International relations Archives - Friends of Socialist China

Responding to left criticisms of China’s foreign policy

In this discussion with Radhika Desai, Friends of Socialist China co-editor Carlos Martinez confronts the charge, common even on parts of the left, that Beijing does far too little for Palestine, Iran, Cuba and Venezuela.

The conversation traces China’s foreign policy from the internationalism of Bandung and the Non-Aligned Movement, through its rapprochement with Washington and entry into the world economy, to its pursuit of a Global Community of Shared Future. Carlos argues that the criticisms rest on a misreading of what China is and what it can do – that a country still in the primary stage of socialism, subject to sanctions, encirclement and technology blockade, is being held to a standard never applied to any other state, and judged against an imagined capacity it does not possess.

He also addresses what China actually does: its consistent votes and vetoes at the United Nations, its material and diplomatic support for Cuba and Venezuela under blockade, its position on Palestinian statehood and the Beijing Declaration on Palestinian unity, and its insistence that unilateral sanctions have no basis in international law.

The video is embedded below, followed by a full transcript.

Transcript

Radhika Desai: Hello, viewers and listeners. Welcome to the Geopolitical Economy interview, a series in which I speak with prominent intellectuals, scholars, politicians, journalists, activists and public figures to illuminate the fast-changing political economy and geopolitical economy of our times.

I’m Radhika Desai and you’re watching Radhika Desai, Geopolitical Economist. Today’s topic is China’s foreign policy towards the United States and the West on the one hand, and the oppressed — and I should say oppressed and embattled — nations such as Palestine, Cuba, Venezuela and Iran on the other, in the broader context of rising multipolarity. How should the left make sense of it, particularly given that sections of the left have criticised China for not doing enough for precisely these countries?

I can think of few people better qualified to address this question than Carlos Martinez, who joins me today. Welcome, Carlos.

Carlos Martinez: Hi, Radhika. Lovely to see you. Good to be with you.

Radhika Desai: It’s really great to have you today, Carlos. Let me tell our audience that you are an independent scholar and researcher, co-editor of the increasingly important and influential Friends of Socialist China website, and author and editor of many books on China and on socialism — including the one on China, which is called The East Is Still Red, and the wonderfully titled book on the demise of the USSR, The End of the Beginning. You meant, of course, that this was just the end of the beginning of world socialism.

CPC International Department in solidarity with Laos, Cuba, Brazil and Mexico

Laos

Sun Haiyan, Vice-minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee (IDCPC), went to the Lao Embassy in China on August 11 to mourn the passing of Xaysomphone Phomvihane, Member of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) and President of the Lao National Assembly.

Sun conveyed the profound condolences of IDCPC Minister Liu Haixing on the passing of Comrade Xaysomphone Phomvihane to Somphone Sichaleune, Lao Ambassador to China. She said that Comrade Xaysomphone was an outstanding leader of the LPRP and Laos, having made important contributions to the cause of reform and socialist construction in Laos, and having long been actively promoting the development of relations between the two Parties and the two countries.

Somphone expressed sincere gratitude to Sun for coming to pay condolences, stressing that the Lao side is ready to work with the Chinese side to carry forward and promote the traditional friendship between Laos and China.

Cuba

On August 13, Ma Hui, Vice-minister of the IDCPC, attended and addressed an event held by the Cuban Embassy in China to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of the leader of the Cuban revolution Fidel Castro.

Ma highly praised Fidel Castro’s historic contributions to the Cuban revolution and socialist construction, as well as to the friendship between China and Cuba. He emphasised that General Secretary Xi Jinping sent a letter to Cuban leaders on the 100th anniversary of Fidel Castro’s birth, and IDCPC Minister Liu Haixing recently led a CPC delegation to visit Cuba and attend the International Colloquium “Fidel, Legacy and Future.” These demonstrate the profound friendship between China and Cuba who stand together through thick and thin and jointly overcome difficulties. China is willing to work with the international community, including Cuba, to jointly uphold international fairness and justice and oppose hegemony and power politics.

Alberto Blanco Silva, Cuban Ambassador to China, offered a comprehensive review of Fidel Castro’s glorious and revolutionary life, particularly his profound friendship towards China and the CPC. The Cuban side will carry forward Fidel Castro’s legacy and actively advance the building of a Cuba-China community with a shared future.

Brazil

Earlier, on August 6, Ma Hui met with a delegation led by Monica Valente, Member of the National Executive Committee of Brazil’s Workers’ Party (PT) and Executive Secretary of the São Paulo Forum. The São Paulo Forum groups most of the major left and progressive political parties and organisations in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Ma said the Chinese side looks forward to working hand in hand with the Brazilian side to further deepen exchanges and cooperation between the two Parties, boost party building, national development and progress of each side, and contribute to building a China-Brazil community with a shared future.

Valente said, the PT has long followed closely the theoretical and practical development of the CPC. The PT is ready to strengthen exchanges on the CPC’s experience in party governance and state administration, and push Brazil-China relations towards greater progress through inter-party channels.

Mexico

Meanwhile, on July 10 Minister Liu Haixing met with a delegation of the Labour Party (PT) of Mexico led by party president Alberto Anaya.

Liu noted that in 2024, President Xi Jinping and President Claudia Sheinbaum held a meeting and reached important consensus, charting the course for the development of China-Mexico relations. The CPC and the PT of Mexico share similar ideas and have maintained friendly exchanges ever since the establishment of inter-party relations. The Chinese side is ready to further strengthen institutionalised exchanges between the two Parties, deepen the exchange and mutual learning of experience on such topics as party building and social governance, and use the “political party+” channel to deepen cooperation in such fields as economy and trade, people-to-people and cultural engagement, science and technology, youth, and sub-national exchanges, so as to promote the sustained and steady development of China-Mexico relations.

Anaya said that under the leadership of the CPC, China has achieved great accomplishments in economic and social development, notably in poverty alleviation, environmental protection, and scientific and technological innovation, and has become an advanced country and an important force in the world, providing tremendous encouragement to developing countries including Mexico. The PT of Mexico and the CPC share a profound friendship and similar ideas.

Vietnam mourns former Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji

The Socialist Republic of Vietnam has expressed condolences to China on the death on August 12 of former Premier Zhu Rongji, acclaiming his contributions to China’s socialist cause and to the friendship between the two countries.

The top Vietnamese leaders sent messages of condolence to their Chinese counterparts on August 14.

The messages described Zhu as an outstanding leader who made important contributions to China’s reform and opening up and its integration into the global economy. The Party, State and people of Vietnam always value the former Chinese leader’s significant contributions to the development of Vietnam–China relations in the early years of the 21st century, the messages added.

The key Vietnamese leaders further expressed their belief that under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee with General Secretary and President Xi Jinping at its core, the Chinese people will turn grief into strength and continue to score even greater accomplishments in building China into a modern, strong, prosperous, democratic, civilised, harmonious and beautiful socialist country.

On the morning of August 18, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung led a delegation representing the Party and State as well as the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) to the Chinese Embassy in Hanoi to sign the book of condolences.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and President To Lam, National Assembly President Tran Thanh Man and Permanent member of the CPV Central Committee’s Secretariat Tran Cam Tu sent condolence wreaths.

At the ceremony, Prime Minister Hung conveyed deep condolences from Party General Secretary and President Lam, National Assembly President Man, Permanent member of the CPV Central Committee’s Secretariat Tu, and other high-ranking Vietnamese officials to General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee and President Xi Jinping, other Chinese leaders and Zhu’s family. He affirmed that the Vietnamese Party, State and people highly value Zhu’s dedication and remarkable contributions to ties between the two countries’ Parties, States and peoples.

Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam He Wei said the Chinese Party, State and people attach great importance and give priority to relations with Vietnam and stand ready to further deepen the two countries’ friendship and comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, and the Vietnam-China Community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.

Affirming Vietnam’s consistent policy of attaching importance and giving top priority to relations with China, Hung stressed that the attention and practical contributions of generations of leaders from both sides have laid an important foundation for Vietnam and China to continue preserving and advancing their ties towards stable, sustainable development.

