Friends of Socialist China, Author at Friends of Socialist China

China calls for peace between Cambodia and Thailand

China has called for peace and an end to the fighting between Thailand and Cambodia, saying that the root cause of this problem lies in the historical legacy left by Western colonisers, which now needs to be calmly faced and properly handled.

The call came when Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Secretary-General of ASEAN (the Association of South East Asian Nations) Kao Kim Hourn in Beijing on July 25.

Wang Yi said that China consistently prioritises ASEAN in its neighbourhood diplomacy and supports it in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs. China will work with ASEAN countries to foster a peaceful, safe and secure, prosperous, beautiful, and amicable home, and build an even closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future.

Under the current circumstances, Wang said, China and ASEAN should focus on cooperation in three key areas:

The two sides should work together to uphold free trade and the multilateral trading system. The abuse of tariffs undermines WTO (World Trade Organisation) rules, affects the stability of global industrial and supply chains, and harms other countries’ development and legitimate rights. As major forces in the Global South, China and ASEAN should strengthen solidarity and cooperation to reject unilateralism.

They should fully implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), complete negotiations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) on schedule, and continue to properly handle South China Sea issues based on the “dual-track approach” to jointly foster a new narrative of peace, friendship, and cooperation.

The two sides should work together to maintain regional peace and stability. Looking around the world, conflicts and confrontations are still raging in some places, and the international situation is complex and volatile. The peace and stability in East Asia are hard-won and should be cherished. Recent clashes on the border between Cambodia and Thailand, which caused casualties, are deeply saddening and concerning. The root cause of this problem lies in the historical legacy left by Western colonisers, which now needs to be calmly faced and properly handled. As a common friendly neighbour of Cambodia and Thailand, China is ready to uphold an impartial position and continue playing a constructive role in de-escalating tensions and easing the situation.

Following July 28 talks in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, chaired by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, in his capacity as the rotating chair of ASEAN, the two countries agreed to an “immediate and unconditional” ceasefire. “This is a vital first step towards de-escalation and the restoration of peace and security,” Anwar said.

The foreign and defence ministers of Malaysia, Cambodia and Thailand have been instructed to “develop a detailed mechanism” to implement and monitor the ceasefire to ensure sustained peace, he added. The Ambassadors of China and the United States also attended the talks.

The following article was originally published on the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry. An article, produced by Globetrotter, and published on Peoples Dispatch, provides some useful background to and analysis of the dispute.

On July 25, 2025, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Secretary-General of ASEAN Kao Kim Hourn in Beijing.

Wang Yi stated that China and ASEAN are friendly neighbors, and their all-round cooperation has increasingly deepened. China consistently prioritizes ASEAN as a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy and supports ASEAN in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs. Guided by the spirit of the Central Conference on Work Related to Neighboring Countries, its commitment to fostering an amicable, secure and prosperous neighborhood, the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness, and a vision for a shared future, China will work with ASEAN countries to foster a peaceful, safe and secure, prosperous, beautiful, and amicable home, and build an even closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future.

Wang Yi said that under the current circumstances, China and ASEAN should focus on cooperation in three key areas. First, the two sides should work together to uphold free trade and the multilateral trading system. The abuse of tariffs undermines WTO rules, affects the stability of global industrial and supply chains, and harms other countries’ development and legitimate rights. The world must not return to the law of the jungle. As major forces in the Global South, China and ASEAN should strengthen solidarity and cooperation to reject unilateralism, safeguard WTO rules, and ensure the authority and integrity of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Second, the two sides should fully implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), complete negotiations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) on schedule, promote synergies between the two platforms, and continue to properly handle South China Sea issues based on the “dual-track approach” to jointly foster a new narrative of peace, friendship, and cooperation in the South China Sea. Third, the two sides should work together to maintain regional peace and stability. Looking around the world, conflicts and confrontations are still raging in some places, and the international situation is complex and volatile. The peace and stability in East Asia are hard-won and should be cherished. Recent clashes on the border between Cambodia and Thailand, which caused casualties, are deeply saddening and concerning. The root cause of this problem lies in the historical legacy left by Western colonizers, which now needs to be calmly faced and properly handled. China appreciates and supports ASEAN’s active mediation efforts to promote dialogue, consultation, and political settlement in the “ASEAN way”. As a common friendly neighbor of Cambodia and Thailand, China is ready to uphold an impartial position and continue playing a constructive role in de-escalating tensions and easing the situation.

Kao Kim Hourn gave a positive evaluation of ASEAN-China relations and the achievements of bilateral practical cooperation, and thanked China for firmly supporting ASEAN centrality in regional cooperation and the building of ASEAN community. ASEAN looks forward to taking the 5th anniversary of the establishment of the ASEAN-China comprehensive strategic partnership in 2026 as an opportunity to seek greater strategic synergy with China and deepen practical cooperation across various fields. He said that ASEAN supports accelerating negotiations on the COC and is willing to work with China to jointly maintain regional peace and stability and uphold the multilateral trading system. On the recent border tensions between Cambodia and Thailand, he expressed confidence that the leaders of the countries involved have the political wisdom to resolve this issue. The “ASEAN way” is feasible, and the ASEAN rotating chair is actively engaged in mediation in accordance with the ASEAN Charter. He thanked China for its active efforts to promote talks for peace.

Deputy President’s visit strengthens ties with South Africa

South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile recently visited China to attend the Third China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE).

On July 17, he met in Beijing with his Chinese counterpart, Vice President Han Zheng.

Han said that in September last year, China and South Africa upgraded their bilateral relationship to an all-round strategic cooperative partnership in the new era. Han said this opened a new chapter in building a high-level community with a shared future between the two countries. He called on the two sides to further implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and to constantly deepen political mutual trust.

On the same day, Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee (IDCPC), also met with Mashatile in his dual capacity of Deputy President of both the Republic of South Africa and of the African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa.

Liu said, under the leadership and personal promotion of President Xi Jinping and President Cyril Ramaphosa, China-South Africa relations have entered a golden era. China is willing to work with South Africa to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, continue to firmly support each other on issues concerning each other’s core interests and major concerns, deepen practical cooperation in various fields, and enhance friendly exchanges between the two peoples.

He added that the relationship between the two parties is an important foundation for the development of China-South Africa relations. The CPC and the ANC have maintained close communication and dialogue for a long time. The two parties understand and trust each other sincerely and have formed brotherly sentiments. The CPC will continue to stand firmly with the ANC, strengthen strategic communication and political dialogue between the two parties, deepen mutual learning in party building and state governance, and enhance collaboration on international and regional issues to jointly address common challenges.

Mashatile said that more Chinese enterprises are welcome to invest and do business in South Africa. At present, unilateralism and protectionism are on the rise. South Africa is willing to closely cooperate with China within the framework of multilateral mechanisms such as the BRICS, the United Nations and the G20 to practice true multilateralism and safeguard international fairness and justice. The ANC values its friendship with the CPC and hopes to further strengthen exchanges and cooperation between the two parties in areas such as party school building and cadre training to promote even better relations between them.

The following articles were originally published by the Xinhua News Agency and on the website of the IDCPC.

Chinese vice president meets South Africa’s deputy president

BEIJING, July 17 (Xinhua) — Chinese Vice President Han Zheng on Thursday met with South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile in Beijing.

In September last year, China and South Africa upgraded the bilateral relationship to an all-round strategic cooperative partnership in the new era. Han said this opened a new chapter in building a high-level community with a shared future between the two countries.

He called on the two sides to further implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, constantly deepen political mutual trust, advance the high-quality development of bilateral cooperation, and serve the modernization endeavors of both countries.

Nicaragua celebrates anti-imperialist solidarity and friendship with China on anniversary of victorious Sandinista revolution

July 19 marked the 46th anniversary of the victory of the Sandinista Popular Revolution in Nicaragua, with the centrepiece being a massive nighttime celebration in the capital Managua.

Numerous representatives attended from friendly countries, including China, Russia, Palestine, Vietnam, Venezuela, Cuba, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), Honduras, Burkina Faso, Algeria, Belarus, Türkiye, and others.

Anti-imperialism was a central theme running through the keynote speech delivered by President Daniel Ortega. The key points were summarised by US anti-imperialist journalist and political analyst Ben Norton in a post on X (Twitter) as follows:

Nicaragua offers its full support for Palestine, and unflinching opposition to the US-Israeli genocide in Gaza.

Nicaragua strongly supports Iran in its defence against US-Israeli aggression.

Fascism has its roots in European colonialism. The West talks about “democracy” and “human rights”, but the crimes committed by European empires – like the transatlantic slave trade of millions of Africans and the French empire’s mass atrocities in Algeria – were very similar to those committed by Nazi Germany. (Ortega praised the Algerian Revolution as an inspiration for Nicaragua.)

Haiti had the first victorious revolution in Latin America and the Caribbean. Haiti inspired Simón Bolívar, and militarily supported him, as he carried out his own anti-colonial revolution in South America. Nicaragua is inspired by Haiti’s example.

Immediately after Spanish colonialism was defeated in Latin America, US imperialism replaced it. The US invaded Nicaragua several times, and US imperialism remains the principal threat for Latin America and the world today.

Never forget the crimes the US committed in Nicaragua in the 1980s, when the CIA armed and trained the far-right Contra terrorists. Ortega recalled that the US-sponsored Contras also trafficked drugs, many of which ended up in US neighbourhoods.

It was the Soviet Union and China that defeated fascism in World War Two. This year is the 80th anniversary of their heroic victory over Nazi Germany and the fascist Japanese empire.

