernization is socialist modernization, and not modernization in any other form. Under socialism with Chinese characteristics, our Party has upheld the basic tenets of scientific socialism while also endowing it with distinctive Chinese characteristics and contemporary features. Our Party has firmly followed the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics to ensure that Chinese modernization is advanced along the right track. With Marxism as its fundamental guide, our Party has deepened its understanding of the laws that underlie governance by a communist party, the development of socialism and the evolution of human society, opening up a new frontier in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of our times and providing sound guidance for Chinese modernization. Our Party has upheld and improved the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics, further modernized the system and capacity for governance, and formed a set of institutions that includes the fundamental, basic, and important systems for socialism with Chinese characteristics, thereby providing strong institutional guarantee for the steady progress of Chinese modernization. Our Party has also upheld and developed a socialist culture with Chinese characteristics to ignite the cultural creativity of the entire nation, thus providing a powerful source of inspiration for Chinese modernization. It is fair to say that only by firmly upholding Party leadership can we create a bright and prosperous future for Chinese modernization. Without it, Chinese modernization will veer off course, lose its soul, or even bring about catastrophic mistakes.

Continue reading Xi Jinping: China’s modernisation is socialist modernisation

Hun Manet visit consolidates China-Cambodia friendship

The new Prime Minister of Cambodia, Hun Manet paid an official visit to China from September 14-16. Hun Manet chose China for his first bilateral foreign visit since assuming office in a sign of the close relations between the two countries.

President Xi Jinping met with him on September 15. He noted that the Cambodian leader’s choice of China fully demonstrates the great importance the new Cambodian government attaches to consolidating and developing China-Cambodia friendship.

China and Cambodia are ironclad friends, Xi said, adding that over the past 65 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the two sides have always maintained a high degree of mutual trust, treated each other as equals, achieved win-win results, and firmly supported each other in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests.

Xi stressed that China firmly supports Cambodia in exploring a development path suited to its national conditions and stands ready to maintain regular strategic communication with Cambodia and deepen the exchange of governance experience.

The Chinese President pointed out that no matter how the international and regional situation may change, China is always Cambodia’s most reliable friend and staunch supporter, and that China stands ready to join hands with Cambodia to uphold international fairness and justice and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries.

Hun Manet said that he chose China as the destination for his first official visit to show that the new Cambodian government will continue to firmly pursue a friendly policy toward China and further carry forward the ironclad friendship between Cambodia and China.

The prime minister added that Cambodia will abide by the one-China principle, firmly support China in safeguarding its core interests, and support the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilisation Initiative proposed by President Xi.

Cambodia appreciates China’s long-term strong support and assistance for Cambodia’s economic and social development and is willing to work with China to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, deepen Belt and Road cooperation, and push for further development of bilateral cooperation in industry, agriculture, investment, culture and other fields.

When meeting his Cambodian counterpart on the same day, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said that China and Cambodia have always stood together through thick and thin and helped each other since establishing diplomatic ties 65 years ago and the two countries have set an example of equality and mutual benefit between countries.

Li pointed out that China firmly supports the Cambodian side in safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests and in exploring a development path suited to its national conditions.

Hun Manet hailed the ironclad friendship with China, stressing that the new Cambodian government maintains no change in promoting this friendship and intends to work with China to carry forward the traditional relationship between the two countries.

Cambodia abides by the one-China principle, resolutely opposes external forces interfering in China’s internal affairs, and supports the significant initiatives put forward by China, he added.

The two countries released a joint communiqué in which they speak highly of the substantial development of the China-Cambodia relationship, which has been carefully nurtured by generations of leaders of both countries and has been constantly growing from strength to strength in the last 65 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties. Both sides emphasise that no matter how the international situation changes, they will unswervingly develop their ever-lasting friendship and deepen cooperation for mutual benefits, with a view to promoting the building of a high-quality, high-level and high-standard China-Cambodia Community with a Shared Future in the new era as a showcase for a community with a shared future for humanity.

Both sides reaffirm their respect and support for each other’s choice of development path that suits their respective national conditions. The Cambodian side speaks highly of China’s great achievements in the decade of the new era and of Chinese modernisation that offers an alternative modernisation for humanity and fresh opportunities for Cambodia. It trusts that China will achieve its second centenary goal of building a great modern socialist country in all aspects towards great national rejuvenation through Chinese modernisation. The Chinese side speaks highly of Cambodia’s economic and social achievements.

The Chinese side reaffirms resolute support to Cambodia’s endeavours to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests while expressing firm opposition to any foreign interference in Cambodia’s internal affairs. And both express firm opposition to politicisation of human rights, double standards and interference in other countries’ internal affairs under the guise of human rights or democracy. Both sides agree to strengthen cooperation against interference and ‘Colour Revolutions’.

In recent years, Cambodia has experienced increasing external pressure in this regard due to its maintaining an independent and non-aligned posture regionally and internationally and its rejection of outside interference in its internal affairs. For example, the US House of Representatives passed a Cambodia Sanctions Bill in September 2021 and the US government tightened export controls to the country in December of the same year.

Surveying economic cooperation, the communiqué laid stress on the development of Cambodia’s Special Economic Zone along with the areas of agro-industries, transportation infrastructure, electricity, energy and manufacturing, in particular.

They further agreed to enhance cooperation in hydropower, photovoltaics, and other clean energy sources, to explore green, stable and reliable energy cooperation solutions, promote establishment of a China-Cambodia Low-Carbon Demonstration Zone Project of South-South Cooperation on Climate Change in Preah Sihanouk Province, and to carry out cooperation in policy dialogue, joint research and capacity building, with a focus on climate change, pollution management and circular economy; as well as to conduct cooperation in such areas of shared interests as comprehensive water resources management, flood and drought disaster prevention, and drinking water safety in rural areas.

As noted, this year marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Cambodia and China under the guidance of King Father Norodom Sihanouk, Chairman Mao Zedong and Premier Zhou Enlai. The anniversary has been marked by diverse exchanges and reciprocal visits. China’s top diplomat, Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Cambodia in August and Minister Liu Jianchao of the Communist Party of China’s International Department visited in September.

Hun Manet succeeded his father, the long-serving Hun Sen, as Prime Minister on August 22, following general elections on July 23, when their Cambodian People’s Party again won a decisive victory.

The following reports were originally carried by the Xinhua News Agency.

Xi meets Cambodian prime minister

BEIJING, Sept. 15 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet at the Great Hall of the People on Friday.

Xi pointed out that Prime Minister Hun Manet chose China as the destination for his first bilateral visit after taking office, which fully demonstrates the great importance the new Cambodian government attaches to consolidating and developing China-Cambodia friendship.

