A delegation of young cadres from communist parties in Europe and North America recently visited China.
On the second day of a two-week trip they met with Jin Xin, Vice-minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee (IDCPC).
According to the report issued by the IDCPC, Jin elaborated on the scientific connotations and global significance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and stated that the CPC stands ready to enhance youth exchanges with socialist forces worldwide, including communist parties in Europe and the US, deepen mutual learning on party governance and state administration, and jointly explore practical paths for adapting Marxism to local contexts and the times.
Members of the delegation noted that the successful practice of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era has greatly inspired progressive forces across the world. As young Marxists, they expressed anticipation of learning from the CPC’s successful experience.
According to Paulius Eidukas, who represented the Communist Party of Norway on the delegation, Jin said that the world is in the process of change and the global winds are blowing in the direction away from capitalism. This is the moment that communist parties in the West should consider carefully, to find out how they can seize the opportunity.
“You, the generation of younger communists, with your admirable courage and fervour, are at the forefront of this change. The future of the world rests on your shoulders.”
Having listened to presentations from various delegation members, the vice-minister spoke about the problem of imperialism and warmongering carried out by the United States and Israel. He also noted the growing concern for Latin American countries, with the Venezuelan and Cuban people in particular experiencing direct military aggression and threats coming from the United States. Jin Xin noted that Cuba finds itself in a dangerous geographical position, being so close to the United States, and so far away from China. Regardless, China is committed to helping the Cuban comrades with all available means. He also celebrated the close solidarity, cooperation and growing ideological dialogue and ties between the “five golden flowers of socialism”, that is China, Vietnam, Laos, Cuba, and the DPRK.
Jin also discussed the state of Marxism in the West, noting that there are some disagreements and splits, in terms of how Marxism is understood and applied. He criticised the dogmatic approach chosen by some parties, which disregard national conditions, and automatically assume that certain aspects, such as the existence and development of the private sector, are a “betrayal” of Marxism.
The parties and organisatons participating in the delegation were:
- Communist Party of Britain/Young Communist League
- Communist Party of Belarus/League of Communist Youth
- Communist Party of Canada
- Progressive Party of the Working People of Cyprus (AKEL)/United Democratic Youth Organisation (EDON)
- Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia
- Communist Party (Denmark)
- Communist Party of Finland/Communist Youth
- German Communist Party/Socialist German Workers Youth (SDAJ)
- Hungarian Workers’ Party
- Communist Refoundation Party of Italy
- Italian Communist Party
- Communist Party (Italy)/Federation of Communist Youth
- Communist Party of Luxembourg
- Levica (Left), Slovenia
- Communist Party of Norway
- Portuguese Communist Party/Portuguese Communist Youth
- Romanian Socialist Party
- Communist Party of Spain
- Communist Party (Switzerland)
- New Communist Party of Britain
- Communist Party USA
The article below was originally published on the IDCPC website. It is followed by a report kindly provided to us by Comrade Paulius Eidukas from Norway.
Jin Xin Meets with a Delegation of Young Cadres from Communist Parties in Europe and the US
Beijing, May 7 (IDCPC) — Jin Xin, Vice-minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, met here today with a delegation of young cadres from communist parties in Europe and the US.
Jin elaborated on the scientific connotations and global significance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and briefed the guests on the CPC’s efforts to strengthen self-building since the beginning of the new era, particularly the educational campaign on establishing and practicing a correct view on governance performance. He stated that the CPC stands ready to enhance youth exchanges with socialist forces worldwide, including communist parties in Europe and the US, deepen mutual learning on party governance and state administration, and jointly explore practical paths for adapting Marxism to local contexts and the times.
The delegation members noted that the successful practice of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era has greatly inspired progressive forces across the world. As young Marxists, they expressed anticipation of learning from the CPC’s successful experience in strengthening self-building, conducting youth work, and improving social governance efficiency through this visit, so as to contribute to strengthening their own parties and advancing the world socialist movement.
Report by Paulius Eidukas
“The far-right parties in the capitalist West can only offer unsustainable, short-term solutions to the problems facing their societies. Socialists, on the other hand, have a long-term plan and vision that is proven to work. This is our advantage.
“Socialism has already transcended the low ebb of the collapse of the Soviet Union. The world is in the process of change and the global winds are blowing in the direction away from capitalism. This is the moment that communist parties in the West should consider carefully, to find out how they can seize the opportunity.
“You, the generation of younger communists, with your admirable courage and fervour, are at the forefront of this change. The future of the world rests on your shoulders.”
These are some of the words said by Jin Xin, Vice Minister and Director-General of the General Office of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. We had the pleasure of meeting him on our second day in Beijing, and that meeting was certainly one of the highlights of the day.
