International relations Archives - Page 6 of 39

Xi Jinping assails unilateral and bullying acts in meeting with Irish leader

Chinese President Xi Jinping has taken the opportunity of his first meeting with a foreign visitor in 2026 to denounce unilateral and bullying acts in international relations – a clear reference not least to the piratical action of the United States in brutally kidnapping, maltreating and attempting to humiliate Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.

Xi was meeting on the morning of January 5 with Irish Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Micheál Martin, who began an official visit to China the previous day. It is the first visit to China by an Irish head of government in 14 years and will last until January 8.

At the start of his opening remarks, Xi Jinping made a significant statement, noting that both China and Ireland are peace-loving, open, inclusive, self-reliant and enterprising. The two countries achieved independence and national liberation through the struggle of the people and have advanced toward modernisation with the hard work of one generation after another.

He added that mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit are valuable experience gathered from long-term steady development of China-Ireland relations. He said the two sides should jointly pass them down and carry them forward and underlined the need for China and Ireland to maintain friendly exchanges at multiple levels and in different fields, continuously enhance communication and understanding, accommodate each other’s core interests and major concerns, cement political mutual trust, and consolidate the political foundation of bilateral relations. China stands ready to work with Ireland to step up economic and trade cooperation, seek synergy of development strategies in such areas as artificial intelligence, the digital economy, and pharmaceuticals and health, and encourage two-way investment, so as to draw on each other’s strengths, share opportunities, and pursue common development. The two sides need to strengthen cooperation in education, culture and tourism, and foster closer people-to-people bonds. China welcomes more Irish youth to come to China for study and exchanges.

President Xi then pointed out that the world today is undergoing changes and turbulence. Unilateral and bullying acts are dealing a serious blow to the international order. All countries should respect other countries’ development paths chosen independently by their people and observe international law and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. Major countries, in particular, should lead by example. Both China and Ireland support multilateralism and advocate international fairness and justice. The two sides should strengthen coordination and cooperation in international affairs, jointly uphold the authority of the UN, and work for a more just and equitable global governance system.

China denounces Israel’s recognition of Somaliland

China has officially declared that it firmly opposes Israel’s formal recognition of Somaliland as an “independent sovereign state” and its agreement to establish “diplomatic relations” with it.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian announced this at a regular press conference in Beijing on December 29, 2025, stating that China firmly supports Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, and opposes any moves that undermine them.

China has noted that the federal government of Somalia immediately issued a statement firmly rejecting the move, and regional organisations including the African Union, the Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development have also expressed strong dissatisfaction and condemnation, Lin said.

He added that the Somaliland issue is entirely an internal affair of Somalia and should be resolved by the Somali people in a manner consistent with their national conditions and constitution. He also highlighted that countries outside the region should cease inappropriate interference and no country should incite or support separatist forces within another nation for its own selfish interests.

“We urge the Somaliland authorities to recognise the situation and immediately cease separatist activities and collusion with external forces.”

China has consistently supported Somalia in safeguarding its national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Later, on December 29, the United Nations Security Council convened an emergency meeting in New York to discuss the situation at the request of Somalia, Algeria, Sierra Leone, and Guyana.

Addressing the session, Chinese Ambassador Sun Lei began by stating that China fully supported the four countries’ request, adding that Israel’s action had, “further increased the tensions in the Horn of Africa, drawing immediate and strong criticism and condemnations from regional organisations, including the AU [African Union], the Arab League, the GCC [Gulf Cooperation Council], the OIC [Organisation of Islamic Cooperation], and IGAD [Intergovernmental Authority on Development], as well as many regional countries. China also expresses grave concerns over this move and firmly opposes it.”

He went on to say that: “Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity is a fundamental principle of the UN Charter and an unshakable cornerstone of international law and international relations, which all UN member states must strictly observe. Somaliland is an integral part of Somali territory. China firmly supports Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, and opposes any act to split its territory. China has always maintained that the Somaliland issue is entirely Somalia’s internal affair. It should be resolved by the Somali people in a way consistent with the national conditions and the constitution… We urge the Somaliland authorities to grasp the situation, immediately stop separatist activities and collusion with external forces, and return to the track of dialogue with the federal government of Somalia as soon as possible to avoid further threatening regional peace and stability and opening the door to more tensions and conflicts.”

CPC delegation strengthens ties with Cambodia and Laos

At the invitation of the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) and the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP), Xie Chuntao, Vice President of the Party School of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee (National Academy of Governance), led a CPC delegation on visits to Cambodia and Laos from December 22-26, 2025.

During the visits, Xie met with Cambodian and Lao party and government leaders, including CPP President and Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen, and General Secretary of the LPRP Central Committee and Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith.

Cambodian and Lao leaders highly praised the importance of the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee for China and the world and expressed willingness to deepen exchanges and cooperation with China in various fields and promote the building of a community with a shared future.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen reaffirmed the iron-clad friendship between the two countries and called for expanded joint capacity-building programs between the two parties.

President Thongloun praised the close cooperation between the two parties and countries and stressed the importance of implementing the master plan on building a Lao-China community with a shared future. He thanked the delegation for briefing Lao leaders on the outcomes of the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, noting that China’s development experience offers valuable lessons for Laos.

Xie Chuntao expressed appreciation for the warm reception and reaffirmed China’s commitment to translating agreements between the two leaders into practical cooperation across various sectors. He also conveyed best wishes for the success of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party’s 12th National Congress, scheduled for January 6-8, 2026.

During the visit, the delegation also held working meetings with senior Lao officials and delivered presentations on major CPC policy developments.

The following articles were originally published by the Xinhua News Agency, Agence Kampuchea Presse and the KPL Lao News Agency.

CPC delegation visits Cambodia, Laos

VIENTIANE, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) — At the invitation of the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) and the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP), Xie Chuntao, vice president of the Party School of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee (National Academy of Governance), led a CPC delegation on visits to Cambodia and Laos from Dec. 22 to 26.

Xie briefed the party and government officials from both countries on the spirit of the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee.