“We in the [Sandinista] Front were inspired by the Russian Revolution and the Chinese Revolution”, Ortega said. He praised Mao Zedong as a “great leader who is always in our thoughts.”

Today, the People’s Republic of China and Russian Federation are friends of the Global South, helping Nicaragua and other countries to defend their sovereignty against Western imperialism.

Capitalist Europe is now remilitarising and massively increasing its military spending on weapons because it, along with the US, wants to prepare for war against Russia and China.

The United Nations has become a tool dominated by the Western imperialist powers, and the US uses its veto power to prevent the UN from taking any significant action (like stopping the genocide in Gaza). The UN needs a “refoundation”.

The world desperately wants peace, so countries can economically develop and end poverty, but US imperialism is the main obstacle.

In her address, Co-President Rosario Murillo emphasised:

“Our Nicaragua, a Free Territory, a Glorious Land of Warriors of Peace, greets with Honourable Joy and Certain Hope, all the Peoples who now fighting, without surrendering, for the other World that is now indispensable, and the Delegations that represent them in this formidable Act of Commitment to Liberation, and to Fraternal, Solidarity and Shared Vocation, for the Common Good, which the Planet and Humanity so badly need.”

China’s five-year plans democratic, people-centred and grounded in material reality

In a wide-ranging interview with Global Times, Friends of Socialist China co-editor Carlos Martinez describes China’s Five-Year Plans (FYPs) as democratic, people-centred, and grounded in material reality. He emphasises that China’s success in planning stems from its ability to align governance with popular needs and long-term strategy. “China is known globally for its effective governance and for its record of keeping its promises”, he notes, citing the 13th FYP’s targeted poverty alleviation campaign as a key example of practical planning based on extensive grassroots research.

Carlos stresses that these plans are not top-down decrees but involve widespread consultation, making them highly democratic and responsive to the needs of the people.

China’s five-year plans are well-received by the people because they are based on extensive consultation with the people, and are responsive to the needs, wishes and aspirations of the people. Every plan is based on discussions with, and feedback from, the people. In that sense, the plans are highly democratic, and accord with Chinese emphasis that “the people, and the people alone, are the motive force in the making of world history.” The basic methodology of the mass line – from the masses, to the masses – has been well employed by the government and the Party in devising goals and plans.

China’s evolving development strategy, he argues, is responsive to shifting realities. Early plans focused on light industry and technological catch-up; today, priorities include green energy, advanced manufacturing, and digitisation. “Quality, rather than quantity, has become a more important feature of the country’s growth”, he observes.

Carlos credites President Xi Jinping with combining short-, medium-, and long-term planning rooted in the principles of common prosperity and ecological sustainability. Furthermore, Xi’s strategic thinking increasingly has global applicability, as seen in initiatives like the Belt and Road and the Global Development Initiative.

Contrasting China’s approach with the short-termism of Western governments, Carlos points out that, unlike the West’s shareholder-driven model, China’s system prioritises the long-term interests of the people. “Ultimately, the ‘institutional advantage’ is the political power of the working people, and the fact that, in China, people come before profit.”

GT: In China, the scientific formulation and consistent implementation of five-year plans stand as an important piece of experience in the CPC’s approach to governing the country. Why do you think China places significant emphasis on scientific formulation and consistent implementation of five-year plans?

Martinez: China is known globally for its effective governance and for its record of keeping its promises. Its objectives and plans are developed over a long period of time, and are firmly grounded in material reality and the needs and aspirations of the people.

For example, China’s 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-20) codified the central leadership’s poverty-reduction decision into the state will that is operable in practice. The targeted poverty alleviation campaign included sending officials to the countryside to identify the communities, families and individuals living in extreme poverty. Once the “facts on the ground” were established, a comprehensive plan was developed – at national, provincial, county and village levels – to sustainably lift everyone out of extreme poverty, so that they had a steady income, along with guaranteed housing, food, clothing, education, healthcare, modern energy and running water.

China keeps its promises, and it does so by mobilizing enormous resources toward key projects. In 2020, President Xi announced the country’s commitment to peaking its carbon dioxide emissions before 2030. This goal informed the current (14th) five-year plan, and appropriate targets were set at every level, throughout the country.

In summary, China develops plans that are realistic and flexible, that meet both the short-term and long-term needs of the people and that contribute to the country’s overall strategy. Once the blueprint is agreed and established, different parts and levels of the government work closely with the central government, with state-owned enterprises, private businesses, educational institutions, as well as community organizations and NGOs to implement the plan. The whole country works together to realize an agenda that aligns with the collective interest. This embodies the spirit of socialism.

Chinese diplomacy: Some countries wage war, others promote peace

In the following article, Sergio Rodríguez Gelfenstein – former director of international relations in Venezuela’s presidential office and former ambassador to Nicaragua – contrasts China’s global diplomacy with the United States’ aggressive foreign policy, arguing that while Washington pursues war, coercion and domination, Beijing advances peace, cooperation, and mutual development.

While the United States plots wars, plans invasions, enacts sanctions, and imposes tariffs on the entire world, China quietly advances its diplomacy of peace. Washington rhetorically spews its plan for planetary destruction, which it carries out in a Machiavellian manner, assuming that this will enable it to maintain its global hegemony. Meanwhile, without much noise, Beijing builds a dynamic of peace and cooperation to make the Earth a livable place for all its inhabitants.

In recent months, amid escalating US and Israeli aggression in West Asia, China has held numerous diplomatic summits promoting stability and multilateralism.

In Latin America, the Fourth China-CELAC Forum in May reaffirmed shared goals in sustainable development and trade, laying the groundwork for the 2025–2027 cooperation plan. In Africa, China convened with 53 countries and the African Union in June, reinforcing the China-Africa Cooperation Vision 2035 and rejecting unilateral sanctions.

China also deepened ties with the EU, seeking compromises on trade disputes, particularly over electric vehicles. Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasised that China and the EU should be “partners, not rivals”, and urged commitment to multilateralism and peace. Talks with the US, meanwhile, have faltered due to Washington’s unpredictability and hostile actions, particularly around Taiwan and trade measures. Vice Premier He Lifeng insisted that only equal dialogue can resolve trade issues, reiterating: “There are no winners in trade wars”.

China’s active diplomacy extended to Central Asia and West Asia. At the China-Central Asia Summit in June, the heads of state of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan signed a treaty of good neighbourliness and permanent friendly cooperation, described by Xi Jinping as “a new milestone in the history of relations between the six countries”.

Meanwhile, China vehemently condemned the US attacks on Iran as “seriously violating the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and international law, as well as Iran’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity”. China called for a ceasefire, civilian protection, and renewed negotiations—highlighting its consistent orientation towards peace over aggression.

This makes it clear that while some wage war, others advocate for peace and cooperation among all the peoples of the planet.

This article was first published on Sergio Rodríguez Gelfenstein’s blog, and translated from Spanish to English by John Catalinotto for Workers World.

While the United States plots wars, plans invasions, enacts sanctions, and imposes tariffs on the entire world, China quietly advances its diplomacy of peace. Washington rhetorically spews its plan for planetary destruction, which it carries out in a Machiavellian manner, assuming that this will enable it to maintain its global hegemony. Meanwhile, without much noise, Beijing builds a dynamic of peace and cooperation to make the Earth a livable place for all its inhabitants.

Especially in the last two months, simultaneously with the U.S. and Zionist genocidal program to remove the Palestinian people and attacks against Iran, Yemen, Syria, and Lebanon, China has been meeting with representatives from more than half of the world’s countries to discuss a future of harmony, concord, balance, and mutual aid for the improvement, prosperity, and progress of humanity.

Wang Yi meets Kazakh, Iranian, Pakistani, Uzbek and Tajik counterparts in Tianjin

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a number of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the foreign ministers’ meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), which was held in Tianjin on July 15.

Meeting on July 15 with Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Murat Nurtleu, Wang Yi noted that Kazakhstan successfully hosted the second China-Central Asia Summit last month, during which President Xi Jinping and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev had in-depth and friendly strategic communication, writing a new chapter of good relations. China and Kazakhstan are good neighbours with a high degree of mutual trust, good friends with mutual assistance in trying times, and good partners for mutual benefit and win-win outcomes. China has always placed Kazakhstan in an important position in its neighbourhood diplomacy and is willing to work with Kazakhstan to firmly support each other, consolidate political mutual trust, create more new highlights of cooperation, and open up new prospects for bilateral relations.

Noting that Kazakhstan is a founding member of the SCO, Wang Yi stated that China looks forward to making joint efforts with Kazakhstan and other member states to ensure the complete success of the Tianjin summit and make plans for the future development of the SCO.

Murat Nurtleu said that China is a friendly neighbour, close friend, and trustworthy partner of Kazakhstan. Under the guidance of the two heads of state, the Kazakhstan-China permanent comprehensive strategic partnership has been elevated to a new level and reached new heights.

On July 16, Wang Yi met with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi.

Wang said that as a comprehensive strategic partner, China will continue to support Iran in safeguarding its state sovereignty and national dignity, resisting power politics and bullying acts, defending its legitimate rights and interests through political negotiations, and adhering to the principle of good-neighbourliness and friendship to continuously improve and develop relations with its neighbouring countries.

Seyed Abbas Araghchi expressed gratitude for China’s valuable support to Iran and said that Iran is more steadfast than ever in its resolve to develop relations with China. The Iran-China comprehensive strategic partnership enjoys tremendous potential and broad prospects. He reiterated that Iran has explicitly stated that it will not develop nuclear weapons but will not give up its legitimate right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Iran is willing to engage in negotiations and consultations as soon as possible with all parties on the premise of equality and respect, to seek a political solution to the Iranian nuclear issue.

