Category: International relations

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Continue reading China and Brazil pledge mutual support

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.

Continue reading Wang Yi meets Britain’s new foreign secretary Ed Miliband

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.

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

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.

Continue reading Wang Huning visits DPRK to mark treaty anniversary

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.

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

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.

Continue reading SCO debates sovereign financial infrastructure for the Global South

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.”

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

China and DPRK strengthen historic relations with socialism at the core on treaty anniversary

The China-DPRK (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance was signed on July 11, 1961, by then Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai and DPRK Premier Kim Il Sung. It remains the only such treaty between China and another country. This year, both countries have taken the treaty’s 65th anniversary as a major occasion to reaffirm their continued solidarity and friendship with socialism at the core in the new era.

The top leaders of the two countries, Xi Jinping and Kim Jong Un, exchanged messages marking the anniversary.

In his message, Xi said that in 1961, the older generations of leaders of China and the DPRK signed the China-DPRK Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance, laying an important political and legal foundation for consolidating the friendship forged in blood between the two peoples.

The treaty has played an important role in carrying forward China-DPRK friendship and safeguarding peace and stability in the region and beyond, he said.

Xi pointed to his successful state visit to the DPRK in June, when he reached important consensus with Kim on consolidating and carrying forward the traditional friendship between China and the DPRK and enriching it with new dimensions, providing strategic guidance and a new blueprint for the development of China-DPRK relations in the new era.

No matter how the international landscape evolves, the firm position of China’s Party and government to attach great importance to the traditional friendship between China and the DPRK will remain unchanged; the firm support for Kim in leading the DPRK’s socialist cause will remain unchanged; and the determination to safeguard the common interests of both sides and maintain a favourable strategic environment will remain unchanged, Xi emphasised.

For his part, Kim said the two sides signed the DPRK-China Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance 65 years ago, laying a solid legal foundation for the enduring development of the fighting friendship and unity of mutual assistance and cooperation between the DPRK and China, forged in the bloody struggle for independence against imperialism and for the great cause of peace and socialism.

Over the past period, through all the vicissitudes of history, the DPRK and China have stood by each other with unwavering support and close cooperation, fully demonstrating to the world the everlasting and unbreakable nature of their friendship — a relationship that is special in terms of traditional bonds, shared socialist cause, and firm commitment to carrying it forward from generation to generation.

It is the unwavering position of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) and the DPRK government to advance the traditional friendly and cooperative relations between the DPRK and China, with socialism at its core, to keep pace with the changes of the times and the aspirations of the two peoples and to achieve more dynamic development in all fields, he added, and in conclusion noted:

“I am ready to develop the DPRK-China friendship with good history and tradition as its foundation into a model of the most powerful and strategic relations between socialist countries by guiding it to a new height, together with you, Comrade General Secretary.

“I hope that the Chinese people, who significantly celebrated the 105th anniversary of the founding of the CPC with a proud history of development, will make bigger epoch-making successes in accomplishing the gigantic cause of comprehensively building a modern and powerful socialist country and achieving the great prosperity of the Chinese nation under the leadership of the CPC with you, Comrade General Secretary, as its core.”

At the invitation of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the government of the People’s Republic of China, a party and government delegation of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea led by Pak Thae Song, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea, vice-president of the DPRK State Affairs Commission and premier of the DPRK Cabinet, paid an official visit to China and took part in the event marking the 65th anniversary of the conclusion of the treaty from July 10-12.

On the afternoon of July 10, President Xi Jinping met with Pak Thae Song at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

President Xi Jinping noted that last month, I paid a state visit to the DPRK, during which General Secretary Kim Jong Un and I provided the strategic guidance for consolidating and growing the traditional friendship between China and the DPRK and continuously enriching it in keeping with the times. The China-DPRK relations have always been defined by lasting friendship, sharing weal and woe and mutual help. The China-DPRK Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance laid important political and legal foundations for cementing the friendship forged by our peoples in struggle and blood. General Secretary Kim Jong Un and I agreed that we should take the joint and grand commemoration of the 65th anniversary of the Treaty as an opportunity to always bear in mind the original aspiration and mission of the older generations of leaders of the two parties and countries and encourage the two peoples to carry forward our traditional friendship, so that our bilateral relations will continue to thrive in the new historical period.

Both China and the DPRK should maintain firm strategic resolve, enhance strategic confidence, accelerate the implementation of the consensus reached between me and General Secretary Kim Jong Un, and ensure that the relations between our two parties and countries keep pace with the times and continue to develop in a direction that serves our respective socialist cause and modernisation. We should steadily advance practical cooperation, build greater public support, and make good use of our shared revolutionary history and resources, so that young people of both countries can remember the historic contributions of the Chinese People’s Volunteers and the great China-DPRK friendship can be passed down through generations.

Premier Pak Thae Song first conveyed warm greetings from General Secretary Kim Jong Un to General Secretary Xi Jinping, noting that on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the DPRK-China Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance, General Secretary Kim Jong Un wishes General Secretary Xi Jinping new and continuous achievements in the lofty cause of leading the CPC and the Chinese people.