Cambodian and Lao leaders highly praised the importance of the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee for China and the world, and expressed willingness to deepen exchanges and cooperation with China in various fields and promote the building of a community with a shared future.

China and Vietnam successfully round off friendship year

China and Vietnam have successfully seen out 2025, designated as their Year of People-to-People Exchanges marking the 75^th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, with a varied series of activities.

Chinese and Vietnamese troops conducted a joint border patrol on December 25. Under the rotational mechanism, this joint patrol was chaired by the Chinese side. Both sides agreed to continue strengthening coordination mechanisms, jointly combating cross-border violations, promoting rapid handover mechanisms, ensuring a safe border environment, facilitating customs clearance at border gates, and enhancing friendship exchanges and cooperation.

On December 23, a special exhibition on President Ho Chi Minh in China opened at the Hongyan Revolutionary History Museum in Chongqing.

Held under the theme “The Revolutionary Path,” the exhibition is structured into four sections focusing on organisational building, the shared struggle against a common enemy and foreign aggression, mutual support, and the joint creation of a glorious chapter in history.

Featuring more than 230 historical photographs and valuable archival images, the exhibition vividly retraces President Ho Chi Minh’s revolutionary life while reflecting a special and memorable period in Vietnam-China relations. During his revolutionary career, President Ho Chi Minh made many visits and spent much time in China, including an important period in Hongyan village in Chongqing, which housed the Southern Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the representative office of the Eighth Route Army in Chongqing.

Speaking at the event, Vietnamese Consul General in Chongqing Bui Nguyen Long underlined the exhibition’s special significance as it coincides with the 135th birth anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh and the 75th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-China diplomatic relations.

The exhibition, he said, will help the two peoples, particularly the younger generation, gain a deeper understanding of the heroic and illustrious chapters of Vietnam-China traditional friendship.

On the sidelines of the exhibition, the Hongyan Revolutionary History Museum, in coordination with the Vietnamese Consulate General in Chongqing, introduced a coffee product named “Comrades and Brothers.” Made from Vietnamese Robusta coffee beans sourced from Buon Ma Thuot and buffalo milk from China’s Guangxi region, the product aims to further spread the positive values of Vietnam-China relations among communities in western China.

In an interview published on December 24, Professor Wang Yong, Director of the Centre for International Political Economy at Peking University, said that Vietnam-China relations are maintaining strong and comprehensive momentum and have reached an “unprecedented height” while entering a new phase of development with prospects for broader and deeper cooperation.

Speaking to the Vietnam News Agency correspondent in China, Wang said that since the start of 2025, the two countries have carried out a wide range of activities to mark the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, including the high-level visits and exchanges, as well as cooperation initiatives between the two sides’ ministries, sectors and localities. He noted that the high frequency of contacts at various levels reflects the strong impetus behind bilateral ties and demonstrates that overall relations are being promoted in a highly positive and substantive manner.

Looking ahead, Wang affirmed that Vietnam-China relations are entering what he described as a “golden period” of cooperation. He predicted that the two sides will continue to maintain high-level exchanges, expand partnerships in infrastructure, energy, innovation, and science and technology, while further promoting people-to-people exchanges and cooperation between localities.

On December 21, in Beijing, in an atmosphere imbued with warm friendship, the program, “Vietnam Culture Day in China” was held at the China National Opera House. This was the concluding event of a series of exchange activities marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-China diplomatic relations and the Vietnam-China People-to-People Exchange Year 2025. More than 1,000 people attended.

China, the construction of multipolar world, and the pursuit of sovereignty

In the following article, which was originally published on the website of Al Mayadeen, Pedro Monzón Barata argues that, through a series of major initiatives and practical programs, China is offering the Global South tools for financial autonomy, strategic alliances, and development beyond US hegemony:

“At a historic moment when the Western liberal order shows clear signs of exhaustion… China emerges not merely as an economic competitor, but as the architect of a geopolitical alternative… China is no longer an emerging power: it is the only nation with the economic, technological, financial, and diplomatic scale capable of seriously challenging US unipolar hegemony.”

Faced with this reality, he suggests that “Western elites have revived the old rhetoric of the ‘Yellow Peril’ – racist and manipulative narrative that seeks to criminalise the peaceful rise of a non-Western country and justify policies of containment, blockade, and confrontation.”

But for its part: “China’s strategy does not aim simply to displace Washington, but rather – through historical patience and strategic pragmatism – to weave the pillars of a multipolar world in which power is no longer concentrated in a single pole but distributed among multiple centres of sovereign decision-making.”

An example is how the SWIFT international payments mechanism, which has been misused to disconnect Cuba, Russia and other countries from the international financial system, has been answered by China’s rolling out of the Cross-Border Interbank Payment System (CIPS), “an infrastructure that, while not replacing SWIFT, offers a sovereign, more efficient, and less costly channel for international transactions.”

On a grander scale, the significance of BRICS+ goes beyond statistics: “By bringing together the world’s leading oil and gas producers – controlling over 40% of global reserves… and now also incorporating strategic actors from the Caribbean, the Southern Cone, and Southeast Asia, the bloc has acquired unprecedented geopolitical weight.”

Moreover: “Cuba’s inclusion – historically a symbol of anti-imperialist resistance in Latin America, with a small economy but a vast medical, scientific, educational, ethical, solidarity-based, and diplomatic capital – marks a shift of notable significance: for the first time, a socialist Third World country that has resisted more than six decades of blockade joins the core of a bloc aspiring to redefine the global order away from neoliberalism and toward fraternity. This reinforces the BRICS+’s plurinational, anti-hegemonic, and civilisational diversity, distancing it even further from the exclusive G7 club.”

However, the nature and role of BRICS+ should not be overestimated or misrepresented. “Beneath its discourse of South-South solidarity and equitable multipolarity, historical bilateral tensions persist (traditionally between India and China), alongside ideological differences and often contradictory energy and geopolitical agendas. Thus, BRICS+ is not a unified front, but a complex negotiating space where cooperation and competition coexist.”