China and Cambodia are ironclad friends, Xi said, adding that over the past 65 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the two sides have always maintained a high degree of mutual trust, treated each other as equals, achieved win-win results, and firmly supported each other in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests.

Xi stressed that China firmly supports Cambodia in exploring a development path suited to its national conditions, and stands ready to maintain regular strategic communication with Cambodia and deepen the exchange of governance experience.

He said the two sides should make good use of the mechanism of the intergovernmental coordinating committee and implement the new action plan for building a China-Cambodia community with a shared future.

Continue reading Hun Manet visit consolidates China-Cambodia friendship

The New Cold War is failing

On 6 September 2023, Carlos Martinez and Dr Ken Hammond joined Danny Haiphong live on his YouTube channel to discuss the latest developments regarding the US’s hybrid war on China and the multipolar world.

They have a detailed discussion on the US attempts to prevent China from developing advanced semiconductors; the recent advances made by Huawei and SMIC in precisely the field of advanced semiconductors; the contradiction between the requirements of the US business community and the strategic designs of the New Cold War; the state of the Chinese economy; the successes of the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg; the significance of BRICS; China’s prioritisation of relations with the countries of the Global South and those countries outside the US imperialist orbit; and more.

The three pay tribute to the recently-deceased comrade and veteran friend of China Isabel Crook, and also discuss Carlos’s and Ken’s books on China, both of which have been published in 2023.

China and Zambia announce comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership

President of Zambia Hakainde Hichilema paid a state visit to China from September 10-16 at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.

Meeting for talks in Beijing on September 15, the two heads of state announced the elevation of their countries’ bilateral relationship to that of a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

Xi Jinping said that the traditional friendship forged by the two countries’ older generations of leaders has stood the test of the changing international landscape, and the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA) has become a symbol of China-Africa friendship.

The friendship between Zambia and China was forged and carefully nurtured by the founding father of independent Zambia Dr Kenneth Kaunda along with Chinese leaders Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai. China’s largest foreign aid project at the time, the TAZARA railway was opened in 1975, when China itself was still a poor country, and enabled landlocked Zambia to break the isolation and blockade imposed on it by countries to its south then still under white racist and colonial rule.

Xi said China has always viewed and developed China-Zambia relations from a strategic and long-term perspective and stands ready to work with Zambia to transform the profound traditional friendship into a strong driving force for win-win cooperation in the new era and push bilateral relations to a new level.

He added that China supports Zambia in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests and exploring a development path suited to its own conditions. He expressed China’s willingness to strengthen inter-party exchanges and exchanges of state governance experience with Zambia. The two countries should support each other on issues related to their respective core interests and major concerns.

The success of Chinese modernisation shows the diversity of modernisation models in the world, and China’s high-quality development and modernisation process will continue to bring new opportunities to all countries including Zambia, Xi said.

He called on the two sides to make a success of the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties next year and step up exchanges and cooperation in education and training, health care, culture, tourism and other fields.

Noting that the collective rise of developing countries and their increasing international influence have become an irreversible trend of the times, Xi said China and Zambia need to strengthen solidarity and coordination, practice genuine multilateralism, firmly uphold international fairness and justice, strive to increase the voice of developing countries, and safeguard the common interests of the two countries and other developing countries.

Hichilema said Zambia cherishes the friendship forged by the older generations of leaders of the two countries. China’s development has led to the progress of countries in the Global South, increased their representation and voice in international affairs, and promoted the development of international order in a more just and rational direction, he added. Zambia thanks China for supporting the African Union’s entry into the G20 and China’s positive role in resolving the Zambian debt issue.

The establishment of a comprehensive strategic and cooperative partnership between the two countries was announced in a 32-point joint statement.

Among the myriad of issues it addressed, the two sides agreed that climate change is a challenge facing humanity and that the international community needs to collectively respond. The developed countries shoulder inescapable historical responsibilities over climate change, and should, therefore, take the lead in undertaking emission reductions obligations by a large margin and faithfully honour their commitment to the developing countries regarding financial, technical and capacity-building support.

China and Zambia will establish a green development strategic partnership and enhance cooperation on environmental protection, combating climate change, green economy, and emergency risk response mechanism, among others. The two sides will deepen mutually beneficial cooperation on renewable energy, such as photovoltaic power, and electric vehicle industries to promote energy transition and ensure energy security. The Zambian side applauded the Chinese efforts, determination and actions to pursue green and low-carbon development and to participate actively in international cooperation against climate change and will take them as an opportunity to advance relevant cooperation between the two sides.

The two sides will also enhance mutually beneficial cooperation in mineral exploration and mining and industries aimed at value addition. The Zambian side invited Chinese mining businesses to continue active participation in the mining sector. The Chinese side encourages Chinese businesses to invest in Zambia’s new-energy battery value chain development so as to support Zambia’s efforts to upscale industrial chains and boost its capability for independent development.

At the request of the Zambian side, the Chinese side is ready to support the upgrade and renovation of the TAZARA Railway in line with market and commercial principles.

Once again congratulating the Communist Party of China on its 20th National Congress, held last year, the Zambian side commended China for the great achievements made in the past 10 years of the new era, and recognised that Chinese modernisation has created a new model of human advancement which has provided a new option for other developing countries to independently pursue modernisation and explore diverse paths towards modernisation.

The two sides noted that the year 2024 marks Zambia’s 60th anniversary of independence as well as the 60th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic ties. The commemoration should be an opportunity to bring into full play the political leading role of the head-of-state diplomacy, keep the momentum of high-level exchanges and dialogue, enhance political mutual trust and consolidate the political foundation for the bilateral relationship. The two sides stressed that mutual respect, equality and common development are important principles of China-Zambia relations.

They encourage greater use of national currencies in trade and investment and will help businesses of both countries reduce costs of currency exchange and lower exchange rate risks. The two sides will also create a favourable policy environment for promoting settlements in local currencies and support a greater role of the Chinese Renminbi (RMB) settlement bank in Zambia.

The Zambian side appreciates China’s Position on the Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis. The Chinese side appreciates that President Hichilema and other African leaders formed a peace mission to visit Russia and Ukraine and put forward the African Peace Initiative. The two sides agreed that dialogue and negotiations are the only viable solution and that all efforts conducive to the peaceful settlement of the crisis must be encouraged and supported. The two sides call on the international community to jointly address the spillover effects in food, energy, finance, transportation, and other fields, and to reduce the negative impact of the crisis on the developing world, especially on African countries. They call on more countries to play a constructive role in the peaceful settlement of the crisis.