Pak further extended warm congratulations on the 105th anniversary of the founding of the CPC and on General Secretary Xi Jinping leading the Chinese people in achieving remarkable development accomplishments. General Secretary Xi’s first overseas visit this year was to the DPRK, and the top leaders of the two parties and countries had a historic meeting, setting a new milestone in bilateral relations and further consolidating public support for DPRK-China friendship. Guided by the spirit of the Treaty, the two countries have supported each other, jointly advanced the cause of socialism, and worked hand in hand to safeguard regional and world peace. The solemn commemorative activities held by the two countries for the Treaty’s 65th anniversary once again demonstrated that DPRK-China friendship has withstood the test of changing international circumstances and is of great strategic significance. General Secretary Kim Jong Un gave the instruction of developing DPRK-China relations into the strongest strategic relationship. The DPRK side will resolutely implement the important consensus between the top leaders of the two parties and countries, firmly support China in safeguarding its core interests on issues such as the Taiwan question, and make every effort to bring DPRK-China solidarity, friendship, and the socialist cause of the two countries to a new and higher level.

Under the deep care of the top leaders of the two parties and two countries, the events for marking the anniversary of the conclusion of treaty are to be held with splendour this year, strikingly demonstrating once again the strategic character of the DPRK-China friendship, the premier noted, saying that the DPRK would as ever do its best to actively promote the revolutionary unity, the co-prosperity and development and the socialist cause of the two countries at a new high stage as required by the new era.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang also held talks with his DPRK counterpart on the same day.

Noting that China and the DPRK are friendly neighbours with a shared future and mutual support, Li, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said that it has always been the unwavering policy of the CPC and the Chinese government to maintain, consolidate and develop China-DPRK relations.

He said China stands ready to work with the DPRK to act on the important common understandings of the top leaders of the two parties and two countries, continue to uphold the spirit of the China-DPRK Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance, intensify high-level exchanges, consolidate political mutual trust and expand practical cooperation.

China is ready to align development strategies with the DPRK, steadily expand economic and trade exchanges, promote connectivity, deepen cooperation in people’s livelihood sectors including healthcare and education, and improve the well-being of the two peoples. He also called for carrying forward the China-DPRK traditional friendship and strengthening people-to-people and cultural exchanges.

Pak Thae Song said that the DPRK-China Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance is a firm political and legal guarantee for dynamically promoting the development of the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries, adding that the complicated international political situation requires the two parties and two countries to continue to give full play to the spirit of the treaty with defending the unity, cooperation and common interests for the victorious advance of the socialist cause as the core.

Noting that the DPRK-China friendly relations have reached a new high level thanks to the direct interest and wise leadership of Comrade Kim Jong Un and Comrade Xi Jinping, he stressed that the DPRK would make positive efforts to steadily strengthen the DPRK-China friendship and solidarity, true to the noble intention of the top leaders of the two parties and two countries.

A ceremony was also held at the Great Hall of the People to welcome the Party and government delegation of the DPRK and Premier Pak Thae Song, reviewed the guard of honour of the People’s Liberation Army.

Zhao Leji, chairman of China’s National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee met with Pak and his delegation on July 10.

At the meeting, Zhao pointed out that the strategic guidance of the top leaders of the two parties and the two countries is the greatest strength and fundamental guarantee of bilateral relations.

He said that China is willing to work with the DPRK to implement the important consensus reached by the top leaders, carry forward traditional friendship, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, enhance exchanges among legislative bodies, share experience in governing the Party and the country, and promote a greater development of bilateral relations.

The meeting expressed the will to successfully implement the important common understanding reached between the top leaders of the two parties and the two countries, add lustre to the traditional friendship, strengthen the mutually beneficial cooperation and deepen exchange and cooperation between legislative bodies so as to promote greater development in the DPRK-China relations.

Senior CPC leader Cai Qi and Pak Thae Song attended and delivered speeches at the reception commemorating the 65th anniversary of the treaty signing on July 10.

Cai, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, said China stands ready to work with the DPRK to take the important consensus reached by the two leaders as the fundamental guideline and strategic orientation, carry forward the traditional friendship, and strive to elevate the socialist causes and traditional friendly cooperative relations of the two countries to new heights.

In his speech, Pak said:

“During the historic Pyongyang summit in June, Comrade Kim Jong Un and Comrade Xi Jinping discussed the issues of strengthening the strategic coordination and cooperation between the two parties and two countries, firmly safeguarding the sovereignty, security and development interests of the two countries and jointly defending peace and development in the region and the world and reached a consensus of views on them.”

Pak and his delegation also laid a wreath at the Monument to the People’s Heroes in Tiananmen Square. The participants paid tribute to the memory of the heroes who fought for the freedom and liberation of the Chinese people.

They also visited various places in Beijing and Tianjin, including the Museum of the Communist Party of China. Pak Thae Song made an entry in the visitor’s book, hoping that the Chinese people continue to achieve fresh successes in building a modern socialist country under the leadership of the CPC. Among other places visited was the Green Low-Carbon Circular Economy Demonstration Base of the China Resources Recycling Group Co. Ltd. in Tianjin Municipality.

Concluding his official visit to the PRC on July 12, Pak addressed a message of thanks to Premier Li Qiang.

The message expressed deep thanks to General Secretary Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, Chairman Zhao Leji, the Chinese Party and government and the fraternal Chinese people for warmly greeting and according sincere hospitality to the Party and government delegation of the DPRK.

Meanwhile, the foreign ministers of the two countries also extended greetings on the treaty anniversary.

The message to DPRK Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui from Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, said that for 65 years both sides have trusted and supported with each other, making positive contributions to providing happiness for the peoples of the two countries and ensuring regional peace and stability. The message expressed the will to resolutely implement the important shared understanding of the top leaders of the two parties and two countries and make steady efforts to consolidate and develop the traditional China-DPRK friendly and cooperative relations.