Meanwhile, on August 20, Secretary of the CPV Central Committee and Deputy Prime Minister Pham Thi Thanh Tra met with the Chinese Ambassador and said that Vietnam considers strengthening relations with China a top priority in its overall foreign policy.

Highlighting the long-standing friendship between the two countries’ Parties, States and people, she noted that amid complex, rapid and unpredictable developments in the regional and international situation, the two sides should effectively implement important common perceptions reached by their top leaders, and continuously consolidate and develop bilateral ties, especially in areas of substantive cooperation.

Congratulating China on its development achievements under the leadership of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, with General Secretary and President Xi Jinping at its core, the Deputy Prime Minister spoke highly of the country’s development experience. She expressed her hope that the two sides will increase exchanges and share experience in areas such as apparatus organisation, high-quality human resources development, talent attraction and utilisation, tourism, cultural industries, health care, particularly traditional medicine, and other social fields.

For his part, He affirmed that relations between the two Parties and countries are enjoying a period of strong development. He congratulated Vietnam on its development achievements, especially its strong reforms in numerous fields under the leadership of the CPV Central Committee headed by General Secretary and President To Lam. He affirmed that China stands ready to work with Vietnam to strengthen exchanges and share experience, jointly advance the cause of socialist development in each country, and deliver tangible benefits to their peoples.

China at UN: “The lives of the Palestinian people are as precious as those of all other peoples”

China’s Ambassador to the United Nations Fu Cong has once again spoken out strongly in defence of the rights of the Palestinian people.

Addressing a UN Security Council Emergency Briefing on the Palestine-Israel Issue on August 11, having expressed China’s concern over the situation, he said that: “Against the backdrop of growing instability in the region, the Palestinian question must not be ignored or marginalised,” and went on to make three points:

We must get to the root of the problem and truly respect the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people. For some time now, the situation in the West Bank and Gaza has deteriorated sharply, and the Palestinian people have endured ever greater suffering. At its root, this is because the basic principles of international law have not been upheld, while the Palestinian people’s rights to survival and development have long been disregarded. The lives of the Palestinian people are as precious as those of all other peoples.
We must take decisive and effective action to stop conflict and violence. The situation in the West Bank is escalating dangerously. The occupying Power is advancing settlement expansion plans, desecrating and vandalising religious sites, blockading refugee camps and carrying out mass arrests, while settler violence is intensifying. The protection of civilians is not an empty slogan, but an obligation under international law that the occupying Power must fulfil. The situation in Gaza is equally concerning. Even after the Board of Peace announced progress on the arrangements for the second phase of the ceasefire agreement, Israel has continued to refuse to halt its military operations. More than 300 days have passed since the ceasefire agreement was reached, yet a lasting ceasefire has still not been achieved. The fundamental problem is not a lack of ceasefire proposals, but a lack of political will to implement them.
We must stay the course and make every effort to revive the political prospects of the two-State solution. Both Gaza and the West Bank are integral parts of the State of Palestine. Israel must end its illegal occupation of the Palestinian territories as soon as possible and cease undermining the foundations of governance of the Palestinian National Authority. The international community should fully respect the will of the Palestinian people, [and] advance post-war reconstruction in Gaza in accordance with the principle of “Palestinians governing Palestine”.

Chinese ambassador reiterates support for Palestine

Chinese Ambassador to the State of Palestine Sun Zhen has reaffirmed China’s unwavering commitment to supporting the Palestinian cause, continuing to provide humanitarian and development assistance, and working to elevate Palestinian-Chinese relations to new levels.

Speaking at a press conference held at the Chinese embassy in Ramallah on August 1, he said that his meetings with the Palestinian leadership had reinforced his awareness of the hardships facing the Palestinian people, stressing that China will continue strengthening bilateral ties, particularly as this year marks the third anniversary of the establishment of the China-Palestine strategic partnership. He added that China is working on implementing development projects in the West Bank, including infrastructure projects such as artificial turf fields, a Chinese school, Beijing Street, and the Palestinian-Chinese Friendship Square.

Sun Zhen reiterated his country’s support for Palestinian national rights, stating that China supports the establishment of a fully sovereign and independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. China rejects all measures that undermine this solution, including settlement expansion in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. China also prohibits investment in and employment in Israeli settlements.

The ambassador explained that China is cooperating with the World Food Programme to alleviate food insecurity in the Gaza Strip. He also noted that China has provided clothing benefiting 38,000 children in the Strip and concluded by affirming that China, under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, will continue its unwavering support for the Palestinian cause.

Danny Haiphong: Who benefits from rising tensions in the South China Sea?

Tensions in the South China Sea flared again on 20 July, when a Philippine Navy vessel illegally grounded at China’s Ren’ai Jiao sparked a confrontation with the China Coast Guard, followed three days later by the Coast Guard driving away two Philippine vessels near Huangyan Dao. In the following article, Friends of Socialist China co-founder Danny Haiphong – a US independent journalist and researcher specialising in US foreign policy and geopolitics – asks who actually benefits from the escalation.

His answer is that these clashes did not emerge in a vacuum. They came against the backdrop of the tenth anniversary of the 2016 South China Sea arbitration ruling, marked by a joint statement from the US, Japan, the Philippines and eleven other countries – a ruling China regards as illegal and void, and one advanced most energetically by a United States that is not itself a signatory to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. The Philippines may have been the nominal filer, but Washington supplied the logistical, diplomatic and legal muscle.

Danny sets out the scale of the militarisation involved: 1,200 US reconnaissance missions over the South China Sea in 2025, nine carrier strike group deployments, and large-scale exercises led by the US, Japan and the Philippines. The Marcos administration, he argues, has badly miscalculated in believing that deeper military integration with Washington gives it leverage over Beijing; the reality is that the Philippines is being positioned as a staging ground for someone else’s war. As he puts it, paraphrasing Kissinger, to be an enemy of the US may be dangerous – but to be a friend of the US is fatal.

China-Africa solidarity and cooperation in action

China’s Xinhua News Agency has recently published a number of articles outlining some of the practical ways in which China has been contributing to development and improving people’s livelihood across the countries of southern and central Africa, drawing appreciation from the presidents of Mozambique, South Africa, Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and the vice presidents of Tanzania and Uganda, as well as building on the success of the Namibian president’s recent state visit to China.

Mozambique

On August 3, a groundbreaking ceremony for the China-aided National Surgical Centre Project was held in the Mozambican capital Maputo. The complex will be built within Maputo Central Hospital and will include a surgical centre building and two utility buildings, with a total floor area of more than 20,000 square metres. The eight-storey facility will also house emergency and trauma services, a medical imaging department, a pharmacy, laboratories, 14 operating rooms, a 19-bed intensive care unit and 456 inpatient beds.

Addressing the ceremony, Mozambican President Daniel Chapo said the groundbreaking marked the beginning of a new stage in Mozambique’s capacity to save lives and treat complex diseases, enabling more Mozambicans to access specialised medical care within their own country.

Describing Mozambique and China as brotherly countries, Chapo said the Mozambican government hopes to work with the Chinese government to end the need for Mozambicans to travel abroad in search of better medical treatment.

A feature published by Xinhua on July 28 highlighted the 50th anniversary of cooperation between China and Mozambique in the field of health care.

On April 15, 1976, the first batch of 29 Chinese medical experts arrived in Mozambique, planting the seed for an enduring partnership that has since blossomed beyond clinical care to include medical training, technology transfer, emergency response, and healthcare infrastructure development.

In a recent interview with Xinhua, Mozambican Minister of Health Ussene Isse said that bilateral health cooperation has achieved positive results over the past five decades. The dispatch of Chinese medical teams, in his eyes, is “not merely a medical cooperation project, but a history of solidarity and a partnership that has remained steadfast across generations despite changes in the international environment.”

Over the past 50 years, China has sent 383 medical professionals in 26 teams to Mozambique, where they have treated approximately 1.4 million patients.