The two sides will strengthen health cooperation. The Chinese side will continue to support Zambian public health system building and dispatch medical teams to Zambia. The Zambian side expressed gratitude for China’s continued support to Zambia’s health sector, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

President Hichilema sincerely thanked President Xi and the Chinese government and people for their warm hospitality. President Hichilema invited President Xi to visit Zambia in 2024 on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

President Hichilema also met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Chairman of the National People’s Congress Zhao Leji on September 15.

Premier Li said that China and Zambia share a profound tradition of friendship and have extensive common interests. Despite the changing international situation, they have strengthened their political mutual trust and their practical cooperation has become closer, setting a good example of solidarity and coordination between developing countries.

China and Zambia should not only expand and strengthen cooperation in established areas such as mining and infrastructure construction, but they should also create new cooperation growth areas such as green development, the digital economy, and industrial and agricultural modernisation, he said. By doing so, they can embark on a path of modernisation featuring mutual assistance and common revitalisation among developing countries.

Hichilema said that Zambia and China enjoy an all-weather friendship, and that bilateral relations are as firm as a rock. Zambia opposes the ‘China debt trap’ and ‘economic decoupling’ narratives, and is willing to work with China to promote common development, he added.

Zhao Leji commended the important and unique role that China-Zambia relations had played in the history of China-Africa friendly exchanges. The profound historical heritage and solid political foundation of the bilateral relationship have withstood the vicissitudes of the international landscape and remain rock-solid.

Noting that next year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, Zhao said China is ready to work with the Zambian side, under the guidance of the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, to further deepen political mutual trust, enhance the synergy of development strategies and jointly build a high-quality Belt and Road, and to achieve new and greater development of bilateral relations and bring more benefits to the two peoples.

The following articles were originally carried by the Xinhua News Agency.

Xi, Hichilema announce elevation of China-Zambia ties

BEIJING, Sept. 15 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with his Zambian counterpart, Hakainde Hichilema, in Beijing on Friday.

The two heads of state announced the elevation of the China-Zambia relations to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

Continue reading China and Zambia announce comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership

Liu Jianchao visits Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos

In the first week of September, Minister Liu Jianchao of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC), paid visits to the southeast Asian countries of Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos. Vietnam and Laos are fraternal socialist countries of China and the contemporary relations between all four countries are deeply rooted in their common struggle against the US imperialist war of aggression for national independence and salvation.

Minister Liu travelled first to Cambodia and on September 3 met with Hun Manet, who assumed office as his country’s new Prime Minister on August 23, shortly after a general election saw another resounding victory for the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP). Hun Manet asked Liu to convey his sincere greetings to General Secretary Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. He said, the victory of the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) in Cambodia’s seventh general election reflects the Cambodian people’s high recognition of the CPP’s governance and their expectations for the new government. The new government will continue to firmly adhere to the CPP’s friendly policies towards China and make the relationship between Cambodia and China even better. I will choose China as my first official outbound visit after taking office as Prime Minister, he said. On September 11 it was announced that that visit will take place, September 14-16.

The following day, Minister Liu met with Hun Sen, President of the CPP, who served as Prime Minister from November 1998 to August 2023. Hun Sen said that his party’s victory in the July 23 general elections also reflects the satisfaction and support of the Cambodian people for the achievements in the development of China-Cambodia relations. The Cambodian side appreciates the Chinese side’s long-standing support and assistance to Cambodia’s national development and is willing to strengthen strategic alignment with the Chinese side, deepen practical cooperation in various fields, closely coordinate and cooperate in multilateral affairs, and jointly safeguard regional and global stability and development.

Liu also met with Norodom Chakravuth, President of the FUNCINPEC party, which is generally described as Cambodia’s royalist party. Chakravuth affirmed that FUNCINPEC has long upheld King Father Norodom Sihanouk’s friendly policy towards China, always considering the CPC as a good and true friend. FUNCINPEC is ready to contribute to the building of the Cambodia-China community with a shared future. His party expressed gratitude for the long-term support from the CPC and the Chinese government to the Cambodian royal family, and its commitment to deepening friendly exchanges and cooperation with the CPC. Since the time of Norodom Sihanouk, the Cambodian royal family has maintained a close relationship with the Asian socialist countries and their ruling communist parties.

Continuing to Vietnam, on September 5, Minister Liu met with Nguyen Phu Trong, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV).

Nguyen Phu Trong asked Liu to convey his warm greetings and best wishes to General Secretary Xi Jinping. He said, as the first foreign leader to visit China after the 20th CPC National Congress, held in October 2022, I received a warm and friendly reception from the CPC and the Chinese people. In particular, General Secretary Xi Jinping had in-depth and friendly exchanges with me. I sincerely welcome and look forward to General Secretary Xi Jinping’s visit to Vietnam again at an early date to discuss plans for the development of relations between the two Parties and the two countries under the new situation, and to lead Vietnam-China relations for new and greater development.

The Vietnamese leader added that the Vietnam-China relationship has a long history and has become stronger over time. Just as President Ho Chi Minh remarked, China and Vietnam enjoy comradely and brotherly friendship. The Vietnamese side will always remember the great support and assistance provided by the CPC and the Chinese people for the Vietnamese side in all historical periods, and always regard developing relations with the CPC, the Chinese government and people as a top priority.

Liu said, in the face of complex and volatile international and regional situations, China and Vietnam should further strengthen unity and cooperation, implement the important consensus reached by the general secretaries of the two parties, work together to deal with various risks and challenges on the way forward, effectively promote the respective national development and socialist causes, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity. If the two Parties, countries and peoples stay united, the friendship between China and Vietnam will grow deeper.

He also held talks with Le Hoai Trung, Head of the Commission for External Relations of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

Speaking highly of China’s great achievements in the past ten years since it entered the new era, Le Hoai Trung believed that under the leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, Chinese comrades will certainly achieve the second centenary goal. The Vietnamese side firmly supports socialist China in growing stronger and making greater contributions to the development of the world and the region. The Vietnamese side insists on giving top priority to developing its relations with China.

While meeting with representatives of all walks of life of Vietnam including think tanks, media, and friendly organisations, Vietnamese comrades told Liu that, as socialist countries led by communist parties, the two sides should take the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Vietnam comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership as an opportunity to strengthen high-level exchanges, deepen exchanges and mutual learning in state governance and administration, firmly establish a common direction of progress, solve the problems of the times, and promote the causes of socialism of our two countries for continuous development.

Liu also led a CPC delegation to pay respect to the leader of the Vietnamese revolution, Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum.