For her part, Choe Son Hui expressed the will to further strengthen communication and cooperation in the diplomatic field in order to develop the relations of friendship and cooperation between the two countries into the model of the most powerful and strategic relations between socialist states, true to the noble intention of the top leaders of the two countries, and wished the DPRK-China friendship steady strengthening and the People’s Republic of China prosperity.

Continue reading China and DPRK strengthen historic relations with socialism at the core on treaty anniversary

Namibia and China reinforce traditional friendship with a commitment to build a shared future for the new era

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of the Republic of Namibia paid a state visit to China from July 5-11, 2026. It was her first visit to China since she became her country’s first female head of state in March 2025.

President Nandi-Ndaitwah arrived in Beijing on July 8, after first visiting Guangdong and Sichuan provinces. She met with President Xi Jinping on the afternoon of July 10, and the two presidents jointly announced the elevation of bilateral relations to a China-Namibia community with a shared future for the new era.

President Xi Jinping noted that China and Namibia enjoy profound traditional friendship and share common aspirations for development. He made three proposals for building a China-Namibia community with a shared future for the new era:

We need to firmly support each other and deepen the convergence of our visions. The two sides need to maintain close high-level exchanges, deepen experience-sharing on governance, and stay in regular communication on issues of overall and strategic importance in our bilateral relations.

We need to tap the potential of cooperation and take it to higher levels. China has enacted a zero-tariff policy for all the 53 African countries that have diplomatic relations with China. This is a groundbreaking move in expanding China’s high-standard opening up, and much-needed assistance that helps African countries accelerate their development. We hope Namibia will make full use of the zero-tariff access, the upgraded fast track for Namibian exports to reach China, and other favourable policies, so that more high-quality Namibian products will come in at a faster pace.

We need to uphold solidarity and coordination to safeguard multilateralism. As important members of the Global South, China and Namibia share extensive common interests and similar values. The two sides should strengthen solidarity and coordination, firmly support each other, and jointly safeguard international fairness and justice. China stands ready to strengthen coordination and cooperation with Namibia and other African countries to enhance the strength and voice of the Global South and make new contributions to building a community with a shared future for humanity.

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said that the friendship between Namibia and China goes back a long way, and bilateral relations have made impressive progress over the years. She extended warm congratulations on the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC), and hailed China as a great country, noting that under the strong leadership of President Xi Jinping, China’s remarkable economic and social achievements have won global admiration. The SWAPO Party of Namibia looks forward to enhanced inter-party exchanges and closer communication and cooperation with the CPC. China has long provided selfless support and assistance to African countries, including Namibia, and has always upheld a just position in international and regional affairs. Namibia will enhance communication and coordination with China to safeguard the common interests of developing countries and jointly build a community with a shared future for humanity.

Following the talks, the two presidents witnessed the signing of multiple cooperation documents in areas such as economy and trade, healthcare, education, and human resources.

The two sides issued the Joint Statement Between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Namibia on Building a China-Namibia Community with a Shared Future for the New Era. Among the salient points covered in this detailed document are:

The two sides agreed that China and Namibia enjoy a deep traditional friendship and that it has grown stronger with the passage of time. China and Namibia established diplomatic relations in 1990 [on the day after Namibia’s independence] and the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in 2018, and the two countries have continued to consolidate mutual political trust, achieved fruitful gains in practical cooperation, coordinated and collaborated in international affairs, setting an inspiring example of China-Africa friendship and South-South cooperation.

Namibia commended the sound guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for the New Era and the people-centred development philosophy of the Communist Party of China. Namibia believes that the successful practice of Chinese modernisation provides useful reference for developing countries to explore their paths towards modernisation.

China appreciated the visionary leadership of H.E. Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Republic of Namibia, and supports Namibia’s pursuit of economic growth, industrialisation and prosperity.

Both sides committed to strengthen their mutually beneficial friendly cooperation under new circumstances, which meets the common development aspirations of the two peoples and helps to work together to promote a more just, equitable international order. To this end, the two sides decided to elevate bilateral relations to a China-Namibia community with a shared future for the new era.

China commended the SWAPO party of Namibia for writing “socialism with Namibian characteristics” into its party constitution and supports President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah in leading the SWAPO party on a sustainable development path suited to Namibia’s national interests. China supports Namibia in safeguarding its national sovereignty, security and socio-economic development interests, and in resolutely opposing external interference.

Both sides agreed that the Communist Party of China and the SWAPO Party of Namibia enjoy a profound friendship, close cooperation and shared ideologies, a model of inter-party cooperation between China and Africa. China is ready to further strengthen exchanges and cooperation and continue to deepen the relations with the six sister parties in Southern Africa. [Besides Namibia’s SWAPO, these are South Africa’s ANC, Zimbabwe’s ZANU-PF, Angola’s MPLA, Mozambique’s FRELIMO and Tanzania’s CCM.]

Namibia commended the full implementation of zero-tariff treatment granted to African countries having diplomatic relations with China, and believes that amid rising unilateralism and protectionism, this move demonstrates China’s responsibility as a major country and determination to firmly expand high-standard opening up. Both sides are committed to the mutual reinforcement between the zero-tariff policy and the needs of Namibia to expand exports, attract investment and create jobs.

Namibia commended President Xi Jinping’s four propositions on safeguarding and promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, as well as his three observations on China and Africa joining hands to address the spillover challenges of the Middle East situation. The two sides call on relevant parties to stay committed to peaceful solutions, resolve differences through dialogue and negotiation, and bring peace and stability back to the Middle East region.