Latin America is a key arena: “Historically trapped in the dynamics of dependency, the region now sees China as an opportunity to diversify partners and break from its traditional subordination to the West. Yet opposing forces exist: on one side, oligarchic interests subordinate to the United States and Western capitalism; on the other, those who genuinely support deeper relations but simultaneously aim to protect national interests…

“Venezuela and Nicaragua represent paradigmatic cases of how the pursuit of national sovereignty intertwines with the construction of a multipolar order. Both countries, subjected for decades to unilateral sanctions, financial blockades, and destabilisation operations orchestrated from Washington, have found in China a strategic ally that respects their right to self-determination.”

Wang Yi engages with Arab counterparts

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held an important telephone call with his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty on December 16 at the latter’s request.

Wang Yi said that the two sides should take the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Egypt next year as an opportunity to firmly support each other, deepen practical cooperation, strengthen coordination in multilateral affairs, elevate the China-Egypt comprehensive strategic partnership to a new level, help the Global South jointly advance modernisation and make new contributions from China and Egypt to world peace and development. China will host the second China-Arab States Summit next year. Egypt is an important member of the Arab world, and China is ready to enhance communication with Egypt to ensure the complete success of the summit. The Chinese side welcomes Egyptian leaders to China for the great event.

Badr Abdelatty briefed Wang Yi on the latest developments in the situation in Gaza, expressing Egypt’s high appreciation for China’s important proposals on resolving the Palestinian question and its announcement of a new round of assistance to Palestine. Egypt supports China in playing an important role in restoring peace and advancing reconstruction in Gaza.

Wang Yi said that the Gaza conflict has lasted for more than two years, claiming the lives of over 70,000 Palestinian civilians, and that this grave humanitarian catastrophe must be brought to an end. The current ceasefire remains fragile and the outlook is still worrying, which warrants close attention from all parties. The core is to prevent a resumption of hostilities and a repeat of the tragedy. Post-conflict governance in Gaza must be considered in conjunction with a comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian question. The principle of “Palestinians governing Palestine” must be upheld. Gaza’s future and destiny should be in the hands of the Palestinian people themselves.

He added that President Xi Jinping’s announcement of a new round of Chinese assistance to Palestine is aimed at easing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and supporting the recovery and reconstruction in Gaza.

The call took place immediately after Wang Yi had concluded visits to three Arab countries in West Asia. He visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from December 12-13, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on December 14, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan from December 14-15. In each country a joint press release was issued on Wang’s talks with his local counterpart.

In Abu Dhabi, the UAE voiced support for China in hosting the second China-Arab States Summit in 2026, and for the concurrent convening of the second China-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and expressed its willingness to work with China to ensure the complete success of the summits. The Chinese side expressed its readiness to work with the UAE to promote the early conclusion of negotiations on the China-GCC Free Trade Agreement.

Both sides reaffirmed their joint commitment to achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the two-State solution, and to establishing, in accordance with international law and relevant UN resolutions, an independent State of Palestine.

China backs Venezuela’s call for emergency session of UN Security Council

On the same day as US President Donald Trump declared a “total and complete” blockade of Venezuela and brazenly threatened to seize the country’s land and oil (Venezuela has the world’s largest proven oil reserves), Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a telephone conversation with his Venezuelan counterpart Yván Gil at the latter’s request.

Gil stressed that the Venezuelan government and people will firmly safeguard the country’s sovereignty and independence, resolutely defend their legitimate rights and interests, and will not accept threats from any bullying power.

Wang said that that mutual trust and support are a longstanding tradition of China-Venezuela relations. China opposes all forms of unilateral bullying and supports countries in safeguarding their sovereignty and national dignity.

The following day, December 18, at the regular Foreign Ministry press conference in Beijing, spokesperson Guo Jiakun expressed China’s support for Venezuela’s call for an emergency session of the UN Security Council to discuss the situation. In response to questions from the Japanese broadcaster NHK and the Reuters news agency, he stated:

“China opposes all acts of unilateralism and bullying and supports countries in defending their sovereignty and national dignity. Venezuela has the right to independently develop mutually beneficial cooperation with other countries. We believe the international community can understand and support Venezuela’s stance of protecting its own legitimate rights and interests. China supports Venezuela’s request for holding an emergency session of the UN Security Council.”

The following article was originally published by Global Times.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday held a phone conversation with Venezuela’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yván Gil, at the latter’s request, according to a readout published by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Gil briefed Wang on the current domestic situation in Venezuela, stressing that the Venezuelan government and people will firmly safeguard the country’s sovereignty and independence, resolutely defend their legitimate rights and interests, and will not accept threats from any bullying power.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said that China and Venezuela are strategic partners, and that mutual trust and support are a longstanding tradition of China-Venezuela relations. China opposes all forms of unilateral bullying and supports countries in safeguarding their sovereignty and national dignity.

Venezuela has the right to independently develop mutually beneficial cooperation with other countries, and it is believed that the international community understands and supports Venezuela’s position in defending its own legitimate rights and interests, said Wang.

China continues to back Iran-Saudi rapprochement

Demonstrating the continued upward momentum in relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia, since China facilitated their resumption of relations on March 10, 2023, as well as the continuing role played by China to encourage the building of a united front among the countries of the region to address their common challenges, the third meeting of the China-Iran-Saudi Arabia Trilateral Joint Committee was held in the Iranian capital Tehran on December 9.

The meeting was chaired by Deputy Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran Majid Takht Ravanchi, with the participation of the Chinese delegation headed by Vice Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China Miao Deyu and the Saudi Arabian delegation headed by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Eng. Waleed bin Abdulkarim Al-Khuraiji.

A joint statement issued by the three countries said that Iran and Saudi Arabia reaffirmed their commitment to all provisions of the Beijing Agreement, and pledged continued adherence to the United Nations Charter, the Charter of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and international law, and their efforts to consolidate good-neighbourly and friendly relations between the two countries on the basis of respecting national sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence and security. Iran and Saudi Arabia welcomed the continued positive role of China and held that China’s support and follow-up to the implementation of the Beijing Agreement is of great importance.