Apart from providing medical services, Isse noted that Chinese medical teams have helped build local capacity by training Mozambican healthcare professionals in fields including surgery, anesthesiology, and traditional Chinese medicine, while introducing advanced technologies such as telemedicine and laparoscopic surgery at Maputo Central Hospital.

South Africa

On July 31, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa hailed growing China-South Africa cooperation in clean energy, saying the participation of Chinese wind turbine manufacturer Goldwind in the Ummbila Emoyeni Wind Farm project demonstrates how bilateral partnerships are supporting the country’s just energy transition.

Addressing the launch of commercial operations of the 155-megawatt (MW) wind farm in Mpumalanga Province, Ramaphosa said South Africa welcomes Chinese companies’ participation in the country’s renewable energy development.

He added that South Africa’s future energy mix will combine coal, wind, hydropower, nuclear, solar, gas and other emerging technologies to ensure energy security while advancing decarbonisation. “South Africa’s future energy system will draw on the strengths and resources we already possess while embracing new opportunities.”

Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Wu Peng said: “It has been proven in practice that Chinese enterprises are not merely visitors from afar, but partners deeply rooted in South Africa. More and more Chinese enterprises are contributing to South Africa’s development.”

Zimbabwe

On the same day, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa hailed Chinese investment in lithium processing as key to maximising the value of the country’s mineral resources.

In a speech read on his behalf by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga at the opening of the Mining, Engineering and Transport Expo in Bulawayo, Mnangagwa commended China’s Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt for building Zimbabwe’s first lithium sulphate plant in Goromonzi, Mashonaland East Province. He also praised other Chinese-invested companies for pushing lithium beneficiation, including Sinomine’s subsidiary Bikita Minerals, which is also building a lithium sulphate plant in Bikita, Masvingo Province.

“Once set up, the plants will result in Zimbabwe being the only nation in Africa to host multiple lithium-processing operations,” Mnangagwa said. Zimbabwe had long derived limited benefits from supplying raw minerals to global markets, but “that narrative is changing”.

Zimbabwe, Africa’s major lithium producer, has seen significant investment in its lithium sector in recent years due to growing global demand for the mineral, which is critical to the global energy transition.

On July 23, it was announced that Zimbabwe has officially joined the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB), which will unlock crucial credit and funding opportunities for the country.

Established in 2014 by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, the NDB officially began operations in 2015, with a mission to mobilise resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS member nations and other emerging-market economies and developing countries. Zimbabwe applied to join the bank in 2023, with formal accession negotiations progressing earlier this year. The country has also formally applied to join the BRICS group.

And on July 24, the Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe hosted a reception to celebrate the 99th founding anniversary of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding said the profound friendship between China and Zimbabwe was forged in the national liberation struggle, giving rise to strong revolutionary bonds between the two countries. He noted that a Zimbabwean veterans’ delegation recently visited China to retrace their revolutionary steps, further consolidating the ties between the two nations.

Commander General of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) Emmanuel Matatu expressed his congratulations on the PLA’s 99th anniversary. He noted the coincidence that both militaries celebrate their milestones in August — the PLA marks its 99th anniversary on August 1, while the ZDF celebrates its 46th anniversary on August 11. Matatu also expressed gratitude for China’s unwavering support since the liberation war. “For the ZDF, the PLA has always been a reliable partner in our development,” he said, adding that the ZDF looks forward to further nurturing and cherishing this all-weather relationship for generations to come.

Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

On July 29, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Felix Tshisekedi inaugurated a Chinese-built water treatment plant in Kamina, capital of the southern province of Haut-Lomami.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, DRC Minister of Hydraulic Resources and Electricity Aime Sakombi Molendo said the project would help improve living and public health conditions for local residents and would bolster the country’s drinking water treatment capacity.

The project was financed by Sino Congolaise des Mines, a joint venture between the DRC state mining company Gecamines and a group of Chinese companies.

Underlining the importance of such projects, it was reported in the same week that more than 400 million Africans still lack access to basic drinking water, while over 700 million people across the continent remain without safely managed sanitation.

On August 1, China’s third medical expert team for Ebola response arrived in Kinshasa, capital of the DRC, to support the country’s efforts to strengthen its defences against the epidemic.

Luku Maleyo Marius, a representative of the DRC health ministry, welcomed the team at the airport. He said the Ebola situation in the DRC remained severe and response efforts continued to face considerable pressure. The arrival of the Chinese experts would provide strong support for epidemic surveillance, patient treatment and laboratory testing.

On August 4, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson in Beijing said that with the Ebola outbreak still spreading, China will continue to assist African countries and provide the support needed to bring an early end to the outbreak.

The third medical expert team is composed of experts in epidemiology, health quarantine, clinical treatment, and pathogen laboratory testing. Building on the work of the previous teams, it will continue to strengthen exchanges and coordination with the DRC and international organisations in light of the needs of epidemic prevention and control.

Namibia

On July 29, Chinese Ambassador to Namibia Zhao Weiping said at a press briefing that China will work with Namibia to translate the outcomes of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s recent state visit to China into concrete cooperation.

During the July 5-11 visit, the two countries elevated their relations to a China-Namibia community with a shared future for the new era and signed eight cooperation agreements.

Zhao noted that youth empowerment was given particular emphasis. Agricultural cooperation, which could help Namibia translate improved market access into export growth, was another major outcome. Cooperation will also extend to healthcare, including medical personnel training, disease control and emergency response, as well as the exploration of pharmaceutical production in Namibia.

Tanzania

On July 26, Tanzanian Vice President Emmanuel Nchimbi commended China Railway Construction Engineering Group (CRCEG) for the significant progress made in building the Arusha Stadium, a key venue for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

During an inspection visit, Nchimbi praised both the quality of work and the pace of implementation, noting that the project has reached 88 percent completion and is on track for delivery by the end of August 2026.

AFCON 2027 will be jointly hosted by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, marking the first time East African nations will co-host Africa’s premier football tournament.

Uganda

On July 23, Ugandan Vice President Jessica Alupo hailed the China-Uganda Agricultural Cooperation Industrial Park as a key driver of the country’s agricultural transformation through agro-processing.

Alupo made the remarks while leading a delegation of senior government officials on an assessment tour of the industrial park in the central Ugandan district of Luwero. She commended the FAO [UN Food and Agricultural Organisation]-China-Uganda South-South Cooperation initiative, under which the Chinese private sector-led industrial park was established, saying that it has enabled Uganda to process agricultural products for export to the world. Uganda stands to benefit further from China’s continued high-standard opening-up and its zero-tariff policy for eligible exports.

Luo Heng, chairman of Kehong Uganda Industrial Development Limited, the Chinese company managing the industrial park, said it plans to invest 500 million US dollars over the next five years as part of its second phase of development.

Nobody’s backyard: New Solomon Islands government reaffirms friendship and cooperation with China

Since a new government assumed office in Solomon Islands on May 15, following the passing of a parliamentary vote of no-confidence in the former administration a week previously, the small South Pacific island nation has come under intensive pressure from imperialist powers, especially the United States, echoed and sometimes amplified by its “deputy sheriff” (as a former prime minister once proudly described it) Australia, to reverse its friendly relations with China and support for the one-China principle.

Such bullying antics appear to have been given a fitting riposte by a July visit to Beijing by the country’s new Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Rick Houenipwela.

Meeting with Houenipwela on July 14, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi congratulated the new government of Solomon Islands on taking office, stating that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Solomon Islands in 2019, bilateral relations have maintained strong development, and bilateral cooperation has achieved tangible results in various fields and brought benefits to the people. Facts have proven that the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Solomon Islands serves the interests of both peoples, aligns with the prevailing trend of the times, and stands on the right side of history. He added that that China appreciates the new Solomon Islands government’s reaffirmation of its firm commitment to the one-China principle.

China, Wang continued, will always support Solomon Islands in safeguarding its national sovereignty, independence, and legitimate rights and interests, as well as in pursuing a development path of its own choosing. China’s cooperation with Solomon Islands comes with no political strings attached, is not forcibly imposed, and makes no empty promises. China is willing to strengthen the alignment of development strategies with Solomon Islands, advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, expand practical cooperation in areas such as green energy, deepen people-to-people exchanges in education, healthcare, and youth, enhance multilateral coordination, safeguard international fairness and justice, and jointly address global challenges such as climate change.