The two sides emphasised that all sides should respect the diversity of civilisations across the world, uphold the common values of humanity, strengthen inter-civilisational exchanges, and champion equality, mutual learning, dialogue and inclusiveness between civilisations, in a pursuit of progress of human civilisation. Taking the opportunity of the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges in 2026, the two sides are ready to deepen communication and cooperation and forge a closer bond between the peoples.

The two sides committed to deepen healthcare exchanges and cooperation in such forms as medical personnel training, disease control and health emergency response, and explore cooperation in the production of pharmaceuticals in Namibia. China will actively support Namibia in building its healthcare system and continue to send medical teams and strengthen cooperation with partner hospitals.

The two sides reaffirmed strong commitment to promoting greater unity and strength of the Global South, jointly safeguarding international fairness and justice, and maintaining solidarity and cooperation of the international community. Both sides will firmly uphold the UN-centred international system, the international order based on international law, and the basic norms governing international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, oppose hegemonism and power politics, and practice true multilateralism.

The two sides applauded the successful visit of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to China, which both sides believe, holds great significance for the development of bilateral relations and the building of an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah expressed heartfelt appreciation to President Xi Jinping and the Chinese government and people for the warm hospitality extended to her during her visit, and invited President Xi Jinping to visit Namibia at a convenient time.

Nandi-Ndaitwah met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang the previous day.

Noting that Namibia is an important partner of China in Africa, Li said China is willing to work with Namibia to carry forward traditional friendship, firmly support each other’s core interests and major concerns, and promote mutually beneficial cooperation, in order to advance the modernisation of the two countries.

The two sides should deepen exchanges and cooperation in areas such as tourism, health, education, science and technology, and youth, said Li, adding that China is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with Namibia under mechanisms such as the United Nations and work with all parties to promote true multilateralism, implement the four major global initiatives proposed by China, advance an equal and orderly multipolar world and universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation.

Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, met with the Namibian head of state on July 10.

He said that China’s NPC is willing to enhance exchanges and cooperation with the Parliament of Namibia, deepen collaboration on multilateral platforms such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), and contribute to common development.

Noting that the friendship between Namibia and China has a long history and continues to grow stronger, Nandi-Ndaitwah said that the Namibian side adheres to the one-China principle and stands ready to carry out close cooperation with China in various fields, including the economy and trade, infrastructure, agriculture and minerals.

Continue reading Namibia and China reinforce traditional friendship with a commitment to build a shared future for the new era

China and Bangladesh upgrade relations to a community with a shared future in the new era

Tarique Rahman, Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, paid an official visit to China from June 22 to 26, 2026, which included attending the 17th Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2026 (Summer Davos) held in the northeastern city of Dalian.

Rahman met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on the morning of June 26 and the two leaders jointly announced the decision to build a China-Bangladesh community with a shared future in the new era, elevating bilateral relations to a higher level.

President Xi Jinping noted that China has all along attached great importance to the development of China-Bangladesh relations and stayed true to the policy of good-neighbourliness and friendship toward all the people of Bangladesh. No matter how the world changes, China will not waver in its commitment to the overall direction of China-Bangladesh friendly relations, and will always be a trustworthy good friend, good neighbour, and good partner of Bangladesh. This year marks the 105th anniversary of the Communist Party of China. Looking back over its history, the CPC has united and led the Chinese people in emerging from poverty and weakness and blazing a path of Chinese modernisation. Its strength lies in independence and self-reliance, and in keeping the future of national development and progress firmly in its own hands. China supports Bangladesh in upholding national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and rejecting foreign interference. China is ready to work with Bangladesh to increase exchanges of governance experience, enhance ties at all levels, deepen strategic communication, strengthen political mutual trust, and continue to support each other on issues concerning the respective core interests and major concerns of the two countries.

China supports the new government of Bangladesh in its governance efforts, and stands ready to work with Bangladesh to carry out high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, further align development strategies, exchange development experience, make sound plans for orderly cooperation in priority areas, explore cooperation potential in green and low-carbon development, digital economy, information technology, and artificial intelligence, conduct exchanges in healthcare, culture and education and at subnational levels, and advance the development of the China-Myanmar-Bangladesh Economic Corridor for greater regional connectivity. China is ready to strengthen communication and coordination with Bangladesh within multilateral frameworks including the UN, so as to jointly promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation and better uphold the legitimate rights and common interests of the two countries and the interests of the Global South.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman extended congratulations on the 105th anniversary of the founding of the CPC. He said that China is a great country, holds a significant place in Bangladesh’s foreign policy, and is a valued and trusted partner of Bangladesh. He was pleased that bilateral relations have been raised to a new level of a Bangladesh-China community with a shared future in the new era. Under the strong leadership of President Xi Jinping, China has made great development achievements, and Chinese modernisation is an example for Bangladesh to learn from.

The two countries released a 15-point Joint Communiqué. In it, the two sides agreed to promote high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative and work together to realise their goals of modernisation. China will pursue greater synergy with Bangladesh on development plans, promote both major signature projects and “small and beautiful” livelihood projects, and continue to support Bangladesh in advancing industrialisation and enhancing agricultural modernisation and resilience.

Bangladesh appreciated China for the zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent of tariff lines and will foster a favourable environment for Chinese enterprises to invest in Bangladesh. The two sides agreed to deepen cooperation in such areas as integrated water resources management, water resources planning, hydrological forecasting, flood prevention and disaster reduction, and river dredging, and related technology sharing.