Wang Yi said that China consistently opposes the use or threat of force and advocates for resolving differences through dialogue and consultation. China values Iran’s commitment to not developing nuclear weapons, respects Iran’s right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy and appreciates Iran’s efforts to strive for peace through diplomatic means.

Meeting with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Wang Yi said that China supports Pakistan in focusing on handling its own affairs, achieving independent and sustainable development, and continuously enhancing its comprehensive national strength, adding that China is willing to enhance strategic dialogue with Pakistan, jointly build the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to a high level, and deepen cooperation on agriculture, industry, and mining. He added that China also stands ready to jointly plan the celebration activities for the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries next year.

Delegates from Britain and the US witness Socialist China’s remarkable progress

We are pleased to republish below a short report by Callum Norris of the 11-day Friends of Socialist China delegation in May-June 2025. As Callum notes, the visit focused on strengthening international people-to-people ties and learning about China’s efforts toward building an ecological civilisation.

A key event was the Fourth Dialogue on Exchanges and Mutual Learning Among Civilisations in Dunhuang, where Vice-President Han Zheng and speakers from over 60 countries emphasised global cooperation, mutual respect and cultural exchange. At a parallel session, delegates from Britain and US youth organisations highlighted the grim realities young people face in the West—housing crises, job insecurity, and climate anxiety—and contrasted this with China’s continually-improving standards of living and its commitment to environmental protection.

The delegation also toured Dunhuang’s massive solar plant, as well as a smart energy grid in Jiayuguan. Delegates noted the extensive greenery across Chinese cities, witnessing firsthand China’s remarkable journey towards sustainability.

‘Red tourism’ in Yan’an and the site of the CPC’s first national congress in Shanghai underscored how far China has come. Callum writes:

In 1949, China was one of the poorest nations in the world, had a life expectancy in the 20s and 30s, had literacy rates barely above 10 per cent and suffered greatly under the boot of Western and Japanese colonialism.

As we saw during our delegation, China is today the world’s largest economic power; it has rid itself of its former subjugation, in the process laying the foundation of what a model country of the future looks like.

It is a country where every citizen is guaranteed the right to education and healthcare, where not one single person goes without a roof over their head, where humanity’s challenge against the threat of climate catastrophe is being solved. All this is only possible because of the success of the Chinese revolution and the continued commitment to constructing socialism.

Delegates left inspired, confident in the superiority of socialism, and ready to fight harder than ever for a better future at home.

This article first appeared in the Morning Star on 2 July 2025.

Delegates representing Friends of Socialist China from Britain and the US were invited by the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) for an 11-day educational exchange on the topics of building people-to-people relations between China and the rest of the world and building an ecological civilisation.

Fourth dialogue on exchanges and mutual learning among civilisations

Visiting Dunhuang in Gansu Province, delegates took part in the Fourth Dialogue on Exchanges and Mutual Learning Among Civilisations, an international conference which aimed at expanding China’s Global Civilisational Initiative, an organisation aiming to promote mutual respect among different civilisations.

The conference began with an opening address by Han Zheng, the Vice-President of the People’s Republic of China, followed by addresses from representatives of Laos, Nepal, Botswana and others, before the delegates from over 60 countries took part in meetings and cultural events. The speakers highlighted the need to respect, share and learn from each other’s varied cultures, acknowledging that cultural exchange and not cultural isolation enhances cultural value.

China at UN: The success of the Colombian peace process depends on rural reform

China has again reiterated its support for the peace process in Colombia and for the efforts of the progressive government of President Petro in that regard.

Speaking at a United Nations Security Council briefing held on 18 July, Ambassador Geng Shuang said that: “The Colombian peace process is a successful example of ending conflict and rebuilding peace through dialogue and negotiation. At present, as the Colombian peace process has entered uncharted waters, relevant parties should firm up resolve to overcome difficulties and steadfastly advance the peace process for the country’s stability and development… China supports President Petro’s decision to prioritise implementation of the peace agreement in the remainder of his term.”

However, he forcefully underlined – as China has previously stated – that the success of the peace process is highly dependent on expediting and deepening rural reform in the country:

“Comprehensive rural reform is a priority for implementing the peace agreement, as well as an important pillar for Colombia’s national development. At present, with the average implementation rate standing at only 30%, the rural reform progress is lagging. China encourages the Colombian government to increase resource allocation, strengthen coordination, accelerate rural reform and continuously unlock development dividends. China welcomes Colombia’s decision to host the Second International Conference on Agrarian Reform and Rural Development in February next year. China is ready to actively participate in the meeting and to share its experiences in poverty reduction and rural revitalisation, and support Colombia in agricultural and rural development.”

He added that: “Regarding the recent violent conflict in some regions, we support the Colombian government in strengthening security deployment, enhancing effective control over conflict-affected and remote areas, ensuring safety and security of the people, including former combatants, ethnic minorities, women, children and other vulnerable groups, and preventing the recurrence of such violent incidents.”

The following is the full text of Geng Shuang’s remarks. They were originally published on the website of China’s permanent mission to the United Nations.

President,

I thank SRSG Carlos Ruiz Massieu for his briefing. Over the past six years, under his leadership, the UN Verification Mission in Colombia has played an important role in supporting the Colombian peace process. China commends SRSG Massieu for his work, and looks forward to his even greater achievements in his new capacity as SRSG on Haiti.

I welcome Vice Foreign Minister Mauricio Jaramillo Jassir to today’s meeting, and congratulate Colombia on its election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2026-2027 term.

China’s progress proves socialism is the only viable political framework for saving the planet

The following article by Carlos Martinez argues that China’s remarkable progress in green energy and other aspects of environmental sustainability demonstrates that socialism is the only viable framework for addressing the global climate crisis.

In June 2025, China surpassed 1 terawatt (TW) of installed solar power—about 45 percent of the global total—while combined solar and wind capacity now exceeds coal, marking a pivotal shift and decisive progress towards the country’s goal of achieving net zero by 2060.

Carlos states that China’s successes stem from its socialist system: public ownership and central planning allow for the rapid implementation of large-scale environmental initiatives. “China’s economic system is structured in such a way that political and economic priorities are determined not by capital’s drive for constant expansion but by the needs and aspirations of the people.”

In contrast, capitalist countries continue subsidising fossil fuels and outsourcing emissions while pushing responsibility onto individuals. Decades of climate summits and treaties have failed to slow global emissions, and Green New Deal proposals in the West remain mostly rhetorical.

Carlos concludes that China’s example shows how socialism can provide the structural tools necessary to tackle climate change—offering both practical support for developing countries and political inspiration for those in the capitalist West.

It was reported in late June 2025 that China has reached a historic milestone in its energy transition: the country’s cumulative installed solar capacity has surpassed 1 terawatt (TW). This represents approximately 45 percent of the global total, and is several times higher than the figure for the US (177 gigawatts (GW)) and the European Union (269 GW).

According to the latest figures released by China’s National Energy Administration (NEA), the nation’s total installed capacity of wind and solar photovoltaic power has reached 1.5 TW, outstripping thermal power for the first time. This achievement solidifies China’s status as the world’s only renewable energy superpower, and reflects its firm commitment to phasing out its use of fossil fuels.

Ecological civilisation

This progress is a manifestation of China’s program of ecological civilisation, which promotes balanced and sustainable development directed towards the harmonious coexistence of humanity and nature, and which has led to China emerging as the undisputed global leader in renewable energy, biodiversity protection, forestation, pollution reduction and sustainable transport .

China’s strategy is based on an understanding that, in the words of President Xi Jinping, “humankind can no longer afford to ignore the repeated warnings of nature and go down the beaten path of extracting resources without investing in conservation, pursuing development at the expense of protection, and exploiting resources without restoration”.

Quebec Green Party promotes understanding and cooperation with China

Alex Tyrell, leader of the Parti Vert du Québec (Green Party of Quebec) in Canada paid a visit to China in late April on invitation. On June 9, he gave a detailed report back to a public webinar hosted by the Hamilton Coalition to Stop the War and endorsed by the Canada-Wide Peace and Justice Network.

The Quebec Green Party notes: “Tyrrell’s visit came amidst rising tensions between Canada and China, including unproven allegations of election interference, confrontational military posturing in the Taiwan Strait, and the passage of Canada’s Foreign Agents Registry Act, which Tyrrell described as ‘the modern Exclusion Act’ targeting Chinese Canadians. ‘This hysteria,’ he argued, ‘is building animosity towards China and preparing Canadians for conflict.’”

The party also noted that Tyrrell, who has led the PVQ since 2013, situated his visit within his party’s eco-socialist and anti-imperialist framework. “Canada has nothing to gain from provoking a war with China,” he said, adding that the PVQ supports diplomacy and cooperation over confrontation and sanctions. He sharply criticised the Green Party of Canada’s shift toward militarism. He also contrasted Canada’s aggressive posture with China’s record: “China hasn’t been involved in a military conflict for over 45 years,” he said, adding that its international development strategy – particularly in Africa – relies on shared infrastructure ownership, not regime change or military force.

Tyrrell’s trip spanned Beijing, Hangzhou, Ningbo, and Shanghai, including meetings with foreign ministry officials, artists, journalists, and students. While political conversations dominated his first days in Beijing, he also emphasised China’s extraordinary achievements in infrastructure and technology. Among the highlights here were:

Fully automated shipping ports in Ningbo.

Small affordable electric vehicles, some under $20,000.