In words that unmistakably and firmly refute the specious charges levelled against China, as well as the chauvinistic and racist bullying and belittling of the South Pacific island nations, by the United States, Australia, and increasingly New Zealand since that country’s Labour Party left office, Wang reiterated that China’s development of relations with Pacific island countries is aimed at strengthening South-South cooperation and promoting common development. It carries no geopolitical intention, seeks no so-called “spheres of influence”, and should not be disrupted by any third party. Pacific island countries are sovereign and independent states, not anyone’s “backyard”, and have the right to independently choose their development partners.

Rick Houenipwela stated that Solomon Islands attaches great importance to its relations with China and expresses gratitude to China for its long-term and positive assistance to the economic and social development of his country. Solomon Islands is firmly committed to the one-China principle. Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory, and the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, as decided by the UNGA Resolution 2758. China’s remarkable achievements have been forged through the hard work of the Chinese people under the leadership of the Communist Party of China. China’s development has benefited the world, particularly developing countries like Solomon Islands.

He added that Solomon Islands looks forward to expanding trade and investment with China and deepening bilateral practical cooperation in fields such as education, infrastructure, medical and healthcare services, and green development, thereby elevating Solomon Islands-China relations to a higher level. China’s contributions to world peace and development deserve to be remembered, and China’s experience is worthy of study and reference by Solomon Islands and other Pacific island countries. Solomon Islands supports the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity and the four major global initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping and will continue to step up coordination and cooperation with China within multilateral organisations such as the UN and WTO, so as to jointly safeguard the common interests of developing countries.

Wang Yi holds intensive round of bilateral meetings in Manila

During his recent visit to the Philippines’ capital Manila, to attend the China-ASEAN [Association of South East Asian Nations] Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held meetings between July 21-23 with a broad range of his counterparts who were also in Manila for a series of meetings with the ASEAN countries.

On July 21, Wang met with the Secretary-General of ASEAN as well as with his counterparts from Malaysia, Canada and Australia.

Meeting with Secretary-General of ASEAN Kao Kim Hourn, Wang Yi noted that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC). China was the first major country to accede to the TAC, which encouraged other major countries to follow suit and significantly enhanced ASEAN’s international standing. China will continue to support ASEAN community building and ASEAN’s efforts in seeking strength through unity.

He added that the South China Sea is the common home of regional countries, and the South China Sea issue should not become an obstacle in China-ASEAN relations. Certain elements within the Philippine military and police forces have made deliberate provocations and created maritime incidents, serving the interests of external forces and undermining the improvement of China-Philippines relations as well as peace and stability in the South China Sea. Regional countries must remain on high alert against this.

Kao Kim Hourn recalled that the two sides have established 65 cooperation mechanisms. The ASEAN-China Free Trade Area has been upgraded, and bilateral trade exceeded one trillion US dollars last year. He added that next year marks the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC). ASEAN supports the dual-track approach and is committed to accelerating consultations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, so as to make the South China Sea a sea of peace, cooperation and friendship. ASEAN is ready to work with China to jointly maintain regional peace and stability and make important contributions to the development and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific.

Meeting with Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan, Wang Yi noted that last year, President Xi Jinping paid a successful state visit to Malaysia, during which the two sides announced the building of a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future, ushering in a new ‘Golden 50 Years’ of bilateral relations. This year marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of dialogue relations between China and ASEAN and the fifth anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership. ASEAN is an important component of the multipolar landscape and a key force of the Global South. China expects Malaysia to play its role well as the Country Coordinator for China-ASEAN Dialogue Relations, safeguard the common interests of China and ASEAN, and uphold peace and stability in East Asia. China is ready to strengthen communication and coordination with Malaysia, so as to keep China-ASEAN relations at the forefront of the times and set an example for Global South countries in pursuing strength through unity.

Mohamad Hasan stated that China is a trusted friend and partner of Malaysia and also Malaysia’s largest trading partner. Malaysia cherishes the traditional friendship between the two countries, firmly adheres to the one-China policy, and is ready to deepen practical cooperation with China in areas such as digital technology and artificial intelligence. Some countries outside the region have nothing to do with the South China Sea, yet they always want to flex military muscles there. Malaysia looks forward to the early conclusion of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea and to jointly maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea.

Meeting with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand, Wang Yi noted that since the beginning of this year, China-Canada relations have continued to improve, with increasingly close exchanges at all levels and fruitful cooperation across various fields. In the first half of this year, bilateral trade volume grew by 16 percent year-on-year, with Canadian exports to China increasing by 23.3 percent. Facts have proven that the improvement and growth of China-Canada relations serve the common interests of both countries, are welcomed by the two peoples, and represent the right choice in line with the trend of history.

The World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation is tailor-made for the Global South

The 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference was held from July 17-20 in Shanghai, featuring a keynote speech by Chinese President Xi Jinping and the formation of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO), a new intergovernmental body headquartered in the city, with 29 founding members.

Between July 16-18, President Xi Jinping and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held bilateral meetings with high level guests attending the conference along with the concurrent High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance.

On the afternoon of July 16, President Xi Jinping met with the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

President Xi noted that, in a world undergoing profound and complex changes unseen in a century, the China-Kazakhstan relationship has stood the test of time and grown ever stronger. The permanent comprehensive strategic partnership has maintained excellent development and demonstrated huge cooperation potential and broad prospects. He emphasised that steadily advancing bilateral cooperation across the board serves the fundamental interests of the two countries and two peoples. China will work with Kazakhstan to implement the four global initiatives and enhance coordination and collaboration in multilateral mechanisms including the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, and the China-Central Asia mechanism to jointly uphold international fairness and justice.

President Tokayev extended warm congratulations on the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC), and commended China for its remarkable development achievements under the wise leadership of President Xi. Kazakhstan views its relations with China as a top foreign policy priority and is committed to continuously strengthening the permanent comprehensive strategic partnership with China. Kazakhstan is in complete agreement with President Xi’s important observations on the bilateral relations and will make vigorous efforts with China to translate them into action.

The next day Xi met with Prime Minister of Cambodia Hun Manet.

President Xi stated that having stood in solidarity and supported each other throughout the years, China and Cambodia have forged an ironclad friendship that has stood the test of time and weathered storms. History has proven that the China-Cambodia friendship is not built on any single occasion or particular issue. Rather, it is rooted in a consensus that transcends the evolving international landscape and has been passed down through generations. It is a precious asset shared by both sides. He emphasised that in the great endeavours of governing and strengthening the Party, the Communist Party of China has formed the thought on party building for the new era, which will continue to galvanise the mighty force driving Chinese modernisation. As this year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Cambodian People’s Party, China stands ready to strengthen experience sharing with the Cambodian side on party building and state governance.

China-ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in Manila

The China-ASEAN [Association of South East Asian Nations] Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was held in the Philippines’ capital Manila on July 22, as part of a series of bilateral and regional dialogues hosted by the 11-member grouping.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi co-chaired the meeting with Malaysian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohamad bin Haji Hasan, with Malaysia serving as the Country Coordinator for China-ASEAN Dialogue Relations.

Wang Yi noted that this year marks the fifth anniversary of the establishment of the China-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Under the joint strategic guidance of leaders of the two sides, China-ASEAN cooperation has been at the forefront, moved forward steadily and rapidly, and yielded fruitful outcomes, benefiting more than two billion people on both sides. The foundation for building an even closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future has become more solid.

China is ready to work with ASEAN to uphold the principles of peace, development and win-win cooperation, bring more benefits to people of regional countries through closer cooperation, and respond to emerging challenges and uncertainties with stronger solidarity.

Wang put forward four suggestions:

To uphold an environment of peace and development in the region. The two sides should promote the Asian values of peace, cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, resolutely oppose unreasonable external interference, reject the formation of exclusive ‘small circles’, resist attempts to incite bloc confrontation, and never allow the revival of militarism.