China supported Bangladesh in playing a greater role in multilateral institutions such as the UN, and supported Bangladesh to participate in the BRICS and the application of Bangladesh to become a partner of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). The two sides expressed readiness to continue promoting multilateral cooperation in the region and welcome more regional countries to join in the process.

Bangladesh commended China’s constructive role in promoting the resolution of the issue concerning the forcibly displaced people from the Rakhine State of Myanmar who have taken shelter in Bangladesh. The Chinese side commended Bangladesh for providing humanitarian assistance to those people, and supported Bangladesh and Myanmar in finding a mutually acceptable solution through friendly consultations. China will continue to facilitate this process to the best of its capabilities.

The previous day, Rahman had met with his Chinese counterpart Premier Li Qiang, who said that China stands ready to work with Bangladesh to consolidate strategic mutual trust, expand practical cooperation, and bring more benefits to the people of both countries.

China is also ready to work with Bangladesh to uphold good-neighbourliness and friendship, consolidate strategic mutual trust, expand practical cooperation, promote continuous new and greater development of China-Bangladesh relations, and bring more benefits to the people of the two countries.

China is also willing to work with Bangladesh to promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, import more high-quality products from Bangladesh, support capable Chinese enterprises in investing in Bangladesh, and expand cooperation in emerging industries such as new energy, digital economy, artificial intelligence and information and communication with the Bangladeshi side.

Li also noted that China stands ready to closely coordinate and cooperate with Bangladesh in multilateral affairs, safeguard common interests, promote unity and self-reliance among developing countries, and make greater contributions to the joint development of the Global South.

Rahman expressed his gratitude to China for the valuable support it has provided to Bangladesh’s economic and social development over a long period of time, noting that Bangladesh looks forward to maintaining close high-level exchanges with China and strengthening the alignment of their development strategies.

Bangladesh firmly defends the post-war international order and highly agrees with and supports the concept of a community with a shared future for humanity and the four major global initiatives proposed by China. Bangladesh is also willing to cooperate with China on multilateral platforms.

Rahman met with Zhao Leji, chairman of China’s National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, on June 26.

Zhao said China is willing to work with Bangladesh to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, carry forward and practice the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, deepen political mutual trust, expand mutually beneficial cooperation and promote the continuous development of China-Bangladesh relations.

The previous day he met with Liu Haixing, Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee (IDCPC), in his capacity of Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

Rahman said that China is a trustworthy old friend, a good friend and the most important development partner of Bangladesh. Bangladesh cannot achieve development and security without China’s assistance and support. Bangladesh firmly upholds the one-China principle and stands ready to work with China to carry forward the tradition of friendship, deepen mutual support, expand practical cooperation across all sectors, including livelihood projects in such areas as water infrastructure, industrial parks and hospitals, and push Bangladesh-China relations to a new height, so as to deliver greater benefits to the two peoples.

Liu noted that since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1975, friendship has always been the defining feature of China-Bangladesh relations, and continuity is a defining feature of the friendship. Today, with unprecedented changes unfolding at a faster pace, the two sides should further consolidate political mutual trust through mutual support, draw a blueprint for win-win outcomes through practical cooperation, strengthen the bonds between the two peoples through people-to-people exchanges, and uphold international equity and justice through multilateral collaboration, ensuring that the friendship between China and Bangladesh is passed down through generations and continues to brim with new vitality. The CPC attaches great importance to its friendly relations with the BNP, and stands ready to take the signing of the memorandum of understanding on exchanges and cooperation between the two Parties as an opportunity to further deepen institutionalised inter-party exchanges, raise the level of the exchange of experience in state governance and administration, and promote cooperation in such areas as sub-national, youth, media and livelihood affairs through the “political party+” channel, so as to contribute the strength of the political parties to the continued development of China-Bangladesh relations.

Tarique Rahman became the 11th Prime Minister of Bangladesh on February 17, 2026, following the BNP’s decisive victory in the general election of February 12, where it won two thirds of the parliamentary seats. The Awami League, winner of the last four elections, was banned and could not contest. Rahman’s late father and mother previously served respectively as president and prime minister of Bangladesh.

Continue reading China and Bangladesh upgrade relations to a community with a shared future in the new era

Cuba’s communists say: the Communist Party of China is today an indispensable reference point in the process of building socialism

On June 29, an important political function was held at the Palace of the Revolution in the Cuban capital Havana to mark the July 1 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 90th anniversary of the victory of the Long March.

It was attended by the First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of the Republic, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, along with members of the party’s Political Bureau; leaders of the Party, the State, the Government, the Young Communist League, mass organisations, the Revolutionary Armed Forces, the Ministry of the Interior, the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP), and others. Also present were Chinese Ambassador Hua Xin, members of his staff, Chinese students, and representatives of Chinese companies based on the island; as well as ambassadors and other members of the diplomatic corps.

In his speech, Ambassador Hua Xin affirmed that: “The Communist Party of China will always stand with the Communist Party of Cuba,” adding:

“Today, faced with the escalating blockade imposed by the United States, as well as its military threats, the Party, the Government, and the people of Cuba remain steadfast in their conviction, will not yield to pressure, and will resolutely defend national sovereignty and the socialist cause.

“We categorically oppose the illegal unilateral sanctions and any form of military intervention; we demand that the United States immediately end the blockade and all forms of coercion, and that it cease violating the Cuban people’s right to survival and development.