Wide bike lanes and massive fleets of public-use electric bikes and scooters.

The world’s fastest commercial train – the Maglev – operating at 300 km/h.

Refrigerator tech that quadruples produce shelf life via vacuum-sealed drawers.

He praised these advancements as models for Canada’s green transition, particularly criticising Ottawa’s 100% tariffs on Chinese EVs and solar panels: “Canada is slowing down the energy transition for political reasons.”

Tyrrell did not shy away from addressing controversial topics but emphasised that many accusations – such as so-called “Chinese police stations” in Canada – are based on leaks rather than evidence. While refraining from taking a definitive stance on every issue, he expressed scepticism toward narratives pushed by Canadian media and intelligence agencies. He encouraged Canadians to question the double standards – particularly on genocide designations in Xinjiang versus Gaza. On Taiwan, he reiterated his party’s support for Canada’s official One China policy, warning that military provocations near the island could spark catastrophic conflict.

Asked what role the Green movement could play in improving Canada-China relations, Tyrrell drew a sharp contrast between his Quebec party and the federal Greens under Elizabeth May. “They’re echoing the politics of fear, militarism, and empire,” he said. “We need a complete 180 – and that includes replacing the current leadership… Right now, the Green Party of Canada is a huge embarrassment to the peace movement.”

Just prior to his visit, Tyrell was interviewed by prominent Canadian anti-imperialist Yves Engler on his Talking Foreign Policy podcast. He said that:

“The mainstream media has been continuously vilifying Chinese Canadians, the Chinese Communist Party, and the Chinese government. It’s important to push back on this anti-China narrative. Canada has gone from having a very pro-China policy to a very, very negative relationship with the People’s Republic of China.”

Tyrrell referenced his recent interview with Senator Yuen Pau Woo, who cautioned that the foreign agent registry law could have a chilling effect on Chinese Canadian political participation. Tyrrell called the bill “preoccupying” and noted that it “could potentially go as far as jailing people in Canada for participating in elections” due to vague language about associations with foreign entities.

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation prepares for Tianjin Summit

The Foreign Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) met in the Chinese city of Tianjin on July 15 to make preparations for the SCO Summit, which will be held in the same city on August 31-September 1, immediately prior to China’s celebration of the 80^th anniversary of victory in the war of resistance against Japanese aggression and the global anti-fascist war, scheduled for September 3.

As China currently holds the rotating presidency of the SCO, the meeting was chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and was attended by:

Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov
Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi
Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Murat Nurtleu
Kyrgyz Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeenbek Kulubaev
Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov
Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin
Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov
SCO Secretary-General Nurlan Yermekbayev; and
Director of the Executive Committee of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure Ularbek Sharsheev

Wang Yi said that over the past 24 years since its founding, under the strategic guidance of the leaders of member states, the SCO has maintained steady and positive growth, continuously expanded cooperation areas, consistently enhanced its international prestige, and increasingly highlighted its strategic value, becoming a reliable anchor for member states to maintain regional stability and achieve common development.

He noted that at present, profound changes unseen in a century unfold at a faster pace, with intertwined and overlapped turbulence and transformation. While a multipolar world and economic globalisation continue to deepen and the Global South stands out with a strong momentum, at the same time, hegemonism and power politics run counter to the tide of progress, the counter-current of protectionism surges, and regional conflicts keep flaring up. Under the new circumstances, member states need to adopt a responsible attitude toward history and the future and reach further consensus on strengthening the SCO.

Wang Yi put forward five proposals for the SCO’s future development:

Stay true to its founding mission and carry forward the Shanghai Spirit. Mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diversity of civilisations and pursuit of common development illustrate what a new type of international relations should be.

Share weal and woe and consolidate the foundation of security. China is deeply concerned about the situation in the Middle East. The use of force against Iran’s sovereignty and security is a clear violation of international law and undermines the international nuclear non-proliferation regime. Afghanistan is an important member of the SCO family. Efforts should be made to support Afghanistan’s reconstruction and development, and address both symptoms and root causes to realise lasting peace and stability.

Pursue mutual benefit and win-win results to drive the engine of development. Development is of paramount importance and holds the master key to all problems.

Champion good-neighbourliness and jointly build a beautiful home. Helping one’s neighbours is helping oneself.

Uphold the right path and defend fairness and justice. A certain country puts its own interests over the international public good, undermining the common interests of the international community. The SCO should take the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations (UN) as an opportunity to champion the common values of humanity, safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of member states, and work for a more just and equitable global governance system.

At a later press conference, Wang Yi announced that leaders from more than 20 countries and heads of 10 international organisations will attend the August 31-September 1 summit and related events. He added that the meeting made comprehensive preparations for the Tianjin Summit and signed multiple resolutions, including the draft Tianjin Declaration of the Council of Heads of State and the draft SCO Development Strategy for the Next Decade.

In the morning of July 15, prior to the Tianjin meeting, Chinese President Xi Jinping had a group meeting with the foreign ministers and heads of permanent bodies of the SCO at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Liu Jianchao meets old friends from Indonesia and Namibia

Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee (IDCPC), met with visiting former heads of state from Indonesia and Namibia on July 9 and 11 respectively.

On July 9, he met with Megawati Sukarnoputri, Head of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) and former Indonesian President, who is also a daughter of Indonesia’s founding president Sukarno.

Liu said, this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Indonesia. “Your father, President Sukarno, and the older generation of Chinese leaders were the founders of the friendly relations between China and Indonesia. You are also a witness and promoter of the deep friendship between China and Indonesia. We are here today to warmly welcome you and express our respect for the historic contributions made by you and President Sukarno to the development of China-Indonesia relations. The Bandung Conference successfully held under the promotion of the older generation of leaders of the two countries opened a new chapter of unity and cooperation among China, Indonesia and other developing countries.”

He added that the CPC and the PDI-P share similar development concepts and common goals. In today’s world fraught with turmoil and changes, profound changes unseen in a century are accelerating. The CPC is willing to establish a political dialogue mechanism with the PDI-P, deepen exchanges of experience in party building and state governance, explore ways to promote the development of their respective countries and improve global governance, jointly maintain peace and stability in Asia, promote regional development and prosperity, and expand the international voice of developing countries.

Megawati fondly recalled the friendly exchanges between her father, President Sukarno, and China, as well as her own friendly exchanges with the country, saying that every time she comes to China, it feels like coming to a “second home”. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Bandung Conference. Indonesia is willing to work with China to vigorously carry forward the Bandung Spirit, promote unity and cooperation among developing countries, and jointly address global risks and challenges such as financial stability, climate change, and food security. General Secretary Xi Jinping’s “two centenary goals” led China to the historic achievement of eradicating absolute poverty, effectively safeguarding and improving people’s livelihoods. The PDI-P values the deep friendship with the CPC and is willing to deepen exchanges between the two parties, learn from the CPC’s experiences in medium- and long-term national planning, rural revitalisation, youth development, and addressing population aging, and promote practical cooperation in relevant fields between the two countries to better benefit the two peoples.

On July 11, Liu met with Nangolo Mbumba, former President of Namibia.

Liu highly spoke of Mbumba’s long-term contributions to the development of China-Namibia and China-Africa relations. China-Africa unity represents the strengthening of the Global South and the forces of justice. China is willing to work with Namibia and other Global South countries to further strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation, promote people-to-people friendship, advance mutual learning among civilisations, enhance multilateral coordination, firmly uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core, safeguard each other’s legitimate rights and interests, and inject more positive energy into building a community with a shared future for humanity. The CPC and the SWAPO party of Namibia share similar political ideas and similar struggles, and both have contributed to the cause of human peace and development through their own practices.

China demands end to US blockade of Cuba, expands scientific collaboration

In the following article for Workers World, Andrew Johnson highlights the deepening solidarity between China and Cuba, rooted in the two countries’ shared socialist project and their opposition to imperialism. The article highlights China’s increasingly assertive international stance, enabled by decades of rapid state-led economic development, which has lifted hundreds of millions out of poverty and positioned China as an economic and technological powerhouse.

China has become Cuba’s largest trading partner and a vital ally as Cuba continues to endure the harsh effects of the decades-long US blockade, which has intensified since the Soviet Union’s collapse. The blockade, described by China’s Foreign Ministry as a “profound disaster” and a violation of international law, prevents Cuba from trading freely and punishes third-party countries for engaging economically with the island.

Demonstrating practical solidarity, China has donated solar panels to bolster Cuba’s energy grid and continues to expand scientific collaboration. A major development is the establishment of a joint biotech lab between the Cuban Center for Immunoassay and China’s Beijing Institute of Technology, focused on research into viruses like Covid-19 and influenza. In February 2025, the first Sino-Cuban biopharmaceutical company opened in Changzi, China, dedicated to producing advanced antibody medicines.

The article frames these moves as part of a broader resurgence of socialist internationalism, with Cuba joining BRICS as a partner state in 2023. The collaboration between the two nations poses a challenge to waning US hegemony and a step toward building a more multipolar world.

Andrew concludes:

China and Cuba both boast a history of scientific achievements, particularly in the biomedical field. Increased scientific cooperation between the two countries is proving to be a powerful basis for the two socialist countries to bilaterally strengthen their solidarity.

The People’s Republic of China (PRC) has a long history of supporting the global working class. This has recently included vital support for and cooperative projects with socialist Cuba that aid both countries’ people.

Wang Yi praises Malta’s ‘small country, big diplomacy’

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met in Beijing on 14 July with Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Ian Borg.