The final stop of Minister Liu’s regional tour was in Laos, where, on September 8, he met with Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and Lao President.

Thongloun asked Liu to convey his sincere greetings and best wishes to General Secretary Xi Jinping. Thongloun said, at the end of last year, I paid a successful state visit to China upon invitation, during which General Secretary Xi Jinping and I reached important consensus on the relations between the two parties and the two countries, and vigorously led and promoted the construction of the Laos-China community with a shared future.

He added that the Lao side sincerely thanks the Chinese side for its long-term and huge support to Laos’ socialist cause, and is willing to strengthen cooperation and exchanges with the Chinese side to better promote the development of Laos’ socialist construction.

Among his other engagements in the country, Minister Liu gave a briefing to some 300 Lao cadres and also visited the museum built in honour of the founding leader of the Lao socialist state, Kaysone Phomvihane and presented a floral tribute there. The museum was built with fraternal aid from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).

The following reports were originally published on the website of the IDCPC.

Hun Manet, Cambodian Prime Minister, Meets with Liu Jianchao

Phnom Penh, September 3rd— Hun Manet, Cambodian Prime Minister, met here today with Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee.

Hun Manet asked Liu to convey his sincere greetings to General Secretary Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. He said, the victory of the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) in Cambodia’s 7th general election reflects the Cambodian people’s high recognition of the CPP’s governance and their expectations for the new government. Political parties are the source of the country’s formulation of domestic and foreign policies. The new government will continue to firmly adhere to the CPP’s friendly policies towards China and make the relationship between Cambodia and China even better. I will choose China as my first official outbound visit after taking office as Prime Minister. The Cambodian side is willing to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, promote the construction of the “diamond hexagon” cooperation framework, effectively promote the construction of the “Industrial Development Corridor” and the “Fish and Rice Corridor”, and promote the construction of a Cambodia-China community of shared future in the new era. As the head of the CPP’s Youth Wing, I will support the good use of the Youth House for Cambodia-China Friendship, and efforts to strengthen friendly exchanges between the youth of the two Parties. Taiwan, Xinjiang and Hong Kong affairs are all China’s internal affairs. The Cambodian side will continue to firmly adhere to the One-China principle, firmly supports and actively participates in the Belt and Road Initiative and the three major global initiatives proposed by the Chinese side, and is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with the Chinese side in international and regional affairs to jointly maintain regional peace, stability, development and prosperity.

Continue reading Liu Jianchao visits Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos

Capitalist urbanization, climate change, and the need for sponge cities

In this fascinating article, first published in Liberation School, environmentalist and author Tina Landis explains the concept of sponge cities: what they are, why they are needed, and China’s leading role in developing them.

Tina observes that “the majority of the world’s cities today were built for profit and speculation in mind, with little to no consideration given to negative impacts on either ecology or humanity.”

“Vast hardscapes—sidewalks, roads, parking lots, buildings—and gray infrastructure that channels water away as it falls, places these urban centers at odds with biodiversity and the natural cycling of water through the landscape. Green spaces that are created within urban environments are often highly managed areas separate from the rest of the city, filled with non-native ornamental plants and thirsty grasses that require intensive irrigation, synthetic fertilizers, and pesticides, while providing little to no benefit to native species of birds, insects, and others.”

In an era where humanity faces a rising threat of climate breakdown, developing creative solutions to these problems is literally a matter of life and death. China in particular “is taking comprehensive action to address how urban areas impact the environment and how climate impacts are demanding more resilience in urban planning”, aiming to retrofit and create 30 sponge cities by 2030.

These sponge cities are designed to be climate-resilient population centers. “Sponge cities utilize green infrastructure so that surfaces act as a sponge absorbing water. They integrate space for water to collect such as wetlands and bioswales, create vegetative cover and trees throughout including green roofs and vegetation integrated into building structures, and porous pavement and roads so water can infiltrate soil and catchments underneath to be available during dry times.”

Tina notes that renowned Chinese ecologist and landscape architect Kongjian Yu has been the driving force behind the sponge city movement at a global level. His work has won broad support among China’s political leadership.

Sadly, for the moment, China is the only country developing sponge cities on such a vast scale, as a result of its political system. “Only under a socialist planned economy, like that of China, can real solutions to climate change be implemented on a mass scale.”

Introduction

According to the United Nations Population Fund’s 2009 report, 2008 was the first time in history that over 50 percent of the world’s population resided in cities instead of rural areas. Because of the different ways countries define cities, others date the qualitative shift to as recently as 2021 [1]. Regardless, across the spectrum it’s undisputed we now live in an “urban age” and, as such, transforming the relationship between cities and the natural world is essential for climate change adaptation and mitigation. The international capitalist institutions like the World Bank that are increasingly taking up the issue of cities and climate change can’t explain the various factors behind urbanization nor can they pose real solutions to its impact on or relationship to climate catastrophes. Cities consume 78 percent of the world’s energy resources and produce 60 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to a 2022 UN Habitat report [2]. Under the capitalist model, urban planning lacks a holistic approach, leaving human well being and ecological needs as an afterthought, which will continue to have a degenerative effect on the environment and global climate.

Although Marx and Engels lived during a time in which capitalist urbanization was a nascent phenomenon concentrated mostly in some European cities, like Manchester, the English city about which Friedrich Engels wrote his first and classic book, The Condition of the Working Class in England. Engels demonstrates how the “great town” of Manchester, the first major manufacturing center in England, was great only for capitalist profits. The concentration of capital required for the invention and adoption of machinery outproduced independent handicraft and agricultural production, forcing both into the industrial proletariat of the city. There, they had to work for the capitalists, whose wages were so low they could, if they were lucky, live in overcrowded houses and neighborhoods just outside the city limits. Because the city was produced chaotically for capitalist profits, no attention was given to accompanying environmental impacts [3]. As the masses were driven from their land into the urban factories, the ancestral ties to the land and ecological knowledge of how to live sustainably on that land was lost.

Continue reading Capitalist urbanization, climate change, and the need for sponge cities

Comorian President Azali Assoumani: Africa can rely on China

In this episode of the CGTN series, Leaders Talk, Wang Guan interviews Azali Assoumani, President of the Union of the Comoros, who is also this year’s rotating Chair of the African Union (AU). The president of the Indian Ocean island country was interviewed in South Africa’s largest city, Johannesburg, where he was attending the BRICS Summit in late August, alongside the related China/Africa Leaders Dialogue.