To make regional development more resilient. The two sides should uphold open cooperation and deepen the integration of development, develop the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0, pursue high-quality implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and strengthen regional food security, energy security and supply chain stability.

To pursue innovation-driven and green development. The two sides need to expand cooperation in such areas as climate change response, clean energy, green agriculture and the blue economy.

To uphold a people-centred approach. The two sides should promote inclusive and universally beneficial development, so that the outcomes of China-ASEAN cooperation can be tangible and accessible and better benefit the people of all countries. China is ready to enhance exchanges and cooperation with ASEAN in such areas as poverty reduction, public health, education, youth, think tanks, tourism, media and culture.

Wang Yi also expounded on China’s principled position on the South China Sea issue and said that the South China Sea is our shared home. China and ASEAN countries have the wisdom and capability to continue handling the South China Sea issue properly and make peace, stability, cooperation and friendship the mainstream narrative of the South China Sea. Regional countries should reject attempts by external forces to fan the flames, oppose certain countries’ moves to stir up trouble by taking advantage of maritime issues, and keep the initiative over peace and stability in the South China Sea firmly in our own hands.

All sides expressed their expectation for the early conclusion of a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea within this year, so as to jointly maintain peace and stability. They also expressed readiness to work with China to uphold multilateralism, address global challenges, and make ASEAN-China relations a stabilising force for regional peace and development and a model for dialogue partnerships.

Wang Yi also briefed participants on the fruitful cooperation outcomes of the China-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership over the past five years:

Progress in building a neighbourhood community with a shared future has deepened and solidified. China has reached important consensus with eight ASEAN member states on jointly building bilateral shared communities.

Trade volume has maintained steady growth. The ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) 3.0 Upgrade Protocol has been formally signed. China and ASEAN have remained each other’s largest trading partners for six consecutive years.

China and ASEAN have pulled together to tide over difficulties. When Myanmar was hit by a powerful earthquake and an earthquake struck Mindanao of the Philippines, China rushed to provide assistance without delay, embodying the fine tradition of mutual support between China and ASEAN countries.

People-to-people exchanges have become more vibrant. China has specially introduced the ‘ASEAN Visa’ scheme to facilitate and boost cross-border people flows, making the people-to-people bonds linking both sides ever closer.

Wang Yi also held numerous bilateral meetings with his counterparts from various parts of the world during his stay in Manila.

Wang Yi meets counterparts in Kyrgyzstan

During his recent visit to Kyrgyzstan, where he attended the foreign ministers meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also met with the country’s president as well as his counterparts from various other SCO member states.

Wang Yi met with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov on July 24, who asked him to convey his sincere greetings to President Xi Jinping and extended warm congratulations on the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC). He stated that under the leadership of the CPC, the Chinese people have made remarkable achievements in socialist modernisation, which the Kyrgyz side sincerely admires. A good neighbour is more valuable than gold. Developing relations with China remains a priority of Kyrgyzstan’s foreign policy. Kyrgyzstan and China are fellow travellers in pursuing development and prosperity as well as natural partners. The Kyrgyz side cherishes the strategic partnership featuring mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit and good-neighbourliness, and is ready to learn from China’s experience in governance, strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation in such fields as economy, trade, investment, agriculture and people-to-people exchanges, vigorously advance key projects including the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, provide a sound business environment for Chinese enterprises operating in Kyrgyzstan, and safeguard their lawful rights and interests. Kyrgyzstan has joined the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation and the International Organisation for Mediation, demonstrating through concrete actions its support for the four major global initiatives proposed by China.

Wang Yi said that China is ready to strengthen the alignment of development strategies with Kyrgyzstan, translate the important consensus reached by the two heads of state into more tangible outcomes, elevate mutually beneficial cooperation, expand people-to-people exchanges, and consolidate the foundation of the China-Kyrgyzstan community with a shared future. China congratulates Kyrgyzstan on its election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council by a large majority and looks forward to strengthening coordination and cooperation with Kyrgyzstan on UN affairs. China will support Kyrgyzstan in successfully hosting the Bishkek Summit of the SCO [to be held August 31-September 1] and making greater contributions to promoting world peace, development and prosperity.

The next day, Wang held talks with Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubaev during which he congratulated Kyrgyzstan on successfully hosting the Meeting of the Council of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Member States, saying it had laid a solid foundation for the Bishkek Summit of the SCO. China, he said, will always be a trustworthy good neighbour to Kyrgyzstan. In recent years, under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Sadyr Japarov, China and Kyrgyzstan have established a comprehensive strategic partnership for the new era in the spirit of solidarity and mutual benefit and are working together to build a China-Kyrgyzstan community with a shared future featuring good-neighbourliness, friendship, and shared prosperity. The two heads of state met three times last year, charting the course for the development of bilateral relations and injecting strong momentum into deepening all-round mutually beneficial cooperation.

He added that the two countries enjoy broad prospects for aligning their development strategies and jointly pursuing development and revitalisation. At the next stage, the two sides should make good preparations for high-level exchanges, consolidate political mutual trust and carry forward their traditional friendship. Both sides should implement the medium- and long-term program for trade and economic cooperation, advance the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, accelerate the construction and upgrading of cross-border ports, deepen cooperation in such areas as agriculture, energy and mineral resources, and foster new growth drivers in cooperation including artificial intelligence and the digital economy.

Jeenbek Kulubaev stated that Kyrgyzstan thanks China for its strong support for the country’s economic and social development and is willing to work with China to pursue high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, accelerate the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, deepen cooperation in trade, investment, finance and energy, and welcomes Chinese companies to invest and operate in Kyrgyzstan and is willing to provide a sound business environment. Kyrgyzstan looks forward to China’s continued support for its SCO presidency and for jointly hosting a successful Bishkek Summit.

Wang met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on July 24. He said that China wishes Russia success in its State Duma elections to be held in September, and firmly supports the choice independently made by the Russian people. He further noted that the current international situation is complex and turbulent. In the face of the question of the times regarding the future of the world, China and Russia have a firm and clear answer. China and Russia should strengthen strategic coordination, uphold the outcomes of World War II, and never allow Japan to rearm.

Sergey Lavrov stated that head-of-state diplomacy serves as an important driving force for Russia-China relations. President Vladimir Putin’s successful visit to China this year and the more than 50 meetings between the two heads of state have continuously elevated bilateral relations to new heights. The Russian side congratulated China on successfully hosting the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference, and Russia has joined the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation and looks forward to deepening bilateral cooperation in innovation and in science and technology through this platform. Over the past 25 years since its founding, and driven by Russia and China, the SCO has developed into a regional organisation full of potential, attracting an increasing number of like-minded countries to join. Russia remains highly vigilant against and firmly opposes Japan’s accelerated remilitarisation and pursuit of nuclear weapons capability. The two sides can further strengthen strategic coordination within multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations, APEC, the G20, BRICS and East Asia cooperation, and jointly promote a more democratic and equitable multipolar world.

The previous evening, Wang Yi met with Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov and noted that China and Belarus are trustworthy good partners. In recent years, under the strategic planning and personal attention of President Xi Jinping and President Aleksandr Lukashenko, the China-Belarus all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership has continued to operate at a high level, with gratifying results achieved in cooperation across various fields. Not long ago, the two heads of state met again in Beijing, making new plans for the future growth of bilateral relations. [Lukashenko paid a working visit to China, June 28-29, the first stop on a regional tour that also took him to Indonesia and Myanmar.]

Wang Yi said that mutual support is an inherent feature of the China-Belarus all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership. China will, as always, support Belarus in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions, and opposing any external interference in Belarus’ internal affairs under any pretext. China appreciates Belarus’ longstanding and unwavering solidarity with China on issues concerning China’s core interests. China congratulates Belarus on becoming a founding member of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation.

Maxim Ryzhenkov noted that the heads of state of Belarus and China have maintained high-level and frequent communication, bringing bilateral relations to an unprecedented level and fostering ironclad brotherly mutual trust. Belarus thanks China for its long-term and strong support and assistance, and will firmly develop relations with China, advance all-round cooperation, and draw on China’s successful experience.