“We firmly support Cuba in exploring a path of socialist development, in accordance with its national conditions; and we highly value the decision of the Communist Party of Cuba to courageously promote measures of economic and social transformation. We are confident that, under the leadership of the Communist Party of Cuba, the heroic Cuban people will overcome current difficulties and achieve new victories in socialist construction.”

The keynote address at the commemoration was delivered by Emilio Lozada García, member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and head of its International Relations Department. Recalling the visionary pioneers who founded the CPC in 1921, he said:

“Those 50 courageous communist militants have multiplied and today number more than one hundred million, making them the largest Communist Party in the world today.”

He added that: “In the history of its struggle, the heroic leadership of the Long March by the Red Army, between October 1934 and October 1936, stands out. This campaign gave a new and decisive direction to the war and demonstrated what a people, guided by its Communist Party, is capable of achieving.”

Moving towards the present day, he noted: “The Reform and Opening Up policy, after almost five decades of implementation, has allowed China to become the world’s second-largest economy and has demonstrated the validity of socialism as a political system.

“It has also been key in the process of national reunification, especially in the incorporation of Hong Kong and Macao in 1997 and 1999.

“The theoretical and practical contributions of Chinese communists to Marxism-Leninism and the process of building socialism have been fundamental, both economically, politically, and ideologically. The top Chinese Party leaders, from Chairman Mao Zedong to the current General Secretary Xi Jinping, have played a vital role in advancing socialist thought in a once-poor country that, in less than a century, has achieved a high level of socioeconomic development and the eradication of extreme poverty.”

In the international arena, Emilio Lozada highlighted that: “The initiatives promoted in recent years by the General Secretary of the Party, Comrade Xi Jinping, regarding the Belt and Road Initiative, the Building of a Community with a Shared Future for Humanity, as well as the initiatives on global security, development, civilisation, and governance, have been particularly relevant… Both parties promote cooperation with political forces of the Global South through the BRICS Political Parties Forum and other international party spaces. They foster unity and coordination among all communist parties at the International Meeting of Communist and Workers’ Parties.”

Bilaterally, he stressed: “We appreciate the firm and unwavering support of the Communist Party of China against the economic, commercial, and financial blockade and the energy embargo imposed by the United States government, as well as against the infamous accusation against Army General Raúl Castro Ruz.

“The Communist Party of Cuba is grateful for the constant support and accompaniment of the Communist Party of China, especially in the current circumstances of collective punishment and silent genocide against the Cuban people.”

He further emphasised: “The Communist Party of China is today an indispensable reference point in the process of building socialism and has demonstrated that the socialist system is a viable alternative to the savage capitalism that they are trying to impose on us from the North.

“Its commitment to achieving a more just, democratic, and equitable international order reaffirms that a better world is possible.”

Concluding, he noted: “In 2007, on the anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz, stated: ‘Eighty-six years have passed since the establishment of the Communist Party of China. Now China has become an example and a bastion of hope for other countries.’

“Nineteen years later, these words remain fully relevant.”

Continue reading Cuba’s communists say: the Communist Party of China is today an indispensable reference point in the process of building socialism

The CPC’s contribution to global governance

The following article by Carlos Martinez asks what kind of international order the Communist Party of China has sought to build over its 105 years – and finds a consistent answer: an order founded on peace. Against the Western media’s warnings of Chinese “assertiveness” and “expansionism”, Carlos sets out China’s actual record: no major war in over four decades, a single overseas base, a no-first-use nuclear pledge, and a tradition running from the 1954 Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence to today’s Global Security Initiative. He traces how that principle – that security can only be common, or it is no security at all – has translated into practice, from the Iran–Saudi Arabia rapprochement to the Beijing Declaration on Palestinian unity.

Continue reading The CPC’s contribution to global governance

Asian socialist countries greet CPC’s 105th anniversary

China’s socialist neighbours, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic have extended their warm comradely greetings on the July 1st 105th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

In his letter to Comrade Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and President of the People’s Republic of China, Kim Jong Un, General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea and President of the State Affairs of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, writes:

“The Communist Party of China built new China, where the people became the masters, by guiding them, and wrote a brilliant chapter in the history of the Chinese nation by vigorously promoting the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics, braving all trials and difficulties of history.

“There is no new China without the Communist Party. This is the truth the Chinese people have realised while advancing under its guidance for many years.” [Kim Jong Un here refers to one of the most famous songs of the Chinese revolution. You can listen to it, together with historic footage, here.]

The Korean leader added: “It is the steadfast stand of our Party and government to steadily develop the DPRK-China friendly relations with long and historical roots and with socialism as their core.

“The recent Pyongyang summit was a historic occasion of deepening the comradely friendship and trust between us and reconfirming the unshakable will to more dynamically promote socialist construction in the two countries and their traditional friendly relations…

“I am ready to add shine to socialism, the common cause of the two parties, and continue to develop the DPRK-China friendly and cooperative relations, the common wealth of the peoples of the two countries, as required by the times, together with you.”

Additionally, the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea sent a floral basket to the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on the occasion.

Marking the anniversary, Chinese Ambassador to the DPRK Wang Yajun hosted a reception on June 30.

He said that after its founding the Communist Party of China united and led the people to build a new China where the people became masters and provide fundamental conditions for the great prosperity of the Chinese nation and rendered services to the development and progress of humanity.

He expressed the conviction that the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) would be strong and steady all the more and make new greater successes in accomplishing the socialist cause of Korea under the wise leadership of General Secretary Kim Jong Un who carried forward and developed the party-building idea of Comrades Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il and thus presented the five-point party-building line of the new era and ushered in the heyday of strengthening the whole Party.