President Assoumani was very positive both about the role in international affairs currently being played by the BRICS cooperation mechanism as well as for the prospects of an expanded BRICS Plus, which was first proposed by China. Citing the two examples of the disproportionate control exercised by the western powers over the traditional international financial institutions, as well as the allocation of Covid vaccines, he notes that he had discussed the latter issue with his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa several times. Africa, he points out, has the ability to produce its own vaccines, an area where South Africa, Senegal, Morocco and Egypt, among other countries, have already taken a continental lead.

The Comorian leader was also emphatic on the need for industrialisation, so that Africa can export finished goods and not just raw materials. While the era of political colonialism may be largely over, that of economic colonialism is not. Often Africa exports raw materials and then imports finished goods made from them at ten, twenty or even thirty times the original export price. He therefore endorses the priorities China has set for its economic cooperation with Africa, namely industrialisation, agricultural modernisation and upscaling of the African workforce.

On agricultural modernisation, he highlights the centrality of both food processing and storage, the latter being of particular importance given the propensity of many African countries to drought and to resultant famine.

The president is also an advocate of the growing trend towards dedollarisation. Noting the successful development of the BRICS-initiated New Development Bank (NDB), he says this shows that BRICS countries could also find their way towards a common currency.

Assoumani praises China’s long standing commitment to Africa and notes that the Asian country has been fuelling Comoros’ deveopment. China was one of the first countries to recognise Comoros when it finally won independence from French colonial rule in 1975. China has always supported and stood by Comoros, he says. Therefore Comoros must also do everything it can to support China. Drawing on a popular Comorian saying, he asserts that China is now becoming a wall on which not just his country, but Africa and indeed the whole world can rely.

Africa and China, he notes, have a bond of brothers. Some other countries may be jealous of this relationship, but they, too, could enjoy a similar relationship if they treated their African counterparts as friends and brothers.

Located at the northern end of the Mozambique Channel in the Indian Ocean, Comoros consists of four main islands and numerous smaller islands. However, France remains in colonial occupation of Mayotte, one of the major islands, making this issue part of the unfinished business of African decolonisation. France has even vetoed UN Security Council resolutions that would affirm Comorian sovereignty over the island. The CGTN commentary correctly refers to Mayotte as part of the sovereign territory of the Union of the Comoros.

The full interview with President Assoumani is embedded below.

China and Venezuela establish all-weather strategic partnership

The President of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro Moros, paid his third state visit to China from 8 to 14 September at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping. His last visit was in September 2018. With a special focus on economic cooperation, development and diversification, the visit was highly successful and saw the bilateral relationship upgraded to an all-weather strategic partnership, a category that China has so far only agreed with a handful of countries.

Meeting President Maduro in Beijing on September 13, Xi Jinping said that “the establishment of an all-weather strategic partnership between China and Venezuela meets the common expectations of the two peoples and conforms to the general trend of historical development.”

Xi spoke about China’s reform and opening up, especially the development of special economic zones, and noted that these are important instruments for China to catch up with the times in great strides and a crucial move in making China what it is today.

He added that China stands ready to work with Venezuela to firmly support each other in exploring a development path suited to their national conditions and to strengthen party and national governance exchanges. He said China supports Venezuela in setting up special economic zones and will share relevant experience to help its national development.

Maduro said Venezuela’s national development and Venezuela-China relations are at a significant stage. “The establishment of an all-weather strategic partnership is of historic significance and will surely usher in a new era of bilateral relations.”

He added that Venezuela is willing to learn from China’s experience in building special economic zones and to deepen practical cooperation in agriculture, investment, education, and tourism.

The two heads of state agreed a detailed joint statement. It noted that China and Venezuela are good friends with mutual trust, good partners for common development and good comrades-in-arms in strategic cooperation. China firmly supports Venezuela in safeguarding national independence, sovereignty, national dignity, socio-economic stability, and the right to self-determination under the guidance of the legacy of liberator Simón Bolívar.

The two sides agreed that at present, the changes in the world, the times and history are unfolding in an unprecedented way. China and Venezuela are both developing countries and share extensive common interests and similar positions in international affairs. The two sides spoke positively of the strategic cooperation between the two countries in international organisations and multilateral mechanisms and will continue to firmly support each other in international affairs.

The Venezuelan side reaffirms its interest in joining the BRICS countries, which, as a reliable energy supplier, with the world’s largest oil and fourth largest natural gas reserves, can make an important contribution to the mechanism’s energy agenda. China welcomes Venezuela’s positive willingness to join BRICS and supports Venezuela’s efforts to achieve this goal.

The statement notes that illegal imposition of unilateral sanctions seriously violates the basic principles of international law, such as the sovereign equality of states and non-interference in internal affairs, and seriously damages the Venezuelan people’s rights to subsistence, development and peace. China firmly supports the Venezuelan people’s just struggle to defend national sovereignty and oppose external sanctions, opposes the imposition of illegal and compulsory unilateral sanctions and so-called “long-arm jurisdiction” by certain countries against Venezuela under any pretext, opposes any acts of political bullying, and opposes military intervention or the threat of force.

The two sides agreed that dialogue and negotiation are the only viable way to resolve the Ukraine crisis, and all efforts conducive to a peaceful settlement of the crisis should be encouraged and supported. The Venezuelan side highly appreciates and firmly supports China’s relevant proposals. The two sides called on more countries to play a constructive role in promoting the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis.

Having noted the two countries’ previous cooperation in satellite launches, the Chinese side welcomed Venezuela to join the cooperation of the International Lunar Scientific Research Station, highly appreciated the signing of the framework agreement on cooperation in the field of space, and is willing to work together to jointly promote the progress of cooperation projects in the fields of communications and remote sensing satellites, lunar and deep space exploration, and promote the improvement of space capabilities and the national economic development of the two countries. Venezuela thus becomes the first Latin American country to whom China has extended such an invitation.

The Venezuelan side sincerely thanked China for its anti-epidemic support to Venezuela during the coronavirus epidemic. Chinese vaccines, medical supplies and Chinese medical teams have played a key role in Venezuela’s fight against the epidemic and made important contributions to saving the lives of millions of Venezuelans. The two sides agreed to promote health cooperation between the two countries by sharing experience and technology.

The two sides spoke highly of the important role of the China-Latin America Forum (CELAC) in promoting China-Latin America relations. They are willing to strengthen communication and coordination on China-CELAC Forum affairs and promote stable and far-reaching China-Latin America relations in the new era of equality, mutual benefit, innovation, openness and benefiting the people. China highly appreciates the positive role played by Venezuela in Latin American and Caribbean affairs and in promoting the sustainable development of China-Latin America cooperation.

President Maduro sincerely thanked President Xi Jinping and the Chinese government and people for their warm and friendly reception during his visit and welcomed President Xi Jinping’s timely state visit to Venezuela.