The same evening, Wang Yi also met with Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov and stated that the development strategies of China and Uzbekistan are complementary. As fellow travellers on the journey toward modernisation, the two countries can achieve common development and each other’s success and jointly draw up a new ‘golden decade’. China is ready to work with Uzbekistan to fully tap into and unleash cooperation potential, advance high-quality construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway and create more flagship projects in the field of new industrialisation.

Bakhtiyor Saidov noted that Uzbekistan cherishes the brotherly friendship with China, and developing relations with China is a priority in Uzbekistan’s foreign policy. He extended warm congratulations on the 105th anniversary of the founding of the CPC. The CPC set the aim of serving the people wholeheartedly at its founding and has led the Chinese people to great achievements. Uzbekistan is ready to learn from China’s experience in governance, promote alignment between its “Uzbekistan-2030” strategy and the Belt and Road Initiative, and accelerate its own development and revitalisation.

On July 24, Wang met with Tajikistan’s Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin and noted that in May this year, President Emomali Rahmon paid a successful state visit to China, during which President Xi Jinping and he made new strategic plans for the development of China-Tajikistan relations. The most important outcome of the visit was the signing of the China-Tajikistan Treaty on Permanent Good-Neighbourliness, Friendship and Cooperation, which set a precedent in Central Asia.

He also met on the same day with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and noted that the situation in the Middle East and the Gulf region has recently experienced renewed tensions and escalation, which is a matter of deep concern to China. The MoU signed more than a month ago was a valuable outcome of mediation efforts by multiple parties and reflected the aspirations of the Iranian people and other peoples in the region for peace and stability. The progress achieved through dialogue should not be abandoned. The door to negotiations, once opened, should not be closed, and as long as there is hope for peace, it should not be given up.

Wang added that as a comprehensive strategic partner of Iran, China firmly supports Iran in safeguarding its sovereignty, security and national dignity. China will continue to act in line with President Xi Jinping’s four-point proposal on maintaining and promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, support mediation efforts by Pakistan and other parties, facilitate the early resumption of dialogue and negotiations, properly address issues related to the Strait of Hormuz, improve relations among neighbouring countries, advance collective security among Gulf states, and help restore peace and stability in the Middle East at an early date.

Seyed Abbas Araghchi briefed Wang Yi on the latest developments in the Middle East and the Gulf region, stating that the United States’ violation of the MoU reached by both parties has led to heightened tensions. Iran’s willingness to negotiate remains unchanged and Iran does not wish to see the conflict continue. It is crucial for Iran and China, as comprehensive strategic partners, to strengthen communication and coordination at the current critical moment. Iran thanks China for consistently maintaining an objective and impartial position, promoting peace and urging an end to hostilities, and expresses hope that China will continue to play an important role in helping ease regional tensions.

Wang Yi also met on July 24 with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, telling him that China highly appreciates Pakistan’s key role in facilitating the memorandum of understanding reached between the United States and Iran. China will continue to firmly support Pakistan in its efforts to mediate, promote the return of all parties to dialogue and negotiations, and achieve a lasting ceasefire. China is ready to strengthen coordination with Pakistan in multilateral platforms such as the SCO and the United Nations to safeguard the common interests of the two countries and the legitimate rights and interests of the Global South.

Dar stated that Pakistan is willing to continue its efforts in peace mediation and appreciates China’s consistent support and assistance. Pakistan is ready to strengthen coordination with China under multilateral frameworks such as the SCO and the China-Pakistan-Bangladesh trilateral cooperation and make due contributions to safeguarding regional peace, stability and development.

This was the second meeting between the two ministers in just a week. They also met on July 16 in Shanghai in the margins of the 2026 World AI Conference, where they exchanged views on the situation in Iran and coordinated their positions.

The two sides expressed concern over the deteriorating situation and called on the parties concerned to immediately cease hostilities, overcome difficulties, remove disruptions, restart contacts, resume dialogue, and strive to reach a comprehensive peace agreement through negotiations. The international community should also continue to provide support to this end.

Wang Yi stressed that the first-phase memorandum of understanding reached between the US and Iran is hard-won. All parties should honour their commitments and abide by the provisions of the memorandum. China will, as always, support Pakistan’s mediation efforts and continue to play a constructive role in its own way in promoting the de-escalation of the situation.

Mohammad Ishaq Dar briefed Wang Yi on Pakistan’s recent efforts, thanked China for its understanding and support, and said that Pakistan will rise to the challenges and continue to actively promote peace and facilitate talks.

Wang Yi attends meeting of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation foreign ministers

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended the Meeting of the Council of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Member States, held in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan on July 24.

Addressing the meeting, Wang Yi stated that the SCO Tianjin Summit, held in August-September 2025, mapped out a strategic blueprint for the organisation’s development over the next decade and opened a new stage of high-quality development. Seven cooperation platforms in green industry, digital economy, scientific and technological innovation, energy, higher education, vocational and technical education, and artificial intelligence have been launched, generating more than 160 projects. Nearly three-quarters of the planned 10 GW solar PV and wind power projects have been implemented, while over two-thirds of the 100 ‘small and beautiful’ livelihood programs have been approved.

Wang Yi noted that this year marks the 25th anniversary of the SCO. From the early days when six countries enhanced military trust in border areas and combated terrorism, separatism and extremism, to the present when 27 countries, representing nearly half of the world’s population, are engaged in cooperation across more than 50 fields, the SCO has consistently upheld the ‘Shanghai Spirit’ of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diversity of civilisations, and pursuit of common development, continuously expanding the path of a new type of international relations and multilateral cooperation. Currently, profound changes unseen in a century are accelerating, and the world is experiencing tremendous turbulence and transformation. The international community expects the SCO to promote regional security and development and to resolve global governance challenges. The development strategy for the next decade makes clear that member states will deepen cooperation and make greater contributions to building a more democratic and just multipolar world.

Wang Yi put forward four proposals:

The SCO should continue to uphold the ‘Shanghai Spirit’ as its fundamental guiding principle in handling internal affairs and conducting external exchanges, strengthen strategic mutual trust, maintain solidarity and coordination, firmly support one another, and remain open and inclusive.

The SCO should strengthen the firewall for peace and stability by consistently advocating dialogue to settle disputes, consultation to resolve differences and cooperation to safeguard peace.

The SCO should inject stronger momentum into win-win development by strengthening synergy between national development strategies and regional cooperation initiatives.

The SCO should build a model zone for global governance by safeguarding the authority and role of the United Nations, upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the basic norms governing international relations, and working together with nearly 160 participants in the Global Governance Initiative and over 120 UN member states who support deeper cooperation with the SCO to explore an effective global governance model with broad participation. The SCO should also improve its own operational mechanisms and welcome more countries to join the organisation.

The SCO foreign ministers adopted a joint statement, in which they reaffirmed their commitment to multilateral cooperation, regional security and a more representative and inclusive multipolar world.

The member states reiterated the SCO’s commitment to the principles of not targeting other states and organisations, mutual respect for sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, non-interference in internal affairs, and non-use of force or threats of using force in international relations.

The statement said the world today is entering a new period of rapid development and profound transformation. The role of Global South countries continues to grow, emerging economic and political centres are playing an increasingly prominent role, countries are becoming increasingly intertwined and interconnected, and the process of informatisation and digitalisation is constantly accelerating.

Amid rising global and regional security threats, the ministers expressed deep concern over the developments in the Middle East and around Iran. They reaffirmed the principled position regarding the condemnation of military strikes against Iran as outlined in the Tianjin Declaration adopted at the 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO on September 1, 2025, holding that such acts of aggression constitute a grave violation of the UN Charter and the principles and norms of international law.

The ministers once again expressed their sincere condolences over the tragic death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and extended their sympathies to the Iranian government and people as well as his family.

Meanwhile, the council reaffirmed that Central Asia is the core region of the SCO, supports the efforts of Central Asian countries to maintain peace and security in their own countries and the region, and advocates that the SCO play an active role in further consolidating stability and promoting economic and social development there.