Responding, Kim Song Nam, Member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the WPK and Secretary of the Party Central Committee, and who heads its International Department, said that the DPRK-China friendship has been developed onto a new height on the basis of the deep friendly relations between the respected General Secretary Kim Jong Un and the respected General Secretary Xi Jinping and stressed that the leaders of the two parties expressed their steadfast will to develop the traditional friendly relations between the two countries into the most powerful and strategic model relations between socialist states during their historic meeting in Pyongyang this year.

Earlier, there was a roundtable talk at the Chinese embassy to exchange the experiences of the DPRK and China in party building on the occasion.

The congratulatory letter from the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) to its Chinese counterpart noted that in recent years, under the leadership of the CPC Central Committee with General Secretary and President Xi Jinping as its core, the Chinese people have successfully achieved the first centenary goal, fulfilled the major targets and tasks of the 14th Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development, and laid a solid foundation for achieving the second centenary goal.

The CPV expressed confidence that the CPC will continue to lead the Chinese people in successfully implementing the Resolution of the 20th National Congress of the CPC, preparing for a successful 21st Congress, and achieving the second centenary goal of building China into a modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, civilised, harmonious and beautiful.

The Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) wrote in its congratulatory message:

“Over the past 105 years, under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese people have achieved remarkable accomplishments in the pursuit of national independence, founded the People’s Republic of China in 1949, launched the reform and opening-up policy in 1978, and, under successive generations of the Party’s central leadership, have steadily advanced socialism with Chinese characteristics.”

It continued: “The Party, State and people of Laos warmly congratulate the Party, Government and people of China on the great achievements they have made over the past 105 years. We firmly believe that, under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, the Chinese people will continue to make new and greater achievements in realising the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, attain the Second Centenary Goal, and build China into a great modern socialist country in all respects…

“The Party, State and people of Laos reaffirm their firm commitment to working together with the Party, Government and people of China to preserve, consolidate and further strengthen the longstanding friendship between the two countries, jointly advance the building of a Laos-China community with a shared future, contribute to building a community with a shared future for humanity, and promote peace, stability, fairness, justice and development cooperation in the region and beyond.

“On this auspicious occasion, we sincerely wish the Communist Party of China new and even greater achievements in advancing socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era and in building China into a strong, prosperous, modern and culturally advanced socialist country.”

Continue reading Asian socialist countries greet CPC’s 105th anniversary

Wang Yi in New Delhi: BRICS should take the lead in speaking out for justice

A meeting of BRICS National Security Advisers was held in the Indian capital New Delhi on June 23. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended in his capacities of Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs.

The meeting was chaired by India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and the attendees held in-depth exchanges of views on issues including response to non-traditional security challenges, counter-terrorism and cybersecurity.

Wang Yi said at the meeting that BRICS cooperation has gone through 20 years and has increasingly become a core force in the world that safeguards peace, promotes development and upholds justice. Facing the complex and profound changes in the current international landscape, China is willing to work with other BRICS countries to jointly address the urgent challenges facing human society and jointly adhere to the right direction of world history evolution.

In this regard he put forward four key points which included:

Uphold the international order with BRICS responsibilities. “We must hold high the banner of multilateralism, firmly safeguard the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and unequivocally oppose unilateralism and protectionism. As the forefront of the Global South, BRICS countries should take the lead in speaking out for justice and acting fairly and enhance their status and role in international affairs.”

Respond to global challenges with BRICS actions. “We must resolutely combat all forms of terrorism, unequivocally oppose the militarisation of outer space, effectively address global energy and food security challenges, strengthen cooperation on strategic mineral resources, and unite to respond to the Ebola epidemic in Africa.”

Wang Yi stressed that the vitality of BRICS lies in equality and mutual benefit and the strength of BRICS lies in unity and mutual assistance.

Summarising the outcomes and significance of the meeting, Wang Yi said that “the common message sent by this meeting is that BRICS and the Global South should uphold independence, strengthen solidarity and mutual assistance, pool more collective wisdom, and coordinate stronger joint actions. The clear direction set by this meeting is that we support further leveraging the mechanism of the Meeting of BRICS National Security Advisors and High Representatives on National Security, maintaining communication and coordination on major international and regional hotspot issues, and continuously enriching the dimensions of greater BRICS cooperation.”

Next year China will assume the BRICS chairmanship and Wang said that he looks forward to gathering with everyone again in China.

Wang also referred to lessons to be drawn from the US-Iran war, noting that the United States and Iran have recently reached a first-phase memorandum of understanding. “The conflict, which lasted over a hundred days, has sharply affected the regional and international situation and offers us profound lessons”:

The importance of upholding international rules. The settlement of any international and regional hotspot issues should be based on abiding by international rules. The law of the jungle may succeed for a while, but it is not sustainable.

The importance of respecting national sovereignty. Territorial integrity shall not be violated and a country’s internal affairs shall not be interfered with.

The importance of establishing a new vision of security. Countries are increasingly becoming a community of a shared future and the practice of seeking absolute security of oneself at the expense of others will only backfire.

The importance of understanding the new forms of warfare.

On the issue of strengthening BRICS cooperation on counter-terrorism and cybersecurity, Wang said that, at present, the world is witnessing a new wave of international terrorist activities. The root cause of this is the intensifying confrontation caused by unilateral actions and the increase in inter-civilisation and inter-religion tensions.