Maduro had begun his visit on Friday September 8 in Shenzhen, the home of China’s reform and opening up, where a spectacular welcoming ceremony was arranged in the city’s Talents Park, with a light show featuring hundreds of drones, culminating in them spelling out, ‘May the Friendship between China and Venezuela be Eternal’ across the night sky.

President Maduro’s itinerary then took him to China’s financial capital Shanghai and to Shandong Province. Visiting China’s International Poverty Reduction Centre, the Venezuelan leader noted that despite the hardships imposed by the US’ economic war against his country, 77.1% of Venezuela’s budget is devoted to social investment, strengthening programs in food production and distribution, social housing, education, health and social security.

Further underlining the great importance that Venezuela attaches to its relations with China, Maduro’s visit was immediately preceded by, and overlapped with, one by his Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, who arrived in China on September 5, primarily to attend the 17th Meeting of the Mixed Venezuela-China High Level Committee and to review and confirm bilateral agreements prior to the state visit.

On the day prior to Maduro’s arrival, she met with China’s top diplomat, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who said that their two countries had forged an unbreakable, iron-clad friendship. On the day of Maduro’s arrival in Shenzhen, she met with her counterpart, Vice President Han Zheng in Beijing.

The following reports originally appeared on the websites of the Xinhua News Agency, the People’s Daily and Telesur. The full text of the joint statement was machine translated from Chinese and lightly edited by us.

Xi, Maduro announce elevation of China-Venezuela ties

BEIJING, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with his Venezuelan counterpart, Nicolás Maduro Moros, who is on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People on Wednesday.

The two presidents announced the elevation of the China-Venezuela relationship to an all-weather strategic partnership.

“The establishment of an all-weather strategic partnership between China and Venezuela meets the common expectations of the two peoples and conforms to the general trend of historical development,” Xi said, calling on the two sides to push for more fruitful China-Venezuela strategic cooperation, bring more benefits to the two peoples and inject more positive energy into world peace and development.

Xi spoke about China’s reform and opening up, especially the development of special economic zones, and noted that reform and opening up is an important instrument for China to catch up with the times in great strides and a crucial move in making China what it is today.

Continue reading China and Venezuela establish all-weather strategic partnership

Honouring Isabel Crook and carrying forward China-Canada friendship

The following op-ed, written by H.E. Cong Peiwu, Chinese Ambassador to Canada, pays tribute to Isabel Crook – the Canadian communist and lifelong friend of China who passed away in Beijing on 20 August 2023.

As well as summarising Isabel’s outstanding record in telling the truth about China and in developing foreign language teaching, Ambassador Cong describes how her life was “a vivid example of carrying forward China-Canada friendship.” In this context, the author references Dr Norman Bethune, the Canadian communist and brilliant doctor who worked on the front lines in China’s war of resistance against Japanese aggression, and about whom Mao Zedong wrote that “every Chinese communist must learn” from his spirit of internationalism.

Ambassador Cong concludes with a message to Canadians, but his words will resonate with people throughout the West at a time when imperialist governments and media are ramping up anti-China hostilities and McCarthyite repression:

I encourage all of you to experience China firsthand, and you will understand why many Canadians like Crook have forged such deep bonds with China and the Chinese people. I’m also confident that there will be more friendly personages like Isabel Crook and Norman Bethune, who will continue to nurture and carry forward China-Canada friendship.

This tribute was first published in The Canada Files.

The passing of Isabel Crook in Beijing at the age of 108, on August 20, has left us all saddened. Just like many of you, I have extended my condolences.

Crook’s life was a true reflection of people-to-people friendship between our two countries. Born in Chengdu, China, in 1915 to Canadian parents, she spent most of her life in China, and witnessed the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Crook once said, “I’m truly thankful to my parents for bringing me into this world in China.” Although she has passed away, her deeds and contributions continue to exert profound influence.

 Through her works, she provided Westerners with more insights into the real China. Most importantly, she demystified China for Westerners during her time, helping them recognize the significance of engaging with China and its people.

Isabel Crook witnessed China’s development and transformation throughout her lifetime. She cared about rural development in China, devoted herself to education, and nurtured numerous talents.

Having spent over 90 years in China, she witnessed monumental changes in Chinese society. She saw, experienced and participated in China’s tremendous transformation from standing upright to becoming prosperous and growing in strength. “I’m very fortunate to be an observer to this great era. I believe my beloved China is getting better and better,” Crook expressed. In 2019, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to China’s education and friendly exchanges with the world, the Chinese government awarded her the Friendship Medal of China, the country’s highest honor bestowed upon foreign nationals.

Crook’s entire life was a vivid example of carrying forward China-Canada friendship. She dedicated her glorious years to China, blazing a trail in English teaching in New China and nurturing countless foreign language talents. “We see the fruits of our work, batches of graduates, contribute their strength to building New China and the new world. We are very proud of them,” she remarked.

Friendship transcends borders, and she never walked alone. Henry Norman Bethune, a Canadian surgeon, made the ultimate sacrifice in China when helping the Chinese people resist Japanese aggressors during the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. Besides, there are also many other Canadian recipients of the Chinese Government Friendship Award who have actively contributed to China-Canada friendship.

As an old Chinese saying goes, “Peaches and plums do not talk, yet a path is formed beneath them.” Beginning as a seed of hope, her spirit has grown into a towering tree. I encourage all of you to experience China firsthand, and you will understand why many Canadians like Crook have forged such deep bonds with China and the Chinese people. I’m also confident that there will be more friendly personages like Isabel Crook and Norman Bethune, who will continue to nurture and carry forward China-Canada friendship.

China congratulates DPRK on the 75th anniversary of its founding

China’s socialist neighbour, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) celebrated its 75th founding anniversary on September 9.

Greeting the occasion, China’s leader Xi Jinping sent a warm message to his DPRK counterpart, Kim Jong Un.

Xi said that, thanks to the steadfast leadership of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) and the tireless efforts of the Korean people, the cause of socialist construction in the DPRK has achieved steady and new successes for 75 years.

China and the DPRK are friendly neighbours sharing mountains and rivers, the message said, adding that the traditional China-DPRK friendship, personally provided and cultivated by the leaders of the elder generation of the two parties and two countries, has struck roots deep in the mind of the two peoples and is growing stronger with the passage of time.

It is the steadfast stand of the Chinese party and government to defend, consolidate and develop the traditional China-DPRK friendly and cooperative relations with credit, no matter how the international and regional situation may change, under the great changes unprecedented in a hundred years taking place rapidly.