Ian Borg said that Malta and China enjoy traditional friendship and fruitful cooperation. Malta attaches great importance to its relations with China, always makes developing relations with China a diplomatic priority, firmly adheres to the one-China principle, and actively participates in Belt and Road cooperation. Malta is willing to continue playing an active role in promoting EU-China relations.

Malta and China have a long history of friendship, especially since the two countries established diplomatic relations on 31 January 1972, when Dom Mintoff of the Malta Labour Party was Prime Minister.

That friendship was reflected in a separate meeting the same day with Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee (IDCPC).

Liu stated that the CPC stands ready to maintain institutionalised exchanges with the Labour Party of Malta, strengthen political dialogue, and promote exchanges between think tanks, media outlets, and youth organisations, enhance mutual understanding and trust, and continuously consolidate the social and political foundations of China-Malta relations.

Borg said that he visited China for the first time in 2006 and witnessed the tremendous achievements China has made in economic and social development in recent years. In particular, under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, China has eliminated absolute poverty and realised many dreams. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malta and China, the bilateral relationship has maintained sound development. Malta firmly adheres to the one-China policy, supports and actively participates in the Belt and Road cooperation, and is willing to work with China to further tap the potential of bilateral relations and strengthen cooperation in economy, trade, ports, new energy vehicles, climate change, and tourism. Despite different sizes and social systems, Malta and China have similar views on many issues.

The Labour Party is willing to strengthen exchanges and dialogues with the CPC, promote youth exchanges, and pass on the friendship between Malta and China.

Borg paid an official visit to China, July 13-16.

A review of the historical significance of Malta-China friendship may be read here. The following articles were originally published on the websites of the Chinese Foreign Ministry and the IDCPC.

Wang Yi Holds Talks with Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Ian Borg

July 14 (MFA) — On July 14, 2025, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Ian Borg in Beijing.

Wang Yi noted that Malta, located at the strategic crossroads of Asia, Europe and Africa, has pursued “small country, big diplomacy”, playing a unique and positive role in safeguarding world peace and stability. China and Malta enjoy traditional friendship, with strong political mutual trust and profound public support. China cherishes its friendship with Malta and appreciates Malta’s long-standing commitment to making the development of relations with China a diplomatic priority. China is ready to maintain high-level political mutual trust, mutual respect, mutual understanding and mutual support with Malta, honor commitments on issues concerning each other’s core interests and major concerns, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in such areas as trade, investment, culture and tourism, science and education, and maintain sound communication and coordination in international affairs.

US Congressman claims young people’s rejection of Israeli war crimes is a Chinese plot

We are pleased to republish the following article by Alex Lo, which addresses one of the latest anti-China smears emanating from US political circles.

Democrat Congressman Jared Moskowitz says that China is following the ‘Nazi playbook’ by using TikTok to ‘brainwash’ American youth. Alex Lo writes:

“China has been accused of doing many nefarious things in the United States, but deliberately spreading anti-semitism?

“That’s the claim made by Democrat Congressman Jared Moskowitz in an official hearing. You have to admit facts-free China criticism in the US gets more inventive by the day.”

Moskowitz said: “This is not going well for Jews right now, and it isn’t getting better. We have not yet peaked… We are losing the youth of this country. We are losing them on TikTok, which is owned by a foreign country… The Chinese plan is to get us angry and divisive. And the Chinese plan is to start with the easiest plan possible, and that is us.”

Alex’s retort is clear and to the point: “There is a simple reason why many American youth are becoming critical of Israel – they read the news.”

Writing on July 6, he cites a number of reports published since the start of June including:

“Israeli air strike kills Gaza hospital director along with his family – Israeli attacks have killed 70 healthcare workers over the past 50 days.”

“Israeli forces kill 112 Palestinians in Gaza over 24 hours – At least 16 were reported killed while seeking aid.”

“Israel has demolished 1,000 Palestinian homes in West Bank camps since January”.

Others he cites were reported by Associated Press, the Financial Times and the Israeli newspaper Haaretz. He concludes:

“Anti-semitism has been a scourge responsible for some of the worst horrors in history and remains a problem today. But by committing genocide, Israel is making itself a pariah state.”

Alex Lo is a regular columnist for Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post since 2012. A journalist for 25 years, he has worked for various publications in Hong Kong and Toronto, Canada, as a news reporter and editor. He has also lectured in journalism at the University of Hong Kong.

The article was originally published in the South China Morning Post and is reproduced with the kind permission of the author.

China has been accused of doing many nefarious things in the United States, but deliberately spreading antisemitism?

That’s the claim made by Democrat Congressman Jared Moskowitz in an official hearing. You have to admit facts-free China criticism in the US gets more inventive by the day.

Beijing has been criticised for allowing antisemitic content without online censorship within China, and TikTok has been accused – the big reason it faces being banned – of platforming antisemitic criticism of Israel in the US. But equating the two explicitly is pretty new.

“This is not going well for Jews right now, and it isn’t getting better. We have not yet peaked,” Moskowitz said.

“We are losing the youth of this country. We are losing them on TikTok, which is owned by a foreign country that the president has now extended beyond what the law has allowed.”

He was referring to Donald Trump’s repeated extension of the deadline for a total ban or a forced sale of TikTok required by US law.

Moskowitz continues: “I don’t want TikTok to go away but I want it to get out of the hands of the Chinese. They are doing the Nazi playbook. They are dividing us. They are funding. They don’t need to do it with B2 bombers.

“That’s not what the Chinese plan is. The Chinese plan is to get us fighting among ourselves. The Chinese plan is to get us angry and divisive. And the Chinese plan is to start with the easiest plan possible, and that is us. Until we stop this ‘who did what to who’ stuff, we are not going to solve this.

“Jews are losing their usual allies. Those allies that we’ve had for decades and decades, groups that Jews have stood up for, we are losing them by the moment, especially among young people.

“This [congressional] hearing ain’t gonna fix s***. This is a virus that is spreading; until we are serious about what’s going on online and the brainwashing of our kids, this is going to get worse and more people are going to die in this country.”

There is a simple reason why many American youth are becoming critical of Israel – they read the news. Here are some reports since the start of June:

“Israeli air strike kills Gaza hospital director along with his family – Israeli attacks have killed 70 healthcare workers over the past 50 days.”

“Israeli forces kill 112 Palestinians in Gaza over 24 hours – At least 16 were reported killed while seeking aid.”

“Israel has demolished 1,000 Palestinian homes in West Bank camps since January”.

“UN report accuses global corporations of profiting from Gaza genocide.”

“Gazans survive among unexploded bombs – ‘Uninhabitable’ according to the US government, the Gaza Strip is strewn with undetonated explosives.”

“Hundreds of Palestinian families flee West Bank camp ahead of Israeli demolition orders.”

“West Bank town becomes ‘big prison’ as Israel fences it in”.

This one is from Haaretz, a leading liberal Israeli newspaper, so it’s not fake news: “‘It’s a killing field’: IDF aoldiers ordered to shoot deliberately at unarmed Gazans waiting for humanitarian aid.”

This one is from the Associated Press, so it’s not fake news either: “US contractors say their colleagues are firing live ammo as Palestinians seek food in Gaza”.

This news summary is from +972, an Israeli online news magazine: “Near-daily Israeli massacres at food distribution sites have killed over 400 Palestinians in the past month alone. Survivors describe stepping over corpses to get their hands on a bag of flour: ‘What choice do we have?’”

This is an investigative report by the Financial Times about a leading global firm, Boston Consulting Group: “BCG modelled plan to ‘relocate’ Palestinians from Gaza – Consulting firm had multimillion-dollar role in contentious new aid scheme for shattered enclave”.

Antisemitism has been a scourge responsible for some of the worst horrors in history and remains a problem today. But by committing genocide, Israel is making itself a pariah state.

Wang Yi pursues regional cooperation and friendship in Kuala Lumpur

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended the China-ASEAN [Association of South East Asian Nations] Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the ASEAN Plus Three Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and the ASEAN Regional Forum Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from July 10-11.

The China-ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was held on July 10. Wang Yi said that China and ASEAN share similar visions for development, common demands, and converging interests. China regards ASEAN as a priority in its neighbourhood diplomacy and a pioneer area for building a community with a shared future for humanity. The two sides should support each other and help each other succeed in advancing the modernisation process of Asia.

He briefed on the achievements of China-ASEAN cooperation and put forward four suggestions:

To act as a model in defending international fairness and justice. The two sides should firmly uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order underpinned by international law.

To act as a model for safeguarding regional peace and stability. In the turbulent world today, peace and stability in the region are particularly precious and must be firmly protected. No geopolitical conflicts or bloc confrontations should be allowed to infiltrate the Asian home. China is willing to take the lead in signing the Protocol to the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone. The South China Sea is a shared home for countries in the region, not an arena for major power rivalry. China is ready to work with ASEAN countries to expand cooperation in areas such as marine environmental protection, navigation safety, maritime law enforcement, and key marine infrastructure, and jointly foster a new narrative of cooperation, stability, and friendship in the South China Sea. The two sides should fully implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, advance consultations on a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC), and always keep the initiative on the South China Sea issue in the hands of regional countries.

To set an example of conducting mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation. China is ready to work with ASEAN to jointly build the Version 3.0 China-ASEAN Free Trade Area, promote high-quality implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and create a high-level free trade network. China will continue to take the high-quality Belt and Road cooperation as the main platform to strengthen connectivity and cooperation in industrial and supply chains with ASEAN, and create highlights of cooperation in artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and clean energy.