The three countries welcomed the continuous progress in Iran-Saudi Arabia relations, which provides opportunities for direct exchanges between Iran and Saudi Arabia at all levels and across all sectors. The current escalation of regional tensions poses a threat to both regional and global security. Against this backdrop, it is very important for senior officials from Iran and Saudi Arabia to engage in contacts, meetings, and mutual visits. The participating parties welcomed the progress made in consular cooperation between Iran and Saudi Arabia, which enabled more than 85,000 Iranian pilgrims to perform Hajj, and more than 210,000 Iranian pilgrims to perform Umrah rituals with ease and security in 2025.

They also called for an immediate end to Israel’s actions that infringe upon Palestine, Lebanon and Syria, and condemned the infringement on Iran’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Iranian side appreciated China and Saudi Arabia for taking a clear stance on the aforementioned acts of aggression. The three countries also reaffirmed their support for a comprehensive political solution to the Yemeni issue in accordance with internationally recognised principles under the auspices of the United Nations.

The previous day, Vice Foreign Minister Miao Deyu met with Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Majid Takht Ravanchi.

Miao Deyu said that in 2026, the two countries will celebrate the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership. China is ready to take this opportunity, together with Iran, to further implement the important common understandings reached by the two heads of state and promote greater development of the China-Iran comprehensive strategic partnership. China looks forward to working with Iran and Saudi Arabia to ensure the success of the upcoming meeting of the joint committee, injecting more positive factors into regional peace, stability and development.

Group of Friends of Global Governance launched at UN

The formation of the Group of Friends of Global Governance was formally announced at the United Nations in New York on December 9. This follows President Xi Jinping launching the Global Governance Initiative at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Plus Meeting in Tianjin on September 1.

The group initially consists of 43 members. Besides China, among them are Belarus, Burkina Faso, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Iran, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Niger, Palestine, Senegal, Venezuela and Zimbabwe.

The founders state that they reaffirm their firm commitment to upholding the legacy won by the Second World War, including the international system with the UN at its core, the international order underpinned by international law, and the basic norms of international relations based on all the purposes and principles of the UN Charter in their entirety, including respecting sovereign equality, territorial integrity and political independence of any state, and the principle of non-interference in internal affairs of other states, and refraining in their international relations from the threat or use of force.

They express particular concern over the serious under-representation of the Global South, the erosion of the authority of international law, including the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. “We emphasise the need to achieve sustainable development in its three dimensions, economic, social and environmental in a balanced and integrated manner and address other urgent and emerging global challenges.”

They further welcome the Global Governance Initiative proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, and its five core concepts – sovereign equality, international rule of law, multilateralism, a people-centred approach and taking real actions.

“Through this Group, we commit to deepening dialogue and coordination on global governance issues, engaging with relevant stakeholders, amplifying our collective voice, building and expanding consensus, and delivering concrete outcomes that respond to the yearns of our peoples and the legitimate aspirations of our nations.

“We emphasised that the international community must address the challenges and needs faced by developing countries, especially countries in special situations in particular, African countries, least developed countries, landlocked developing countries and small island developing States.”

Finally: “We extend a cordial invitation to all like-minded Member States to join this Group of Friends. Together, we stand ready to strengthen solidarity and cooperation in pursuit of a more just and equitable global governance system and a brighter future of peace, security, prosperity, and progress for all.”

The Resistance Front and BRICS

The following article, written for Al Mayadeen by Australian author and academic Tim Anderson, addresses the frustration voiced by some anti-imperialists with regard to China and Russia’s abstention on UN Security Council Resolution 2803 – Trump’s ‘comprehensive plan’ to end the Gaza conflict.

Tim argues that much of the criticism of China and Russia stems from misunderstandings about the nature of the multipolar trajectory and from unrealistic expectations that countries outside the region would share the principles and methods of the Resistance Front in West Asia (Iran, the Palestinian Resistance, the Lebanese Resistance, Syria pre-December 2024, Ansar Allah-led Yemen, and the Iraqi Resistance).

The article observes that the Security Council resolution was supported by the Palestinian Authority and by the other states in the region, making it difficult for China or Russia to veto. “The US had the Gulf Arab regimes plus the PLO-Palestinian Authority in its pocket. Russia and China had no allies and would have had to oppose the PLO and bear the blame for blocking a PLO-supported end to the bombing.”

While both China and Russia maintain relations with the various organisations of Palestinian resistance, they also have historic ties with the PLO, and bilateral relations with the internationally-recognised government of the Palestinian State. Tim writes: “The widespread historical support for the PLO and the PA, and therefore also the ‘two-state’ notion promoted up to now by the PLO, is largely a consequence of Palestinian disunity and the failure of Resistance factions to be properly represented in the PLO, the only Palestinian body that has UN status. This is a problem for the Resistance. It is hard to expect allies in other continents to contradict the PLO-PA on this and opt for (without Palestinian leadership) a single democratic state in Palestine.”

Tim concludes:

We should understand and build realistic relations with a range of allies that may not share all our values. Russia and China are not part of the Resistance Front, but they are playing an important role in building structures to bypass US power and thus facilitate a multipolar and freer world, which will help all independent peoples. We should neither exaggerate their “saviour” capacities nor their failings. They will have an important place in the future as the only strategic alternative to the current global dictatorship.

Tim’s analysis correlates with the recently-published article on the topic by Massimiliano Ay, General Secretary of the Communist Party (Switzerland).

Supporters of the Resistance Front in West Asia are understandably disappointed by the failure of Russia and China to fully oppose Washington’s machinations at the UNSC over Gaza. This follows Syrian disappointment over Russia’s rapid engagement with al-Jolani’s regime in Damascus and Moscow’s ongoing relations with the Israelis.

However, there are common pro-Resistance misunderstandings of the great counterweights in the world, which lead to inaccurate claims that the BRICS leaders are ‘selling out’ or ‘betraying’ the Resistance. Those misunderstandings deserve some attention. At the core are principles of identifying the real enemies of the Resistance, as distinct from those with whom there might be normal or productive relations. We should neither exaggerate the ‘saviour’ status nor the failings of our potential allies.