A Chinese party and government delegation, led by Liu Guozheng, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Vice Premier of China, visited the DPRK from September 8 to 11 to participate in the celebrations.

Kim Jong Un met with the Chinese guests on the day of their arrival. He noted that the Chinese comrades’ participation in the celebrations of the founding anniversary of the DPRK added glory to the events for marking its national day. Saying that he deeply realised through the Chinese party and government delegation’s visit to the DPRK that Comrade Xi Jinping and the Chinese party and government attach great importance to the special nature of the DPRK-China relations, he expressed thanks and high appreciation for it.

Conveying the cordial greetings of Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, to Kim, Liu Guozheng extended warm congratulations on the 75th anniversary of the DPRK’s founding, made positive comments on the DPRK’s construction achievements, and wished the DPRK a prosperous future and its people a happy life with the country’s socialist cause flourishing and its development path getting wider.

China prizes the traditional China-DPRK friendship and is willing to push for the continuous consolidation and development of bilateral relations, he said.

Liu is in charge of the agriculture and health care sectors in China, and he noted that they are important undertakings for people’s livelihood, adding that China is willing to deepen exchanges and cooperation with the DPRK in these areas so as to benefit their people.

During their visit, the Chinese delegation also met with Premier Kim Tok Hun; attended a parade of paramilitary forces; visited the Friendship Tower, which honours the fallen fighters of the Chinese People’s Volunteer Army who fought in the 1950-53 Korean War; visited the DPRK-China Friendship Thaekam Farm, which DPRK President Kim Il Sung and Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai visited together in 1958; attended a grand musical performance as well as a reception and banquet; and paid respects to the statues of late DPRK leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il on Pyongyang’s Mansu Hill, as well as at the Chinese People’s Volunteers Martyrs Cemetery in Anju City.

The following reports were originally published by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) and the Xinhua News Agency.

Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Receives Greetings from President Xi Jinping

KCNA, 9 September 2023

Pyongyang, September 9 (KCNA) — Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, received a message of greeting from Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and president of the People’s Republic of China, on Sept. 9.

In the message, Xi Jinping extended heartfelt congratulations on behalf of the CPC and the Chinese government and people and on his own behalf to Kim Jong Un and to the WPK and the government and people of DPRK on the 75th birthday of the DPRK.

Thanks to the steadfast leadership of the WPK and the tireless efforts of the Korean people, the cause of socialist construction in the DPRK has achieved steady and new successes for 75 years, the message said.

Noting that in recent years General Secretary Kim Jong Un has made important achievements by guiding the Korean party and people to thoroughly implement the spirit of the Eighth WPK Congress and the plenary meetings of the Party Central Committee and channeling big efforts into the economic development and the improvement of people’s living, it expressed belief that under the leadership of the General Secretary and the WPK, the fraternal Korean people would surely accelerate the socialist cause of the DPRK and thus steadily achieve new development and put it on a new stage.

Continue reading China congratulates DPRK on the 75th anniversary of its founding

Ireland’s neutrality is at stake

In this article, originally published by Socialist Voice, Jimmy Corcoran, who is the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Ireland (CPI), takes up the new and increasing danger to what remains of Irish neutrality.

Neutrality is enshrined in the Irish constitution, but has been considerably undermined over recent years. That process has been further expedited with both the conflict in Ukraine and the new cold war against China, despite the principled position in defence of neutrality put forward by Irish President Michael D Higgins.

So far, Higgins’ public stance has prevented a formal application for NATO membership, but Micheál Martin, leader of the Fianna Fáil party and Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister), Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Minister for Defence in the Irish government, is now seeking to weaken the constraints on the deployment of Irish troops overseas as a thin end of the wedge. Hitherto, Irish troops have essentially been confined to United Nations peacekeeping duties overseas.

Corcoran notes that: “In the event of Sinn Féin becoming the major party in the next 26-County government [as is currently highly likely] they will be faced with this pro-imperialist bias [on the part of the Irish ruling class].”

The possibility of a revision or modification in Sinn Féin’s historically strong position on neutrality is currently a matter of public debate both within and outside the party. The CPI General Secretary poses the questions: “How will they react? Will they remain true to their anti-colonial and anti-imperialist tradition, or will they don the Atlanticist clothing of official Ireland?”

His article continues:

“They need to look beyond the world of US, EU and British imperialism towards the developing world. The Chinese share of the world economy is growing, while that of the United States is in relative decline. China is the main trading partner of more than 150 countries. Unlike Ireland, when China embarked on its path of modernising its economy the state remained in control, and it lifted 800 million people out of absolute poverty.”

Making an important call to Sinn Féin, Corcoran concludes:

“One doesn’t have to accept China’s self-designation as a socialist society to recognise that its development strategy has produced far better results than that pursued by the Irish ruling class since the late 1950s. If a Sinn Féin-led government is to develop Irish political and economic sovereignty and tilt the balance of forces towards the working class, it will need to counter the arguments of the Atlanticists. It could start by sending a high-level delegation to the People’s Republic of China to look at its path to modernisation and see what can be adapted to Irish conditions.”

The threat to completely abandon what remains of Irish neutrality is a continuing and increasing one. The recent intervention of President Higgins may have slowed down Micheál Martin’s march to NATO, but the threat remains.

Rather than applying for NATO membership immediately, the ruling class have set their sights as an interim step on removing the “triple lock” on the deployment of Irish troops. The capitalist parties and media claim that the triple lock is no longer tenable, because both Russia and China have a veto in the Security Council, which they can use to stop military aggression by the United States and its satellites. This ignores the fact that three NATO members—the United States, Britain, and France—also have a veto, which they use to protect imperialist aggression. The United States uses its veto against any condemnation of apartheid Israel’s continued colonisation in Palestine.

The report of the Commission on the Defence Forces demonstrates the continuing EU threat to Irish neutrality and sovereignty. It cites the EU Commission’s position that the rise of China must be seen as a threat to EU security.¹ This is reinforced regularly in the “news” media, to the extent that one would imagine that the Chinese military lie just over the horizon. The real political situation in Ireland consists of British (NATO) forces in the Six Counties and a US (NATO) base in Shannon Airport.

The Atlanticist ideology is deeply ingrained in the political class, the media, the higher echelons of the civil service, and the officer corps of the Defence Forces. Irish politicians and “journalists” ape the NATO line that China, Russia, Cuba, North Korea, Nicaragua and Venezuela are a threat to the “rules-based order” upon which “our” economic, political and military security is based.