To set an example for promoting inclusiveness and mutual learning. China is willing to work with ASEAN countries to continue advocating for dialogue, exchanges and mutual learning among different civilisations, and jointly build an Asian family that promotes harmony, inclusiveness, and respect for differences.

Attending the ASEAN Plus China, Japan, Republic of Korea (ROK) (ASEAN Plus Three – APT) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Wang Yi noted that since the establishment of the APT cooperation mechanism, all parties have continuously strengthened their crisis response capabilities, advanced the process of regional economic integration, and fostered new drivers for development through joint efforts. Cooperation in various areas has yielded fruitful results, helping East Asia become the most dynamic region in the world.

The focus on development and commitment to cooperation is the general trend and mainstream, though challenges persist, including the impact of unilateralism and protectionism, and the abuse of tariffs by a certain major country. The more complex the situation, the more the APT cooperation should stay undisturbed, work in solidarity, and keep strengthening the momentum for cooperation, enhancing development resilience, and continuously advancing the process of regional integration to make the shared home a better place.

At the 32nd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Wang Yi noted that security is closely connected with development. The rapid development of the Asia-Pacific benefited from a generally peaceful and stable regional environment, which should be cherished all the more.

Wang Yi stated that the world today has entered a period of turbulence and transformation. To ensure the stability and development of the Asia-Pacific and to enable the ARF to continue playing its due role, China proposes the following: uphold the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security; work to build a balanced, effective and sustainable regional security architecture; actively build a model of security for Asia that features sharing weal and woe, seeking common ground while shelving differences, and prioritising dialogue and consultation; and blaze a new path toward security that features dialogue over confrontation, partnership over alliance, and win-win results over zero-sum game.

There is no such thing as “absolute security” in the world, and no one’s security is superior to that of others. Creating division and confrontation through a zero-sum mindset runs counter to the goal of maintaining security. It is essential to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, uphold peaceful settlement of disputes, oppose the threat or use of force, and address both symptoms and root causes to eliminate the sources of conflict and war. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Bandung Conference. It is important to draw wisdom from the Bandung Spirit, seek common ground while overcoming differences, and take seriously and accommodate the legitimate security concerns of all parties.

At the 15th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Wang Yi stressed the need for a return to dialogue. He said the original intention of the Summit is to carry out constructive dialogue and enhance strategic mutual trust. However, certain countries outside the region have deviated from this track in recent years, frequently using the Summit platform to hype up differences, attack other countries, and interfere in internal affairs. Wang Yi expressed the hope that all parties can respect each other, communicate in good faith, and focus on increasing understanding and cooperation.

China supports the ASEAN-centred regional cooperation architecture, firmly upholds the multilateral trading system, builds a high-level regional free trade network, and promotes regional integration. China opposes bringing Cold War mentality and bloc confrontation into the region and rejects attempts to create competing structures or exclusive “small circles”.

Wang Yi emphasised that the root cause of tensions in the Taiwan Strait lies in the increasingly rampant separatist activities of ”Taiwan independence” and the connivance and support by external forces. Some claim to safeguard peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, but if they truly care about peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, they must resolutely stop the “Taiwan independence” forces from expanding. Some say that the status quo of the Taiwan Strait should not be changed, but the fact that Taiwan and the mainland both belong to one and the same China is the fundamental status quo of the Taiwan Strait. He expressed the hope that all countries will continue to unequivocally uphold the one-China principle, oppose any form of “Taiwan independence”, and support China’s reunification.

Wang Yi also held a number of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the above meetings.

On July 11, he met with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya.

Anwar Ibrahim asked Wang Yi to convey his cordial greetings to President Xi Jinping, stating that China is a trustworthy friend and partner of Malaysia. President Xi Jinping’s successful visit this year is a significant event in the history of Malaysia-China relations. President Xi Jinping’s care and thoughts about the future and destiny of the world have earned the heartfelt respect of the Malaysian government and people.

Wang Yi said that the tide of history always moves forward, and the rise of the Global South is unstoppable. As developing countries, emerging economies, and key representatives of the Global South, China and Malaysia should join hands to address challenges and seek development and revitalisation. The United States’ unilateral imposition of high tariffs is irresponsible and unpopular. China will always stand with the vast number of developing countries.

In a separate meeting with Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan, Wang Yi said that the two sides should work together to deliver on the important common understandings reached between the leaders of the two countries, put into practice the Belt and Road cooperation plan, strengthen cooperation on economy, trade, investment and connectivity, advance key projects such as the East Coast Rail Link and the “Two Countries, Twin Parks”, deepen cooperation in frontier areas, seize the opportunities of the new industrial revolution, and jointly build a regional highland for cooperation on new quality productive forces. The two sides should continue to successfully hold the “Confucian-Islamic Civilisational Dialogue” and ensure the implementation of the mutual visa exemption agreement that will soon come into effect to strengthen people-to-people exchanges and consolidate the public foundation.

The United States has imposed high tariffs on ASEAN countries simply based on a single letter, which is a typical act of unilateralism and bullying that no country would recognise or support. China’s resolute countermeasures are not only to safeguard its own interests, but also to defend the common interests of all countries, including ASEAN member states. China is ready to strengthen cooperation with ASEAN to jointly uphold the multilateral trading system, keep global industrial and supply chains stable, and promote a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation.

Mohamad Hasan said that under the current circumstances, it is clear who is a true friend. In the face of tariffs and other issues, Malaysia will not just consider its own interests, nor will it sacrifice the interests of third parties, as that is not the ASEAN way.

Meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Wang Yi said that in May this year, President Xi Jinping paid a successful visit to Russia and attended the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War of the Soviet Union, commemorating history together with the peace-loving people of all countries and opening up the future. Last month, the two heads of state had a phone call, jointly sending a strong voice of China and Russia on international and regional hotspot issues. China is ready to work with Russia to fully implement the common understandings reached between the two heads of state, continuously elevate the level of China-Russia strategic coordination, safeguard the security and development interests of both countries, and support each other’s development and rejuvenation.

Sergei Lavrov, on behalf of Russia, extended congratulations on the 104th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC). The two countries should remain vigilant against attempts by a certain major power to sow division and provoke confrontation in the region. Russia will fully support China in assuming the rotating presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, jointly prepare for the next phase of high-level exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and strengthen communication and coordination within frameworks such as BRICS.

Wang Yi thanked Russia for its congratulations on the 104th anniversary of the founding of the CPC, saying that this reflects the traditional friendship between the two sides. The CPC has more than 100 million members, making it the world’s largest political party and demonstrating an ever-growing vitality and vigor. As General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out, dedicated to the great long-term cause of the Chinese nation, the CPC at its centenary is right in its prime.

Meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Viet Nam Bui Thanh Son, Wang Yi said that in April this year, General Secretary and President Xi Jinping paid a successful state visit to Viet Nam, during which the top leaders of the two Parties and the two countries made strategic plans to deepen the China-Viet Nam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. At present, bilateral cooperation in various fields continues to expand, connectivity development is being advanced across the board, and people-to-people exchanges are delivering numerous highlights.

China welcomes Viet Nam to become a BRICS partner country and supports Viet Nam in joining the big family of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation at an early date to jointly uphold true multilateralism and safeguard international fairness and justice. China always opposes economic and trade bullying as well as tariff coercion, and advocates for resolving economic, trade and tariff issues through equal-footed dialogue. China stands ready to work with Viet Nam to jointly uphold multilateral trade rules and systems and safeguard the legitimate interests of all countries through solidarity and self-reliance.

Meeting with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn, Wang Yi said that the China-Cambodia friendship has withstood the tests of international changes and remains rock-solid. In April this year, President Xi Jinping paid a historic visit to Cambodia, which was of milestone significance. The two leaders jointly announced the building of an all-weather China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era, and both sides have once again taken the lead in building a community with a shared future for humanity. Facing the volatile and turbulent international situation, China is ready to be a trustworthy friend and partner of Cambodia.

He stressed that the United States imposing high tariffs on Cambodia and other Southeast Asian countries is an attempt to deprive all parties of their legitimate rights to development. He expressed confidence that Southeast Asian countries are capable of coping with the complex situation, upholding principled positions, and safeguarding their own interests as well as the common interests of all parties.

Prak Sokhonn said that China is Cambodia’s most reliable friend. President Xi Jinping’s visit to Cambodia this year was very successful, and both sides decided to build an all-weather Cambodia-China community with a shared future in the new era. He expressed gratitude for China’s selfless assistance in Cambodia’s economic and social development and the willingness to follow through on the common understandings reached between the leaders of the two countries, and to deepen pragmatic cooperation in trade, infrastructure and other fields. He thanked China for giving zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines from Cambodia, calling it an act of friendship and brotherhood and a great help to Cambodia, which stands in stark contrast to the 36 percent tariff imposed by the United States on Cambodia. Cambodia is willing to resolve differences with the United States through negotiations but will neither abandon its principles and interests nor sacrifice the interests of third parties.

Wang Yi listened to Prak Sokhonn’s briefing on the situation at the Cambodia-Thailand border. He said that although Cambodia and Thailand hold different positions, both sides are willing to manage the situation and ease tensions. Noting that Cambodia and Thailand are neighbours that cannot be moved away, Wang Yi expressed the belief that both sides will surely uphold the spirit of valuing the primacy of peace and forging friendships with neighbours to properly handle the issue. China will maintain an impartial, fair and just stance, respond to the needs of the parties concerned, and play a constructive role in this regard.