Comrade Jin Xin listened carefully as several communists from our group presented on the situation in their respective countries. We heard analysis from Maise Riley, from the Communist Party of Britain and the YCL; from Iryna Maliuk, from the Communist Party of Belarus and the LCY; and from Nichita Iris Liga, from the Romanian Socialist Party.
Thanking the comrades for their analysis and explanation of the work and strategy of communists in their countries, Jin Xin gave a thoughtful response, discussing the possibilities and responsibilities of young Communists, who are organizing under the conditions of Western capitalism and imperialism.
He talked about the problem of imperialism and warmongering carried out by the United States and Israel. He also noted the growing concern for Latin American countries, with the Venezuelan and Cuban people in particular experiencing direct military aggression and threats coming from the United States. Jin Xin noted that Cuba finds itself in a dangerous geographical position, being so close to the United States, and so far away from China. Regardless, China is committed to helping the Cuban comrades with all available means. He also celebrated the close solidarity, cooperation and growing ideological dialogue and ties between the “five golden flowers of socialism”, that is China, Vietnam, Laos, Cuba, and the DPRK.
Jin Xin also discussed the state of Marxism in the West, noting that there are some disagreements and splits, in terms of how Marxism is understood and applied. He criticised the dogmatic approach chosen by some parties, which disregard national conditions, and automatically assume that certain aspects, such as the existence and development of the private sector, are a “betrayal” of Marxism. China is also being mischaracterised by the right-wing in the US, where many congressmen still treat China as a poor and underdeveloped country. Most of these congressmen, he noted, have not actually visited China to see the modernisation and development that would disprove their misconceptions.
Jin Xin noted that China has made great strides not only in modernisation and development, but also in terms of creating a prosperous and safe society. He noted that China is one of the safest places in the world, where people can walk alone at night without any fear, or where they can leave their belongings unattended. This is not the case in most other countries.
The comrade also noted that China has grown in its “soft power”, with global opinions shifting in favour of China. From social media trends, such as “Becoming Chinese”, to actual Chinese diaspora gradually returning back to their home country, when they realise that countries, such as the US, are not as they imagined. This is a reversal of the tendencies seen a couple of decades ago, where Chinese people would look up to the West as an example to follow.
Jin Xin emphasised that China does not subscribe to a vision of the world ruled by hegemonic countries and blocs, nor the idea of “superior” civilisations. Rather, China would see a world led by many civilisations in tandem. The goal is a harmonious world, which China strives for in its diplomatic efforts. It seeks to build friends, rather than create enemies. In developing China, the CPC does not not seek to compete with or replace any other countries, their industries, or their politics, but rather to lift the whole world up together.
Addressing the young Communists in particular, Jin Xin gave several points of guidance:
1. Be the guardians of ideas and convictions. You chose to join the communist movement in the finest years of your lives. While older generations often have fears and reservations, the youth is what really breathes life and growth into the movement.
2. Be strivers who make a difference. Socialism represents the future of humanity. It brings courage and hope. Young people should work hard to determine the best way forward in their respective countries, and to find out how to attract support to the communist cause.
3. Be the promoters of solidarity and cooperation. Internationalism is at the heart of socialism, and human progress comes through cultural exchange. We need our own media and outlets to showcase our movements and to learn from each other via online platforms. The IDCPC will be active in the development of these.
4. Be the defenders of fairness and justice. Oppose power politics, hegemony and bullying. Be a progressive voice in the international arena.
Jin Xin ended the discussion remarking on the rise in the acceptance and support of communist parties and ideas around the world, with the youth in particular showing high affinity for socialism, more so than in the decades earlier. This, Jin Xin noted, is the single spark that can start a prairie fire.
This whole discussion, to us, communists from the Western countries, was extremely emotional, uplifting and inspiring. We thank the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China for organising and supporting this international exchange.Jin Xin, Vice-minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, met here today with a delegation of young cadres from communist parties in Europe and the US.
Jin elaborated on the scientific connotations and global significance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and briefed the guests on the CPC’s efforts to strengthen self-building since the beginning of the new era, particularly the educational campaign on establishing and practicing a correct view on governance performance. He stated that the CPC stands ready to enhance youth exchanges with socialist forces worldwide, including communist parties in Europe and the US, deepen mutual learning on party governance and state administration, and jointly explore practical paths for adapting Marxism to local contexts and the times.
The delegation members noted that the successful practice of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era has greatly inspired progressive forces across the world. As young Marxists, they expressed anticipation of learning from the CPC’s successful experience in strengthening self-building, conducting youth work, and improving social governance efficiency through this visit, so as to contribute to strengthening their own parties and advancing the world socialist movement.