China and Russia conduct strategic security consultation focused on Japan and Ukraine

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who is also a 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, on December 2, co-chaired the 20th round of China-Russia strategic security consultation with Secretary of the Russian Federation Security Council Sergei Shoigu in Moscow.

The two sides conducted comprehensive and in-depth communication on major issues concerning the strategic security interests of both countries, reached new common understandings and enhanced strategic mutual trust. Both sides agreed to fully implement the important common understandings reached by the two heads of state in the field of strategic security, and advance bilateral strategic coordination toward higher quality.

Wang Yi stated that China-Russia relations have achieved high-level development this year. The two sides have carried out a series of important high-level exchanges, centred around the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. In particular, President Xi Jinping and President Vladimir Putin met twice this year, once in Moscow and once in Beijing, providing guidance for the steady development of China-Russia relations amid a complex and changing environment and ensuring that the bilateral relationship continues to move forward at its own pace in an uncertain world.

Sergei Shoigu said that in the face of the complex changes in current international geopolitics and increasing challenges in global security, it is necessary for Russia and China, as comprehensive strategic partners of coordination, to strengthen strategic alignment. The two heads of state met twice this year, charting the course for and driving the development of Russia-China relations. Russia-China strategic coordination is at an unprecedented high level, which is in line with the national interests of both countries and benefits regional and global peace. Russia and China develop bilateral relations based on mutual respect, free from external interference.

The two sides conducted strategic alignment on issues related to Japan, reaching a high degree of consensus. They agreed to resolutely safeguard the outcomes of the victory of World War II won at the cost of lives and blood, firmly oppose any erroneous words and deeds that attempt to whitewash the history of colonial aggression, and resolutely counter any attempts to revive fascism or Japanese militarism. Both sides stressed that China and Russia, as major countries and permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, will shoulder their shared responsibility to safeguard world peace and security, and uphold historical truth and international justice.

They also had an in-depth exchange of views on the Ukraine crisis. Sergei Shoigu explained Russia’s position and considerations and expressed appreciation for China’s efforts in support of peace. He said Russia has the full capability and strong determination to achieve its strategic objectives and eliminate the root causes of the crisis. Wang Yi elaborated on China’s consistent stance, stating that the Chinese side supports all efforts conducive to achieving peace, supports reaching a comprehensive and lasting peace agreement, and will continue to maintain strategic communication with the Russian side on this matter.

Wang Yi also met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on the same day.

To engage with China, Britain should learn from France and Germany

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer made a speech on foreign policy on December 1 at the Lady Mayor’s Banquet at the Guildhall, London. The major part of his speech related to China.

Starmer said that the US, the EU and China are the three global giants today, and that the absence of the UK’s engagement with China should not continue. He said the UK needs to engage with China and work and trade with China. At the same time, he claimed that China poses “national security threats” to the UK and that the UK will continue to take measures in response. He also touched upon issues related to Hong Kong and other matters.

In response, the spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in London said that China firmly opposes the erroneous remarks in Starmer’s speech that spread the so-called “China threat,” make groundless accusations against China, and interfere in China’s internal affairs.

Reporting these developments, the Chinese newspaper Global Times quoted Li Haidong, a professor at China Foreign Affairs University, as saying that Starmer’s remarks amount to a “have-it-both-ways” strategic calculation: he seeks to constrain China’s development space and international influence to satisfy domestic hardliners, while still hoping to extract economic benefits from China.

Starmer, who it is understood hopes to visit China at the end of January 2026, bemoaned the flip flops of previous Conservative governments with regard to China policy, ‘from golden age to ice age’, and noted:

“The result is that, whilst our allies have developed a more sophisticated approach, the UK has become an outlier. President Trump met President Xi in October and will visit China in April. Since early 2018, President Macron has visited China twice, and he’ll be again there later this week. German leaders have visited four times, and Chancellor Merz will be there in the New Year. Yet, during this same period, no British Prime Minister has visited China.”

Professor Li’s response is that Starmer’s apparent “envy” of the frequent visits to China by French and German leaders underscores how Europe is relying on active engagement with Beijing to advance its own strategic autonomy. France and Germany have strengthened their interactions with China to safeguard their national interests, while the UK, constrained by its tendency to follow the policy frameworks of another country (referring to the United States), has struggled to escape the passive role of a “political dwarf.”

China promotes sustainability, development and fairness at Johannesburg G20 Summit

Following his visits to Russia and Zambia, Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrived in South Africa on November 20 to attend the 20^th summit of the G20.

Li Qiang met with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Johannesburg on November 21.

Li said that China stands ready to work with South Africa to deepen political mutual trust and firmly support each other on issues concerning their respective core interests and major concerns. He conveyed to Ramaphosa the cordial greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping, noting that for decades China and South Africa have treated each other as close brothers, with a friendship that spans mountains and seas and has grown ever stronger. China is ready to continue working with South Africa to carry forward their traditional friendship, expand cooperation across various fields, so as to better promote the common development of the two countries, as well as unity and cooperation between China and Africa as a whole.

He called on the two countries to leverage their complementary advantages in resource and economic structure, deepen cooperation in mining and infrastructure construction, develop new highlights in the auto industry, explore potential in emerging sectors such as new energy and artificial intelligence, and expand cooperation in science and technology innovation, including in satellite navigation and joint laboratory construction.

He also urged China and South Africa to strengthen exchanges of experience in poverty reduction and rural revitalisation, and advance cooperation in public health, culture, education and youth, among others, so as to enhance the sense of fulfilment of their peoples.

Ramaphosa expressed appreciation for China’s support for South Africa’s economic and social development, and said South Africa stands ready to deepen cooperation with China in areas including trade, investment, mining, industry, science and technology, energy and infrastructure, public health and poverty alleviation, so as to bring more benefits to the two peoples.