BRICS countries should jointly safeguard international rules in cyberspace, oppose the deliberate creation of division and confrontation, promote the signing and ratification of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime by all countries as soon as possible, and actively participate in the international alliance against telecom cyber fraud.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with the delegates on the same day.

Speaking with Wang, Modi noted that both India and China are ancient civilisations with a history of friendly exchanges spanning several millennia, and for a long period the two countries held leading and influential positions in the world. Under the current circumstances, it is necessary for the two sides to carry forward their traditional friendship, maintain high-level exchanges, advance practical cooperation, and safeguard the common interests of Global South countries. The Indian side supports China in assuming the BRICS chairmanship next year and is ready to work with China to advance the BRICS cause.

Wang said that as the two largest developing countries and important members of the Global South, China and India should play an exemplary role in promoting unity and self-reliance among Global South countries. China will continue to support India in fulfilling its responsibilities as the rotating chair of the BRICS and work together to promote deeper and more substantive progress in BRICS cooperation.

The previous day, he met with Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.

Wang said that under the joint guidance of President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, China-India relations have gradually emerged from the low ebb and returned to the track of recovery and improvement. The two leaders agreed that China and India are partners, not rivals, which constitutes the most important strategic consensus between the two sides and provides strong impetus and strategic guarantee for the sound and steady growth of bilateral relations. As the world’s two most populous economies, China and India should not only view bilateral relations with a long-term perspective but also advance bilateral cooperation with a global vision. At present, the Global South, including China and India, is experiencing a collective rise. As the first echelon of the Global South, BRICS should actively champion and advance the process toward multipolarity, safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries, and work for a more just and equitable international order.

Thanks to the joint efforts of both sides, exchanges in various fields have gradually resumed, communication and cooperation are progressing in an orderly manner, and the border areas have remained generally peaceful. These outcomes are hard-won and should be doubly cherished. It is important to respect each other’s core interests, properly handle sensitive issues, and keep the China-India boundary question at an appropriate place in bilateral relations so as to prevent it from affecting the overall relationship.

Ajit Doval noted that through their meetings in Kazan and Tianjin, the leaders of India and China have charted the course for the development of bilateral relations, and agreed that India and China are partners, not rivals. They believe that a stable India-China relationship serves the common interests of both sides. India is ready to continue to view its relations with China from a strategic perspective, work with China to implement the common understandings of the two leaders, take a forward-looking approach in viewing and accelerating the development of bilateral relations, properly handle differences, and strive for win-win outcomes. India is one of the first countries to recognise the People’s Republic of China, and its position on the Taiwan question remains unchanged.

On June 23, Wang Yi met with Secretary of the Russian Federation Security Council Sergei Shoigu.

Wang Yi noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin paid a successful state visit to China in May, during which the two heads of state had in-depth strategic communications. The two sides issued two joint statements: one sets out strategic plans and provides strong impetus for the China-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Coordination for the New Era; the other points out the future direction for the development of human society and clarifies the prospect of a multipolar world.

Sergei Shoigu said that facing the profound changes unseen in a century, Russia and China should deepen mutual trust, carry out close cooperation, jointly resist all kinds of interference and infiltration by external forces in the security field, and oppose Japan’s attempts at remilitarisation.

Meeting with Secretary General of the Egyptian National Security Council Youssef Alaa El-Deen on June 22, Wang Yi noted that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Egypt, an important milestone for the bilateral relationship to carry forward past achievements and forge ahead into the future. He stated that the international landscape is undergoing profound and complex shifts. As important members of the Global South, China and Egypt share extensive common ground on international and regional affairs and shoulder important responsibilities for safeguarding global and regional stability. China is willing to step up coordination and collaboration with Egypt on multilateral platforms including the BRICS and the United Nations, jointly uphold the independence and self-reliance of the Global South and promote its unity and self-strengthening, actively advance the multipolarisation process, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity.

Youssef Alaa El-Deen said that centering on the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations, Egypt will boost high-level exchanges and deepen practical cooperation under frameworks such as the Belt and Road Initiative, the BRICS mechanism and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) to deliver greater progress to bilateral ties.

The two sides also exchanged views on the Middle East situation. Youssef Alaa El-Deen briefed Wang Yi on the latest developments and mediation efforts by the Quartet including Egypt and spoke highly of China’s vital role in stopping the fighting and promoting peace. [Besides Egypt, the recently established ‘Regional Quartet’ includes Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.]

Wang said that the memorandum of understanding signed between the United States and Iran, which commits both sides to respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, refrain from launching any military operations and avoid interfering in each other’s internal affairs, sends a positive signal to the world and should be jointly upheld and implemented. The negotiation process can hardly be smooth and may face various disruptions and even setbacks. Yet now that the door to peace has been opened, it must not be closed again.

The next day, Wang met with Secretary-General of the Supreme National Security Council of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ali Mohammed Hammad Al Shamsi.

Wang said that the US-Israeli war against Iran should never have happened and should be brought to an end as soon as possible. Recently the conflict has finally turned toward dialogue, but whether genuine peace can be achieved still requires the joint efforts of all parties. At the current stage, priority should be given to three things:

Uphold a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire and effectively implement the memorandum of understanding just signed.

Resume normal navigation through the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible.

Draw lessons from the repeated turmoil in the Middle East, rebuild mutual trust among regional countries, and explore a new regional security architecture suited to the evolving situation.

Continue reading Wang Yi in New Delhi: BRICS should take the lead in speaking out for justice