The member states regarded unilateral coercive measures, including economic sanctions, that violate the UN Charter and other norms of international law as unacceptable, saying such measures impede international cooperation and the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The member states also advocated further expanding mutual trade among SCO countries to create more opportunities for businesses.

The next SCO Summit, marking its 25th anniversary, will be held in the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek from August 31-September 1.

China and Brazil pledge mutual support

Chinese President Xi Jinping took a phone call from Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on July 27.

President Xi noted that in recent years, China and Brazil have made good progress in building a community with a shared future and synergising development strategies. This has played an important role in promoting respective national development and the wellbeing of the two peoples and provided much-needed stability for the turbulent world.

Xi stressed that facing new circumstances and new challenges, China and Brazil, as important members of the Global South, should firmly stand on the right side of history and the progress of human civilisation, and play a more constructive role in reforming and improving the global governance system and upholding international fairness and justice. The two sides should jointly advance the high-quality development of greater BRICS cooperation, steer it in the right direction, maintain BRICS solidarity, produce more outcomes, and write a new chapter of uniting for strength within the Global South. China values Brazil’s international standing and important influence, supports its efforts in safeguarding sovereignty and independence, opposing external interference, and maintaining peace and stability in the region and the world.

President Lula said that the building of a Brazil-China community with a shared future for a more just world and a more sustainable planet has made sound progress, cooperation across various areas has enjoyed fast development, bilateral trade has reached a record high, and activities under the Brazil-China Year of Culture have solidified the foundation of popular support for friendship between the two countries.

Brazil is ready to step up multilateral coordination with China, uphold the authority of the UN, strengthen BRICS solidarity and cooperation, firmly safeguard multilateralism and oppose power politics, and stay committed to resolving hotspots through dialogue and consultation so as to jointly safeguard international fairness and justice and world peace and stability.

The call between the two heads of state was preceded by a meeting between the two countries’ foreign ministers on July 22. Wang Yi and his Brazilian counterpart Mauro Vieira met in the Philippines’ capital Manila in the margins of meetings convened by ASEAN, the Association of South East Asian Nations.

Wang Yi noted that under the strategic guidance of the two presidents, China and Brazil have made positive progress in jointly building a community with a shared future for a more just world and a more sustainable planet. The two countries’ comprehensive strategic partnership has always been at the forefront of the world, and it is necessary for both sides to maintain strategic communication, strengthen strategic coordination and deepen strategic cooperation. Brazil is an emerging economy with global influence and a representative force of the Global South. China is pleased to see Brazil playing a greater role in international affairs and appreciates Brazil’s efforts in speaking up for justice and upholding fairness for developing countries. China will continue to support Brazil in safeguarding its sovereignty, security and development interests, and believes that Brazil will, as always, respect and support China in upholding its core interests.

Mauro Vieira stated that Brazil looks forward to working with China to further deepen cooperation in such fields as finance and trade and to strengthen coordination on multilateral platforms including the United Nations and BRICS. Brazil is very pleased to join the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization initiated by China and looks forward to taking this as an opportunity to advance cooperation on scientific and technological innovation.

These diplomatic moves come against a backdrop of increased US pressure and threats against Brazil. Reporting on the foreign ministers’ meeting, the South China Morning Post noted that:

“Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Brazil that Beijing would continue to support its sovereignty, security, and development interests hours after a 25 per cent US tariff on Brazilian goods took effect.”

It added: “The US has imposed tariffs tied in part to the prosecution of the former president Jair Bolsonaro, and this month designated the First Capital Command and the Red Command as foreign terrorist organisations”, [which can provide a pretext for hostile acts on the part of the United States up to and including military intervention]…

“Brazilian Development, Industry and Trade Minister Marcio Elias Rosa said US officials argued during the talks [that preceded the US imposition of tariffs] that critical minerals exploration should be denied to entities that do not operate on market terms, a reference to Beijing.

“Rare earths and critical minerals ‘belong to the Brazilian people’, he said, adding that his team rejected the proposal.”

Then, on July 25, it was reported that Brazil had rejected visa applications from two US Department of State officials over concerns that their visit could support groups questioning Brazil’s electoral system.

Riley M. Barnes, assistant secretary from the State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, and Samuel Samson, deputy assistant secretary from the same bureau, had submitted their visa applications to the Brazilian government on July 20, planning to meet with far-right presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro and other right-wing figures.

Brazil will hold the first round of its presidential election on October 4, with a potential runoff scheduled for October 25.

Wang Yi meets Britain’s new foreign secretary Ed Miliband

Following his appointment on July 20 as Britain’s foreign secretary by new prime minister Andy Burnham, Ed Miliband attended meetings around the ASEAN Regional Forum, held this year in the Philippines’ capital Manila, later in the week.

Among Miliband’s bilateral meetings was that with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, held on the morning of July 23.

Wang Yi congratulated Ed Miliband on assuming his new post and noted that as major countries in the world and permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, China and the UK have a relationship that goes beyond the bilateral scope and carries global significance. He further expressed the hope that the UK will abide by the one-China principle, safeguard the political foundation of bilateral relations, provide a fair, just and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises in the UK, and avoid securitising economic and trade issues.

Wang added that the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity and the four major global initiatives put forward by President Xi Jinping address the deficits in peace, development, security and governance facing the international community, articulate the vision and goals of China’s diplomacy, and provide important public goods for the world. China and the UK need to work together to transcend differences, jointly uphold multilateralism, support the revitalisation of the core role of the United Nations, oppose unilateral bullying and protectionism, and make greater contributions to world peace and development.

Ed Miliband stated that the new UK government attaches great importance to its relations with China. As major countries with significant influence in the world, the UK and China should continue to strengthen cooperation on global security, health and development issues. The UK is ready to strengthen exchanges at all levels with China, expand cooperation in areas such as climate change, and enhance multilateral communication and coordination.

As indicated in Wang’s above remarks, China is adopting a positive attitude towards relations with the new British government. However, Burnham’s government will need to responsibly address a serious problem it has inherited from the previous administration of Keir Starmer, namely the expropriation of the Scunthorpe steel plant hitherto owned by China’s Jingye company. The importance China places on this can be discerned from the headline given by the Xinhua News Agency to its report on the meeting, ‘Chinese FM urges Britain to avoid imposing security implications on economic, trade issues’.

Speaking at a reception held at his embassy that evening to mark the 99th anniversary of the founding of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA), Chinese ambassador to the UK Zheng Zeguang described his foreign minister’s meeting with Miliband earlier in the day as having been “very productive”.

On his X social media account, Miliband wrote: “Our relationship with China matters – for security, the economy and climate.

“Glad to discuss Ukraine and the Middle East with Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

“We are taking a consistent, long term and strategic approach to relations with China, rooted in UK and global interests.”

Miliband last visited China in March 2025 as Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.

On July 20, Chinese Premier Li Qiang had congratulated Andy Burnham on his assuming office as British prime minister.

Li said China and Britain are both permanent members of the UN Security Council and major global economies. Stronger dialogue and cooperation will not only advance the development of both countries but also contribute to greater stability and global peace.

Li further expressed his readiness to work with Burnham to strengthen engagement, deepen mutual trust, expand exchanges and cooperation, and advance the long-term and stable comprehensive strategic partnership, bringing greater benefits to both countries and their peoples.

Andy Burnham previously led a trade mission to China in September 2018 as Mayor of Greater Manchester.

DPRK’s solidarity with China and Cuba has socialism as the core

The following is the text of a speech given by Keith Bennett to a recent public meeting on the theme of ‘The Importance of Solidarity with the DPRK and its People in Today’s Global Situation’.

Keith concentrates his remarks on two aspects of this question. First, the recent developments in the comradely relations between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the People’s Republic of China, which Kim Jong Un stresses have socialism as their core, as illustrated by Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s state visit to the DPRK in June 2026 and subsequently by Kim Jong Un’s greetings on the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China.

Second, Keith analyses a 1968 article written by DPRK founding leader Kim Il Sung marking the first anniversary of the death of Che Guevara, noting in particular its continuing relevance to understanding the vital need to defend the Cuban revolution and its relationship to the situation in Latin America as a whole.