Meeting with Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, Wang Yi called on the two sides to accelerate the construction of the China-Thailand Railway and give play to the demonstration effect of major projects to promote the implementation of the vision of interconnected development of China, Laos and Thailand. He said that the abuse of tariffs by the United States undermines the free trade system and disrupts the stability of the global industrial and supply chains. He expressed the belief that Thailand and other ASEAN countries will safeguard their respective legitimate interests, resist unilateralism, power politics and bullying acts, deepen the building of a community with a shared future among Lancang-Mekong countries, and promote the sound development of East Asian cooperation.

Wang Yi emphasised that both Thailand and Cambodia are China’s good neighbours and good friends. Regarding the border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, China hopes that both sides will act in goodwill towards each other and properly resolve the issue through friendly dialogue and consultation, so as to deescalate the situation and restore stability at an early date. China will uphold an objective and impartial stance and play a constructive role in promoting harmonious coexistence between Thailand and Cambodia.

Maris Sangiampongsa said that China is a reliable friend of Thailand. Over the past 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two sides have maintained mutual trust and respected each other’s core interests. Thailand and China continue to be as close as one family, and new results have been achieved constantly in the building of a Thailand-China community with a shared future.

Meeting with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, Wang Yi said that China and Sri Lanka enjoy a traditional friendship. In January this year, President Xi Jinping held fruitful talks with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, during which they reached important common understandings on deepening the China-Sri Lanka strategic cooperative partnership and jointly building a China-Sri Lanka community with a shared future, charting the course and providing guidance for the development of China-Sri Lanka relations. China is ready to work with Sri Lanka to promote the development of the strategic cooperative partnership featuring sincere mutual assistance and ever-lasting friendship between the two countries.

The two sides should deepen high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and practical cooperation in various fields. Both sides should jointly implement the two flagship projects for the comprehensive development of Colombo Port City and Hambantota Port, accelerate the negotiations on the China-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement, and create new growth drivers for cooperation in areas such as green energy, digital economy, modern agriculture and marine economy. China-Sri Lanka maritime cooperation is mutually beneficial and win-win. It does not target any third party and should not be disrupted by any third party.

A nuclear free world is the answer to the war drive against China – Sophie Bolt

In the below article, which was originally published by China Daily on June 27, Sophie Bolt, the General Secretary of Britain’s Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND), reports on the mood of the June 21-22 Hague summit, held to counter the 77th annual meeting of NATO, in which peace campaigners from over 17 countries participated.

Sophie notes that: “The NATO summit endorsed a higher defence spending of five percent of GDP in response to a demand made by US President Donald Trump. It is clear that all Trump is interested in is securing funding for his global war. As the largest security alliance in the world, NATO’s military spending amounted to $1,506 billion last year, which was 55 percent of the global military expenditure, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.”

Some key European members of NATO, including Britain, are recklessly whipping up international tensions to justify these huge spending hikes. The British government’s newly published Strategic Defence Review asserts a “landmark shift” in the UK’s nuclear weapons use and Britain has also reasserted its role within the trilateral AUKUS treaty with the US and Australia, pledging the construction of nuclear-powered submarines to be “shared” with non-nuclear weapons state Australia, which will only further increase tensions in the Asia Pacific.

According to Sophie: “Successive NATO Strategic Concepts characterise China as a strategic competitor and a threat to NATO’s interests, security and values. In short, European NATO states must pay for Trump’s global war drive against China… On the one hand, we face a future Europe bristling with even more nuclear weapons and the constant threat of nuclear confrontation with Russia. On the other hand, we see a global confrontation led by the US against China, which also risks nuclear conflict.”

Outlining the fightback, Sophie notes that: “Protests at US bases like RAF Lakenheath are growing in frequency, size and intensity. In April, hundreds of people from across the country, the US, Japan, the Republic of Korea and Europe took part in a debate and nonviolent protest at the base… The counter-summit in The Hague reflected this international solidarity and reasserted the need to build a nuclear-free world based on peace and global cooperation.”

Although it was billed as a demonstration against NATO’s “warmongering” and its huge military spending drive, the swelling opposition to Israel’s ongoing military operations in the Gaza Strip and to the bombing of Iran by Israel and the United States was clearly palpable.

A summit to counter the 77th annual meeting of NATO, a 32-nation security alliance, was held on Saturday and Sunday in The Hague, in which people from over 17 countries participated.

The NATO summit endorsed a higher defense spending of 5 percent of GDP in response to a demand made by US President Donald Trump. It is clear that all Trump is interested in is securing funding for his global war.

As the largest security alliance in the world, NATO’s military spending amounted to $1,506 billion last year, which was 55 percent of the global military expenditure, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

Some European countries and key NATO members, like the United Kingdom, are recklessly whipping up international tensions to justify these huge spending hikes.

Over 800 billion euros ($928 billion) has reportedly been secured for a massive European rearmament program. New US B61-12″tactical” nuclear bombs — designed for use on the battlefield — are reported to be already forward-deployed to NATO bases across Europe.

Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron’s nuclear deterrent proposal for Europe risks the deployment of Rafale jets armed with nuclear weapons in Poland — on Russia’s border.

UK’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer has put a NATO-first defense policy at the heart of his government’s political program.

The newly published Strategic Defence Review asserts a “landmark shift” in the UK’s nuclear weapons use “to war-fighting readiness to deter threats and strengthen security in the Euro Atlantic area”.

The UK reasserts its role within the trilateral AUKUS treaty with the US and Australia, pledging the construction of nuclear-powered submarines to be “shared” with nonnuclear weapons state Australia, which will only further increase tensions in the Asia Pacific.

The review also recommends “enhanced UK participation in NATO’s nuclear mission”. This reflects talks between Starmer and Trump regarding Britain’s purchase of nuclear-capable F-35A fighter jets, designed to launch the US B61-12 nuclear bombs. This increases the likelihood of these bombs being stationed at RAF Lakenheath in the UK, and also opens up the possibility of other US bases being upgraded.

While countries such as France and Germany have been trying to present the war drive as an alternative to Trump’s militarism, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has made absolutely clear this is all about ensuring that US plans to shift toward Asia are “coordinated with European allies”. Successive NATO Strategic Concepts characterize China as a strategic competitor and a threat to NATO’s interests, security and values. In short, European NATO states must pay for Trump’s global war drive against China.

For those who participated in the debates at the counter-summit in The Hague over the weekend, there is great fear and outrage over the prospects of a possible nuclear war.

On the one hand, we face a future Europe bristling with even more nuclear weapons and the constant threat of nuclear confrontation with Russia. On the other hand, we see a global confrontation led by the US against China, which also risks nuclear conflict.

And Trump’s bombing of Iran indicates how dangerous the world can be under his leadership.

In response, there is an acceleration in the opposition to this disastrous direction. Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets of Rome, Italy and the UK. It is estimated that some 300,000 took part in demonstrations — almost all supporting Palestine and voicing their concerns over strikes on Iran.

Alongside this growing opposition to the austerity accompanying militarism, there is also a rising opposition to Britain’s so-called special relationship with the US.

Polling shows an increasing opposition to US nuclear weapons being based in Britain — now at 61 percent of the population.

People rightly see the UK’s military alliance with the US as deeply dangerous that risks drawing us into more wars. At a time of heightened nuclear threats, stationing US nuclear weapons in Britain puts us all on the nuclear frontline.

There is also huge anger at the undemocratic nature of hosting US bases. There has been no debate in the British Parliament on whether the UK should host these nuclear bombs and absolutely no consultation with residents, who will be at immediate risk if there is a nuclear attack or nuclear accident.

Protests at US bases like RAF Lakenheath are growing in frequency, size and intensity. In April, hundreds of people from across the country, the US, Japan, the Republic of Korea and Europe took part in a debate and nonviolent protest at the base.

Certainly, the counter-summit in The Hague reflected this international solidarity and reasserted the need to build a nuclear-free world based on peace and global cooperation.

High-level delegation of Chinese Marxists visits London

On 15 July 2025, Friends of Socialist China, in collaboration with the International Manifesto Group and the Communist Party of Britain, hosted a round-table discussion with a delegation from the Academy of Marxism at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) at London’s Marx Memorial Library.

Introducing the discussion, Friends of Socialist China co-editor Carlos Martinez noted that the Academy of Marxism is the leading Marxist think tank in China, and that it plays an important role in developing the ideological principles underpinning policymaking in China. He emphasised the importance of engaging with Chinese Marxists, who are making some of the most important contributions to the development of Marxism in the 21st century. Carlos also highlighted the need for people-to-people ties, at a time when Western governments are pursuing policies of containment, encirclement, decoupling and New Cold War.

The five delegates from CASS were led by Professor Chen Zhigang, Vice President of the Academy of Marxism, who gave a detailed presentation on the development of Chinese Marxism, stating that it’s because of Marxism that China has been able to achieve remarkable successes. Chen discussed the meaning and relevance of Xi Jinping Thought, as the latest development of Marxism in China; a Marxism adapted to the conditions prevailing in the 21st century and the array of new challenges that present themselves.

Professor Chen pointed to what should be a well-understood and obvious truth: that as society develops, theory must develop along with it. “If Marxism does not evolve, its vitality will be limited”. He also noted that Socialism with Chinese Characteristics has thrived by combining Marxist ideas with Chinese culture and traditions, hence Chinese people do not think of Marxism as a foreign phenomenon.

Regarding the global applicability of Xi Jinping Thought, Chen said that China seeks to offer Chinese wisdom towards the solution of problems of global governance. The concept of a Global Community of Shared Future, the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Civilisation Initiative and the Global Security Initiative are all based on the principles of mutual learning, exchanges and dialogue, and all seek to promote peace, sustainability, development, cooperation and friendship.