But exactly what are these rules, who drafted them, and who approved them? Despite what many people may believe, the aforementioned rules are not the UN Charter or the various international agreements drafted under the aegis of the United Nations, or regional bodies such as the Council of Europe (not to be confused with the EU’s European Council) and then agreed by individual member-states: the “rules-based order” amounts to no more than the United States assuming the right to determine the economic and political path of all countries.

Any country that seeks to break with imperialism is automatically held to be in breach of the rules; and the United States reserves the right to punish them by economic or military intervention, or both.

In the event of Sinn Féin becoming the major party in the next 26-County government they will be faced with this pro-imperialist bias. How will they react? Will they remain true to their anti-colonial and anti-imperialist tradition, or will they don the Atlanticist clothing of official Ireland? The realpolitik gurus within the party will no doubt urge them to accept the Atlanticist position (they already have a welcome in the White House), as they will need the tax from American corporations to implement their social policies.

However, they need to look beyond the world of US, EU and British imperialism towards the developing world. The Chinese share of the world economy is growing, while that of the United States is in relative decline. China is the main trading partner of more than 150 countries. Unlike Ireland, when China embarked on its path of modernising its economy the state remained in control, and it lifted 800 million people out of absolute poverty.² It has an internal economy of 1.4 billion people, and government policies are concentrated on increasing the purchasing power of the poorest sections over the next decade. China spends far less on its military than the United States does; and China has not been at war for more than forty years.

One doesn’t have to accept China’s self-designation as a socialist society to recognise that its development strategy has produced far better results than that pursued by the Irish ruling class since the late 1950s. If a Sinn Féin-led government is to develop Irish political and economic sovereignty and tilt the balance of forces towards the working class, it will need to counter the arguments of the Atlanticists. It could start by sending a high-level delegation to the People’s Republic of China to look at its path to modernisation and see what can be adapted to Irish conditions. They would also see that China has no material benefit to gain from war, but that on the contrary a war could set its development back decades.

  1. Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces (2022), p. 6.
  2. World Bank press statement, 1 April 2022.

Why China is set to significantly overachieve its 2030 climate goals

In this article from Carbon Brief, Swithin Lui – China lead at Climate Action Tracker and climate policy analyst at NewClimate Institute – assesses China’s progress towards its climate targets and the implications for global efforts to tackle climate change.

Analysing the data in detail, he finds that China is on track to significantly overachieve its target of peaking greenhouse gas emissions by 2030; indeed this target will likely be reached in 2025. His analysis shows also that China is on track to achieve a reduction in carbon intensity (emissions per unit of GDP) below 2005 levels of 67 percent by 2030.

Meanwhile, China’s consumption of non-fossil energy is expected to grow by almost 80 percent from 2020-2030. “Our projections show, therefore, China’s share of non-fossil energy comfortably overachieving the 25 percent mark in 2030.”

The author expresses his hope that China will “announce new targets this year to signal its continued leadership in this area and help spark an accelerated international transition.”

China is continuing to build up its domestic fossil fuel production capacity and strengthening its portfolio for energy imports, even as it accelerates renewable power deployment.

Its energy decisions over the next few years will have large implications for its emissions trajectory towards 2030, its pathway towards the 2060 carbon-neutrality goal, and for global warming as a whole.

These recent developments are reflected in our latest Climate Action Tracker assessment of China’s current targets, policies and climate action, published today, which shows its emissions are likely to increase in the short term.

Yet our assessment shows the country is also set to significantly overachieve the targets it promised internationally for 2030, with emissions peaking by 2025. This means that China could increase the ambition of its targets, even without changing the path of its emissions this decade.

On the other hand, we find that this emissions trajectory – and China’s current targets – are incompatible with what would need to happen on a global level to limit warming to 1.5C. If all countries adopted an equivalent level of ambition, we would expect warming to reach 3C.

This article unpacks the details behind our outlook and points to possible ways in which China could take further steps to enhance its commitments towards achievement of global climate targets.

Continue reading Why China is set to significantly overachieve its 2030 climate goals

Nicolás Maduro: Between China and Venezuela there is a model relationship

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro Moros began a week long state visit to China on September 8.

Prior to leaving his capital Caracas, the leader of the Bolivarian revolution gave an exclusive interview to China’s Xinhua News Agency. According to Maduro:

“Between China and Venezuela there is a model relationship, it is a model of what should be the relationship between a superpower like China, the great superpower of the 21st century, and an emerging, heroic, revolutionary and socialist country like Venezuela… China has inaugurated a new era of the emergence of non-colonialist, non-imperialist, non-hegemonic superpowers.”

Referring to President Xi Jinping’s concept of building a shared future for humanity, Maduro said: “I believe that the route that President Xi Jinping has proposed is uniting the peoples in all aspects of the economy, trade, culture and is laying the foundations to leave behind the old world of colonialism and imperialism.”

Noting that China provided vaccines to more than 160 countries during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Venezuelan President continued:

“We have to thank China very much. At the time of the pandemic, if it had not been for China, with the blockade of US imperialism in Venezuela, neither medicines nor sanitary supplies would have arrived, nor the vaccines. Thanks to China, vaccines and medicines arrived, not only to Venezuela, but to more than 160 countries in the world.”

He also expressed Venezuela’s willingness to join the BRICS cooperation mechanism, adding: “The BRICS countries are accelerating the de-dollarisation of the world and the emergence of a new international financial system and a new just economic order, for which humanity has been fighting for years, decades and centuries.”

The interview was originally published by Xinhua in Spanish. We reprint below an English-language translation published by Internationalist 360°.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro declared that the peoples of China and Venezuela are friends who share “a common destiny in the world to come”, while stressing that both nations are committed to peace, development and cooperation.

“Between China and Venezuela there is a model relationship, it is a model of what should be the relationship between a superpower like China, the great superpower of the 21st century and an emerging, heroic, revolutionary and socialist country like Venezuela,” Maduro emphasized in an exclusive interview with Xinhua before beginning his state visit to China.

Regarding the role played by China in the emergence of a fairer world, the President affirmed that the Asian country “has inaugurated a new era of the emergence of non-colonialist, non-imperialist, non-hegemonic superpowers”.

He also stressed that China, “today, points the way to economic and technological development, social stability  and strengthened independence”.

“I believe that the relations between the governments and peoples of China and Venezuela are relations of intimate mutual trust, of true brotherhood, of cooperation for shared development”, said the President.

He also described the bilateral ties as fruitful and stressed that “we mutually nourish each other with great ideas, with great projects”.

The Venezuelan president also expressed his country’s firm support for China’s proposal to build a community of shared destiny for humanity that advances towards “respect for our diversity in the union of a different world, (made up of) all the regions of the world”.

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