Wang Huning visits DPRK to mark treaty anniversary

A party and government delegation of the People’s Republic of China led by Wang Huning, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), paid an official goodwill visit to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) on July 15-17 at the invitation of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) and the government of the DPRK and attended the celebrations of the 65th anniversary of the conclusion of the DPRK-China Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance. The visit was reciprocal to the July 10-12 China visit by a DPRK party and government delegation led by Pak Thae Song, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the WPK, vice-president of the DPRK State Affairs Commission and premier of the DPRK Cabinet. The exchange of high-level delegations to mark the treaty anniversary was confirmed by Chinese leader Xi Jinping along with his DPRK counterpart Kim Jong Un during the former’s state visit to the DPRK, June 8-9.

Kim Jong Un, General Secretary of the WPK and President of the State Affairs of the DPRK, met with Wang Huning and his delegation on July 16.

Noting that the DPRK-China Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance, an inter-state treaty which defines the strategic character of the bilateral relations and advances its strategic direction, has played an important role in defending the basic interests of the two countries and ensuring regional and global peace and security, Kim Jong Un said that it is the steadfast policy of the WPK and the DPRK government to more vigorously develop the traditional friendly and cooperative relations with socialism as the core in several fields on the basis of the spirit of the treaty and in line with the requirement of the changing times and the aspiration and desire of the two peoples.

He further affirmed that the WPK and the DPRK government would as ever support the socialist cause with Chinese characteristics in the new era led by Comrade General Secretary Xi Jinping, sincerely hoping that the Chinese people, who significantly celebrated the 105th anniversary of the foundation of the CPC, would make greater achievements in the historic course of comprehensively building a modern socialist power and achieving the great prosperity of the Chinese nation under the leadership of the CPC.

On the same day, a reception was given at the Yanggakdo International Hotel to mark the 65th anniversary of the conclusion of the DPRK-China Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance.

Pak Thae Song made a welcoming speech. He said that the DPRK-China friendship has entered a new stage of development in various fields under the direct guidance of the top leaders of the two parties and two countries, expressing the steadfast stand of the WPK and the DPRK government to steadily develop the friendly and cooperative relations with socialism as the core.

He further expressed the will to firmly join hands with the Chinese comrades as ever in the course of actively promoting the coprosperity and new development of friendship of the two countries, opposing hegemonism and victoriously advancing the socialist cause.

For his part, Wang Huning said it is a vivid feature of the relations between China and the DPRK that they support and cooperate with each other, share destiny and protect and help each other, adding that Comrade General Secretary Xi Jinping and Comrade General Secretary Kim Jong Un met seven times to lead the traditional China-DPRK friendship to open a new chapter of history.

He added that the firm stand of the Chinese party and government placing great importance on China-DPRK friendship will remain unchanged and the firm support for the cause of Korean socialism led by Comrade General Secretary Kim Jong Un will never be changed, adding that the Chinese side will, together with the DPRK side, hold aloft the banner of socialism and ensure that the baton of China-DPRK friendship is handed down through generations.

On the previous day, Wang held talks with Jo Yong Won, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau and secretary of the Central Committee of the WPK.

Jo Yong Won said that the ever-changing present international political situation has required the two countries to further strengthen the militant unity, support and solidarity and steadily intensify and develop the friendly and cooperative relations for the victorious advance of the common cause of socialism in conformity with the basic spirit of the DPRK-China Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance. And he expressed the stand to expand and develop the bilateral relations in a many-sided way while maintaining close strategic communications and tactical cooperation between the two parties and two countries.

Wang Huning said that the conclusion of the treaty between China and the DPRK laid a legal foundation to consolidate the militant friendship formed at the cost of blood, stressing that it is an important common understanding of the top leaders of the two parties and two countries to splendidly mark the 65th anniversary of the conclusion of the treaty.

On the same day, Wang paid tribute to the martyrs of the Chinese People’s Volunteer Army at Pyongyang’s Friendship Tower and wrote in the visitor’s book, “Let Us Glorify the Traditional Friendship by Inheriting the Intention of Martyrs”.

The next day he also visited the Chinese People’s Volunteers cemetery in the Sunan district of Pyongyang municipality.

He also visited the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun to pay high respects to former DPRK leaders President Kim Il Sung and Chairman Kim Jong Il as well as visiting the WPK’s Central Cadre Training School.

On July 17, accompanied by Jo Yong Won, Wang Huning visited the Wonsan Kalma coastal tourism area.

Commenting on the resort, which was officially opened on July 1, 2025, Wang Huning said it amazed him that the DPRK built in a short span of time the tourist area where the splendid structures harmonise with the natural landscape in a unique way and which has been landscaped on a high level, adding that such wonderful facilities for the people are the embodiment and manifestation of the people-first principle of the WPK.

Concluding their visit, Wang Huning and his delegation departed for home from the Wonsan Kalma Airport.

RIMPAC naval exercises threaten China at the expense of indigenous peoples and the environment

On June 24, the United States launched the biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercises off Hawaii – the world’s largest international naval war games, bringing together 31 countries, more than 25,000 personnel, dozens of warships and submarines, and 140 aircraft. Running until July 31, RIMPAC represents a further escalation of Washington’s preparations for war on China, militarising the Pacific and normalising the prospect of conflict through ever-larger exercises and an expanding web of alliances and military bases.

We reproduce below a selection of critical coverage examining what RIMPAC means for the peoples and environment of the Pacific – from the diversion of resources amid a deepening climate emergency, to the participation of NATO states and Israel, to the dispossession and militarisation of Hawai’i and its indigenous Kanaka Maoli.

SCO debates sovereign financial infrastructure for the Global South

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) – which now represents some 42 percent of the world’s population – is increasingly turning its attention to building financial infrastructure independent of the US dollar. At a forum held on the sidelines of the 14th World Peace Conference in Beijing, officials and analysts from Iran, Russia, China, Belarus and Uzbekistan debated how the bloc might construct alternative settlement mechanisms capable of insulating its members from Washington’s unilateral sanctions.

The context is the growing use of sanctions as a weapon of economic warfare against independent states – Iran, Russia, Belarus, Venezuela and Cuba among them. As the following report from Press TV explains, the proposals under discussion build on an initiative advanced by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian at the SCO’s Tianjin summit: expanding trade in national currencies, developing secure digital infrastructure for cross-border payments, and establishing a multilateral swap fund to cushion members against financial shocks.

For its proponents, such a system is about more than evading sanctions. It is about establishing a sovereign financial architecture for the Global South – one that would allow nations to decouple from Western financial hegemony and conduct their trade, investment and development on their own terms. It is a further sign of the emerging multipolar order.

Nkrumah’s daughter looks forward to “greater and better things” with China

The Chinese Embassy in Accra, capital of Ghana, recently held an “inter-party” roundtable to mark the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

Speaking at the meeting, Samia Yaba Nkrumah, daughter of the revolutionary Pan-Africanist and Ghana’s first President Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, said China’s success influenced her father’s decision to pursue a development path tailored to Ghana’s own pace and national circumstances as a way of “overcoming poverty and building our manufacturing base.”

“We look to the future to build our technology and industries. We look forward to greater and better things between us,” she said.

Kwesi Pratt Jr., general secretary of the Socialist Movement of Ghana, said that China’s development story exemplifies the country’s journey from winning the struggle for national independence to achieving sustained economic growth.

He praised the longstanding ties between China and Africa, dating back to the era of China’s founding leaders and Africa’s independence movements. He also commended China’s commitment to Africa’s development through initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative and its recent zero-tariff policy.

Benjamin Anyagre, general secretary of the Ghana-China Friendship Association (GHACHIFA), praised China’s four global initiatives, saying they respond to the demands of the current era and seek to help chart a course for the future.

Chinese Ambassador to Ghana Cong Song said that although the four global initiatives are rooted in China’s development experience, they benefit the entire world. “They tackle current challenges while paving the way for a brighter future for humanity.”