The discussion then opened up to the 20 British participants. There was a rich and lively exchange of ideas, with contributions on topics including how to cultivate a new generation of Marxist thinkers; the need to overcome dollar hegemony; the significance of the concept of Common Prosperity; the relevance of China’s development model for the Global South; China’s foreign policy; the need to develop a more profound understanding of Chinese socialism in the West; and the reasons why socialist revolution has succeeded first in relatively underdeveloped countries rather than the advanced capitalist countries of Western Europe and North America.

Following the discussion, the CASS delegation was given a tour of the Marx Memorial Library, after which the delegates joined the British comrades for a dinner at Hiba Palestinian restaurant in London.

The following is a short report by Bhabani Shankar Nayak, who participated in the discussion.

An Evening with Chinese Comrades in London

As dusk settled over the cloudy British sky above London, summer humidity lingered in the air, clinging to the busy streets and concrete jungle of a decadent city shaped by colonial legacies, capitalist wealth and imperialist power. A few drops of rain brought a sense of calm to a mind otherwise clouded by the busyness of the day. Comrades gathered to reflect on developments in China, aiming to demystify the anti-Chinese propaganda that seeks to undermine the revolutionary achievements of the Chinese people and to expose the hypocrisy of Western capitalist development models, which prioritise profit over people.

The media trials and various forms of anti-Chinese propaganda reveal the racist, colonial, capitalist and imperialist character of American, British and European capitalism and their ruling elites. They prefer to see China as merely the world’s factory and the Chinese people as passive workers, incapable of developing revolutionary consciousness for their own emancipation. As a result, Western media and its backers promote fraudulent and illiberal visions of democracy, wrapped in the illusion of individual freedom and the delirium of the American Dream. In contrast, the Chinese system promotes a form of decentralised working-class democracy that guides China’s unique path of democratic, socialist and peaceful development. At the heart of this system—led by the Communist Party of China—is the pursuit of human emancipation from poverty, hunger, homelessness, illiteracy, unemployment, insecurity, and everyday risks.

On 15th of July 2025, Friends of Socialist China in the UK, led by Comrade Carlos Martinez and Comrade Keith Bennett, organised a roundtable at the Marx Memorial Library in London. The event brought together comrades, researchers, and professors from the Institute of Marxism at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS)—a research institution established by the Communist Party of China (CPC) in 2005. Comrade Professor Chen Zhigang, Vice President of the Institute, led the discussion, offering valuable insights into the workings of the CPC and its role in China’s development. He addressed the challenges facing rural development in China and elaborated on the concept of socialism with Chinese characteristics, the guiding principles of Xi Jinping thoughts, and its fundamental opposition to the Western model of globalisation and imperialist agendas. Professor Chen advocated for a model of inclusive globalisation that benefits all nations.

Throughout the discussion, he reiterated China’s commitment to building an ecological civilisation grounded in world peace and inclusive development. Comrade Han Dongjun translated Professor Chen’s remarks, while comrades Liu Yan, Fang Tao, and Zhuo Mingliang highlighted various achievements of China under the leadership of the CPC.

During the roundtable, comrades from the UK posed a range of ideological questions on various issues, which were thoughtfully addressed by the delegates from CASS. The discussion concluded with a shared commitment to developing and coordinating a new generation of Marxist thinkers, intellectuals, and organisations dedicated to the empowerment and emancipation of working people around the world. It was agreed that more such exchanges should be organised to help the Western left gain a deeper understanding of Chinese socialism and its revolutionary praxis.

The roundtable concluded at the Hiba Restaurant in Holborn, where the Chinese comrades shared their revolutionary praxis in a relaxed social setting over generous portions of Palestinian and Lebanese food, accompanied by Gaza Cola drinks, real ales, and a few bottles of white and red wine. The Chinese comrades represented a range of age groups and held various political and professional positions within their organisational hierarchy. Yet, there was absolutely no observable power distance among them. They interacted with one another as equals—with warmth, confidence, and camaraderie—sharing food and conversation as comrades and friends. This experience laid bare the hollowness of Hofstede’s cultural dimensions, which are widely taught in universities around the world. These frameworks are not only flawed but stem from a supercilious, Eurocentric misreading of Chinese society, politics, and culture. The revolutionary praxis of the Communist Party of China has transformed a historically feudal, unequal and poverty ridden society into one that is modern, progressive, prosperous, and fundamentally egalitarian.

This revolutionary praxis has enabled China to emerge as a bankable state for the working poor in both rural and urban areas, while offering emancipatory hope to working people around the world. From toys to supercomputers, from agricultural science to space technology, from needles to iPhones, and from modern medicine to traditional and alternative health practices, China’s development demonstrates that there is a viable alternative to capitalism, imperialism, and their hegemonic control over people and the planet. Yet, imperialist powers and their capitalist regimes remain determined and working actively every day to undermine China, its people, and their revolutionary achievements.

As the evening came to an end and we prepared to leave Hiba Restaurant, Comrade Professor Chen and Comrade Zhuo Mingliang warmly wished, “Goodbye, comrade,” followed by the words, “Long live Indo-China friendship.” This self-reflective, harmonious and memorable evening with Chinese comrades in London renewed the collective commitment to the revolutionary and emancipatory politics of the working class—and to the belief in its potential to offer a genuine alternative to racialised capitalism and its warmongering, imperialist hegemony, which undermine peace and disempower people. In contrast, China stands as a model of peaceful and progressive development, dedicated to the empowerment and emancipation of working people.

Vietnam to honour China and other traditional friends on 80th national day

Vietnam’s National Defence Ministry has invited the military of five countries – Russia China, Laos, Cambodia, and Belarus – to join the parade in the ceremony marking the 80^th August Revolution Day and the 80^th National Day, to be held on September 2 in the capital Hanoi.

The ministry has also sent invitations to defence ministers of eight countries – Russia, China, Laos, Cambodia, Cuba, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan – to attend the ceremony, according to Deputy Minister, Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien.

The Vietnam News Service reported on July 10 that the invitation of military units to participate in the parade is a gesture of friendship, solidarity and the close bonds between the people and army of Vietnam and their traditional allies and further noted that on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30 2025), the defence ministries of China, Laos and Cambodia sent military personnel to take part in the parade held in Ho Chi Minh City. This was the first time for Vietnam to invite foreign troops to participate in a national military parade.

Also on July 10, the defence ministry held a meeting with relevant bodies to expedite the construction of a monument dedicated to the soldiers from foreign countries who supported Vietnam during its resistance wars, to be located at the Vietnam Military History Museum.

The memorial complex will include a general symbol commemorating the support and sacrifices of foreign military experts, made of bronze and designed by Vietnam, as well as separate monuments honouring military experts from the Soviet Union/Russia, China, Laos, Cambodia and Cuba, also made of bronze, that will be either designed and constructed by the respective countries or by Vietnam upon request, and a greenstone relief designed and built by Vietnam.

The following article was originally published in Vietnam News.

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam’s National Defence Ministry has invited the military of five countries – Russia, China, Laos, Cambodia, and Belarus – to join the parade in the ceremony marking the 80th August Revolution Day and National Day on September 2 in Hà Nội.

The ministry has also sent invitations to defence ministers of eight countries of Russia, China, Laos, Cambodia, Cuba, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan to attend the ceremony, according to Deputy Minister, Senior Lieutenant General Hoàng Xuân Chiến.

So far, Cuba has responded to the invitation, confirming that the Minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Cuba will attend the ceremony.

Laos and Cambodia have also expressed their support for the initiative to send military forces to participate in the parade at the celebration, as per Việt Nam’s invitation.

The invitation of military units to participate in the parade is a gesture of friendship, solidarity and close bonds between the people and army of Việt Nam and its traditional allies.

The move also reaffirms Việt Nam’s foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification and multilateralism — being a reliable partner and friend to all nations.

Previously, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 2025), the defence ministries of China, Laos and Cambodia sent military personnel to take part in Việt Nam’s military parade.

On the same day, the defence ministry held a meeting with agencies and units to implement the construction of a monument dedicated to the soldiers from foreign countries who supported Việt Nam during its resistance wars, to be located at the Việt Nam Military History Museum.

This commemorative project carries great significance, paying tribute to foreign military experts and soldiers who assisted Việt Nam in its wars of national liberation.

The memorial complex will include a general symbol commemorating the support and sacrifices of foreign military experts, made of bronze and designed by Việt Nam; separate monuments honouring military experts from the Soviet Union/Russia, China, Laos, Cambodia and Cuba, also made of bronze that will be either designed and constructed by the respective countries or by Việt Nam upon request; and a greenstone relief designed and built by Việt Nam.

The area surrounding the monument will be landscaped with trees and grass lawns.

Chiến has instructed that construction progress be expedited. The first group of statues must be completed before August 15, while the entrance and central exhibition area should be finished by August 10.

Interview: Lessons from China

The video below features a discussion between KJ Noh and Carlos Martinez, originally aired on BreakThrough News on 9 July 2025, about China’s development and its role in the world.

KJ and Carlos discuss the recent Friends of Socialist China delegation to China; the US and China’s contrasting visions for the world (‘clash of civilisations’ vs the Global Civilisation Initiative); living standards in China and the West; increasing poverty, repression, racism and xenophobia in Britain and the US; the reasons for US hostility towards China; China’s world-historic successes in tackling extreme poverty and building renewable energy and advanced infrastructure; the relationship between capital and political power in China and the West; and the relationship between the US-Israeli criminal war on Iran and the ongoing campaign to encircle and contain the People’s Republic of China.