He noted that South Africa sincerely appreciates China’s strong support for hosting the G20 Summit, saying that China plays an important role in helping the summit build consensus and deliver outcomes. South Africa stands ready to strengthen communication and coordination with China within the United Nations, the G20 and other multilateral frameworks to jointly uphold multilateralism.

Meeting South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile on November 23, Li Qiang said that China and South Africa are good friends and good brothers enjoying a deep friendship. China is ready to accelerate coordination with South Africa and help more quality and competitive South African products enter the Chinese market by negotiating and signing an agreement on economic partnership for shared development and advancing in South Africa the early implementation of China’s zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines for African countries having diplomatic relations with China.

Paul Mashatile said that South Africa is willing to work with China to maintain close multilateral communication and coordination, uphold multilateralism, safeguard the authority of the United Nations, and promote the common development and prosperity of Global South countries.

Li Qiang’s Zambia visit boosts revitalization of TAZARA railway

Following his visit to Russia, where he attended the 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Chinese Premier Li Qiang paid an official visit to Zambia, November 19-20.

Arriving in the capital Lusaka, Li said that Zambia is the first country in Southern Africa to establish diplomatic ties with China, and the two countries share a profound tradition of friendship. Over the years, despite changes in the international landscape, China and Zambia have consistently respected, trusted and supported each other, jointly forging the spirit of China-Africa friendship and cooperation, including the Tanzania-Zambia Railway spirit.

He added that China stands ready to work with Zambia to carry forward the traditional friendship, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, promote mutual understanding and affinity between the two peoples, and advance together on the path of modernisation.

Faced with a world of intertwined changes and chaos, China is willing to enhance multilateral communication and coordination with Zambia, stand united with the broad ranks of Global South countries, safeguard the international order as well as fairness and justice, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

Li Qiang held talks with Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema on the day after his arrival. He first conveyed the cordial greetings and best wishes of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Hichilema and said that China and Zambia are good brothers, good friends and good partners. Last year, the two countries celebrated the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties, and President Xi met with President Hichilema during the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), drawing a new blueprint for the deepening and development of bilateral relations.

China is willing to strengthen cooperation with Zambia in areas related to people’s livelihood, such as healthcare, agriculture and human resources development, so as to enhance the two peoples’ sense of gain from bilateral cooperation, Li said, adding that the revitalisation of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway is a shared aspiration of the peoples of China, Tanzania and Zambia, and the project is a landmark of high-quality development of Belt and Road cooperation.

At present, Li noted, unilateralism and protectionism are on the rise, posing serious challenges to the international system and global economy. China and Zambia should strengthen multilateral coordination and cooperation, and work with the broad ranks of Global South countries to safeguard the international trade order, uphold fairness and justice, and defend their joint benefits.

President Hichilema noted that the time-honoured and ever-strengthening friendship between Zambia and China was forged by the older generations of leaders of the two countries, adding that he and President Xi have reached important consensus on deepening the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries.

Li Qiang attends SCO heads of government meeting in Moscow

From November 17-24, Chinese Premier Li Qiang visited Russia to attend the 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO); Zambia to pay an official visit; and South Africa to attend the 20^th G20 Summit.

On November 17, Li Qiang met with his Russian counterpart Mikhail Mishustin and said that China stands ready to deepen cooperation with Russia in investment, energy, agriculture and other fields, adding that the Chinese market welcomes more high-quality agricultural and food products from Russia.

Li said that not too long ago he and Mishustin held in Hangzhou, the capital of east China’s Zhejiang Province, the 30th regular meeting of the Chinese and Russian heads of government, which focused on the implementation of the important consensus reached by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

China stands ready to work with Russia to follow the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, further strengthen communication, continuously deepen mutually beneficial cooperation between the two sides, and create more benefits for the two peoples, Li said. He also urged both sides to continue to expand people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and to strengthen cooperation in areas such as culture, education and films.

Noting that the Tianjin Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) held in September achieved a series of fruitful results, Li said China is willing to maintain close coordination and collaboration with Russia to encourage all parties of the SCO to uphold the Shanghai Spirit and materialise the development blueprint outlined by the leaders at an early date.

He urged further advancing pragmatic cooperation to bolster the development momentum of all member states, to continuously improve the institutional building of the SCO, to enhance its influence in international affairs, and to stand in solidarity with the vast number of Global South countries to promote an equitable and orderly multipolar world as well as a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation.

CPC reiterates solidarity with Venezuela

The Communist Party of China (CPC) has reiterated its solidarity with the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) and with the revolutionary government of President Maduro.

Liu Haixing, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), met on November 26 with Remigio Ceballos, the Venezuelan Ambassador to China.

Liu said, in recent years, under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Nicolas Maduro, China-Venezuela relations have continuously reached new heights. China will, as always, firmly support Venezuela in safeguarding its sovereignty and independence, oppose external interference and support Venezuela in independently choosing its development path. The CPC and the PSUV share similar ideals and goals.

The Chinese side is willing to jointly implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, continuously deepen exchanges and mutual learning of experience in party building and state governance, enhance exchanges at all levels, promote cooperation in areas such as cadre training, and increase coordination and cooperation in international and regional affairs, so as to advance the all-weather strategic partnership between China and Venezuela through inter-party channels.

Ceballos said, the governments, political parties and people of Venezuela and China maintain a brotherly friendship. Venezuela firmly supports China’s position on the Taiwan question and the concept of a community with a shared future for humanity and the Belt and Road cooperation proposed by President Xi Jinping. No matter how the international situation changes, Venezuela will continue to uphold and fulfill its firm commitment to developing friendly relations with China and is willing to deepen practical cooperation with China in areas such as economy, trade, energy and education. The Embassy of Venezuela in China is willing to actively promote exchanges and cooperation between the ruling parties of the two countries.

The following article was first published on the website of the IDCPC.

Beijing, November 26th—Liu Haixing, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), met here today with Remigio Ceballos, Venezuelan Ambassador to China.

China raises Japanese provocation with UN

Relations between China and Japan have been plunged into their worst crisis in decades after Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, an extreme right-wing, hardline militarist, said in a parliamentary session that a military “contingency” regarding China’s island province of Taiwan could trigger the involvement of Japanese armed forces. This was the first such clear statement from a serving Japanese Prime Minister and has aroused strong indignation from the Chinese people, particularly coming when the country has just marked the 80^th anniversary of victory in the war to resist Japanese aggression and the world anti-fascist war, in which millions of Chinese sacrificed their lives.

Accordingly, as one aspect of China’s diplomatic response, on November 21, Ambassador Fu Cong, Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations, sent a letter to the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, elaborating on the position of the Chinese government regarding Takaichi’s erroneous remarks.

In his letter, Ambassador Fu notes that Takaichi blatantly made provocative remarks on Taiwan. This marks the first time since Japan’s defeat in 1945 that a Japanese leader has advocated in an official setting the notion that “a contingency for Taiwan is a contingency for Japan” and linked it to the exercise of the right of collective self-defence; the first time Japan has expressed ambitions to intervene militarily in the Taiwan question; and the first time Japan has issued a threat of force against China, openly challenging China’s core interests. These remarks are gravely erroneous and extremely dangerous, with a profoundly malicious nature and impact. Despite China’s repeated démarches and protests, the Japanese side refuses to repent or retract its wrongful statements. China expresses strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition.

Fu’s letter went on to note that such remarks constitute a grave violation of international law and the basic norms governing international relations, seriously undermine the post-war international order, and represent an open provocation to the more than 1.4 billion Chinese people and to the peoples of other Asian countries that once suffered from Japanese aggression. Taiwan is China’s sacred territory. How to resolve the Taiwan question is a matter for the Chinese people and brooks no foreign interference. If Japan dares to attempt an armed intervention in the cross-Strait situation, it would be an act of aggression. China will resolutely exercise its right of self-defence under the UN Charter and international law and firmly defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The letter has been circulated to all UN member states as an official document of the General Assembly.

The following article was originally published on the website of China’s permanent mission to the UN.

On November 21, Ambassador Fu Cong, Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations, sent a letter to the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, elaborating on the position of the Chinese Government regarding the erroneous remarks on China made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

In his letter, Ambassador Fu Cong noted that recently, when responding at the Diet, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi blatantly made provocative remarks on Taiwan. This marks the first time since Japan’s defeat in 1945 that a Japanese leader has advocated in an official setting the notion that “a contingency for Taiwan is a contingency for Japan” and linked it to the exercise of the right of collective self-defense; the first time Japan has expressed ambitions to intervene militarily in the Taiwan question; and the first time Japan has issued a threat of force against China, openly challenging China’s core interests. These remarks are gravely erroneous and extremely dangerous, with a profoundly malicious nature and impact. Despite China’s repeated démarches and protests, the Japanese side refuses to repent or retract its wrongful statements. China expresses strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition.

Presidents Xi and Trump discuss Taiwan and Ukraine

Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke by telephone with his US counterpart Donald Trump on November 24. This latest exchange follows their October meeting in Busan, Republic of Korea, and came against a backdrop of complicated diplomatic maneuverings aimed at ending the conflict in Ukraine and heightened tensions around the Chinese province of Taiwan following provocative comments made by Japan’s new hard right and bellicose prime minister Sanae Takaichi.

During their call President Xi outlined China’s principled position on the Taiwan question. He underscored that Taiwan’s return to China is an integral part of the post-war international order. China and the US fought shoulder to shoulder against fascism and militarism. Given what is going on, it is even more important for us to jointly safeguard the victory of WWII.

President Trump said that China was a big part of the victory of WWII. The US understands how important the Taiwan question is to China.

The two presidents also discussed the Ukraine crisis. President Xi emphasised China’s support for all efforts that are conducive to peace and expressed the hope that the various sides would narrow their differences, reach a fair, lasting and binding peace agreement at an early date, and resolve the crisis at its root.

The following is the text of the readout of the call issued by the Chinese Foreign Ministry and first published on its website.

On the evening of November 24, 2025, President Xi Jinping spoke with U.S. President Donald J. Trump on the phone.

President Xi noted that we had a successful meeting in Busan last month, and reached many important common understandings. We recalibrated the course of the giant ship of China-U.S. relations and provided more momentum for it to sail forward steadily, thus sending a positive message to the world. Since then, the China-U.S. relationship has generally maintained a steady and positive trajectory, and this is welcomed by the two countries and the broader international community. What has happened demonstrates yet again that the description of China-U.S. cooperation benefiting both sides and confrontation hurting both sides reflects a common sense that has been repeatedly proven by experience, and the vision of China and the U.S. helping each other succeed and prospering together is a tangible prospect within reach. The two sides should keep up the momentum, keep moving forward in the right direction on the basis of equality, respect and mutual benefit, lengthen the list of cooperation and shorten the list of problems, so as to make more positive progress, create new space for China-U.S. cooperation and bring more benefits to the people of both countries and the world.

President Xi outlined China’s principled position on the Taiwan question. He underscored that Taiwan’s return to China is an integral part of the post-war international order. China and the U.S. fought shoulder to shoulder against fascism and militarism. Given what is going on, it is even more important for us to jointly safeguard the victory of WWII.

President Trump noted that President Xi is a great leader. I very much enjoyed our meeting in Busan, and fully share your comments about the China-U.S. relationship. The two sides are implementing all elements of what we agreed to in Busan. China was a big part of the victory of WWII. The U.S. understands how important the Taiwan question is to China.

The two presidents also discussed the Ukraine crisis. President Xi emphasized China’s support for all efforts that are conducive to peace, and expressed the hope that the various sides would narrow their differences, reach a fair, lasting and binding peace agreement at an early date, and resolve the crisis at its root.

Change unseen in a century: The collective rise of the Global South with Socialist China at the core

The 15^th World Socialism Forum was held in Beijing from November 3-4. Organised by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), the forum was hosted by the World Socialism Research Centre, the Academy of Marxism, and the Institute of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, all of which operate as units of CASS.

With an overall theme of ‘At the Crossroads of World History: The Choice of all Nations’, the forum addressed a number of topics, namely:

Chinese Modernisation and a New Form of Human Advancement
The Rise of Global South Countries and Transformation of the Global Governance System
Rejecting Unilateral Power Politics and Upholding International Equity and Justice
New Features and Trends of World Socialism amid Profound Global Changes
Safeguarding the Outcomes of the World Anti-fascist War and the Postwar International Order

Several hundred Chinese delegates were joined by comrades from Vietnam, Laos and Cuba and by senior representatives from communist parties from around the world, including:

Communist Party of Peru (Red Fatherland)
Peruvian Communist Party
Communist Party of Argentina
Colombian Communist Party
Communist Party of Uruguay
Communist Party of Spain (Party of the European Left)
Communist Refoundation Party of Italy (Party of the European Left)
Italian Communist Party
Communist Party (Italy)
Communist Party of Italy
Hungarian Workers’ Party
Communist Party (Denmark)
Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia [Czech Republic]
Communist Party (Switzerland)
Communist Party of Finland
German Communist Party
Progressive Party of the Working People of Cyprus (AKEL)
Communist Party of Ireland
Portuguese Communist Party
Communist Party of Armenia
Communist Party of the Russian Federation
Belarusian Communist Party
Socialist Platform (Georgia)
New Socialist Movement of Georgia
South African Communist Party
Japanese Communist Party
Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist)
Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Socialist) [On November 5, this party was one of 10 that united to form the Nepali Communist Party]
Communist Party of Bangladesh
Communist Party of Lebanon
Iraqi Communist Party

Other participants included academics and scholars of Marxism from Venezuela, Colombia, Tanzania, Russia, Hungary, Ireland, Britain and other countries, think tanks and Marxist study institutions, including from Latin America, Russia, India, Germany, Italy and Cyprus, and young scholars of Marxism currently studying in China, including from the United States, Denmark and India.

Friends of Socialist China was represented by our co-editor Keith Bennett. Below we publish his speech to the forum on the subject of ‘Changes Unseen in a Century – The Collective Rise of the Global South with Socialist China at the Core.’

Following the World Socialism Forum, Keith also attended the ‘International Academic Conference on Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and 21^st Century Marxism’, with sessions in Xi’an and Yan’an, and then the ‘International Forum on Overseas Studies on Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era’, held in Beijing.

General Secretary Xi Jinping often reminds us that we are living in a moment of history where we are witnessing changes unseen in a century.

This statement has applicability and relevance across a range of events and numerous spheres of human endeavour. But perhaps it does not express itself quite so cogently, or with such profound import, as it does with regard to the tectonic changes in the world’s geopolitical configuration and the consequent evolution and reform of global governance.

Over a century ago, as Lenin observed, the division of the world among the great powers had been completed. This meant that the world was divided into a small number of oppressor nations on the one hand and a great mass of oppressed nations on the other. Semi-colonial, semi-feudal China, despite being the world’s longest continuous civilisation, was to be found in the latter group.

Xi Jinping greets Ireland’s new left-wing President

Catherine Connolly was sworn in as the tenth president (and the third woman president) of the Republic of Ireland on November 11, succeeding Michael D. Higgins, who had completed the constitutionally mandated limit of two terms of office.

Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to his Irish counterpart on her assumption of office and noted that over the past 46 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Ireland, the two countries have jointly achieved remarkable development progress through mutual learning and friendly cooperation.

Xi said that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Ireland relations and stands ready to work with Connolly to enhance political mutual trust, carry forward the traditional friendship, jointly support multilateralism and free trade and promote the continuous development of the China-Ireland mutually beneficial strategic partnership to better benefit the two peoples.

Catherine Connolly, an Independent TD (member of the Irish parliament) since 2016, won a landslide victory, taking 63 percent of the vote. Key to her victory was an unprecedented unity among broad sections of the Irish left, something that is already being seen as a template for, and harbinger of, a future left government in Ireland, as well as holding important lessons for the left in Europe and elsewhere.

Seven parties represented in the Irish parliament united to back her campaign, namely Sinn Féin, the Irish Labour Party, the Social Democrats, People Before Profit, 100% Redress, Solidarity, and the Green Party. (Incidentally the first three named parties backing the election of Ireland’s third woman president are also currently led by women.) They were joined by a number of left and progressive independents (many of whom play significant roles in Irish politics), as well as cultural and other personalities, including Kneecap and (from a previous generation and from Connolly’s own County Galway) the Saw Doctors. A number of smaller left and republican parties, including the Communist Party of Ireland, Éirígí – For A New Republic, the Workers’ Party of Ireland and the Socialist Party of Ireland, also expressed support for her campaign.

Connolly stood on a clear anti-imperialist and pro-working-class platform, which included:

Defence of Irish neutrality;
Opposition to imperialist war, the militarisation of the European Union and German rearmament;
Opposition to the Gaza genocide and clear support for Palestinian self-determination and a Free Palestine;
Support for Irish reunification and an end to partition as an inevitable trend;
Promotion of the Irish language;
Opposition to racism; and
Urgent measures to tackle the housing crisis, which is one of the most acute problems currently faced by working people in Ireland.

Her campaign made astute use of social media and won wide support from young people, including through highlighting the 68-year-old’s sporting prowess.

Speaking at her inauguration, President Connolly said:

“The people have spoken and have given their President a powerful mandate to articulate their vision for a new Republic.

“A Republic worthy of its name where everyone is valued and diversity is cherished, where sustainable solutions are urgently implemented and where a home is a fundamental human right.

“The change that led to this joyful day began with a small group of elected representatives and volunteers facing what appeared to be insurmountable challenges.

“We were led to believe that it was too great a leap, that our ideas were too far out, too left, at odds with the prevailing narrative.

“In shared conversations all over the country, however, it became evident that the dominant narrative did not reflect or represent people’s values and concerns… We saw the emergence of hope, we saw the emergence of joy, along with the courage and determination of people to use their voices to shape a country that we can be proud of.”