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China and Cuba show that a better world is not only possible – it is being built day by day

The opening session of our China Conference 2025, held in London on September 27, was addressed by senior diplomats from the embassies of the People’s Republic of China, Republic of Cuba, Russian Federation, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

Below we reprint the main body of the inspiring speech delivered by Pablo Arturo Ginarte Sampedro, First Secretary of the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba. He notes that: “This year we celebrate a momentous milestone: the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Cuba and the People’s Republic of China. In 1960, revolutionary Cuba became the first nation in the Western Hemisphere to recognise the People’s Republic. That decision was an act of sovereignty and principle, and it laid the foundation for what has become an unbreakable, ironclad friendship. That friendship was forged by the historic leaders of our revolutions, Commander in Chief Fidel Castro Ruz and Chairman Mao Zedong.”

It is a profound honor to address you today from this historic place, Bolívar Hall, a beacon of Latin American culture and resistance here in London, graciously hosted by our dear Venezuelan comrades. On behalf of the people and government of the Republic of Cuba, I bring you the warmest, most fraternal greetings.

This year we celebrate a momentous milestone: the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Cuba and the People’s Republic of China. In 1960, revolutionary Cuba became the first nation in the Western Hemisphere to recognise the People’s Republic. That decision was an act of sovereignty and principle, and it laid the foundation for what has become an unbreakable, ironclad friendship.

That friendship was forged by the historic leaders of our revolutions, Commander in Chief Fidel Castro Ruz and Chairman Mao Zedong. From those early days it has grown into a comprehensive strategic partnership. Today we work hand in hand to build a China-Cuba community with a shared future.

Our partnership extends well beyond trade and infrastructure. Equally important is our collaboration in science and technology. Together we are building sovereign scientific capacity in the Global South so the benefits of the fourth industrial revolution serve people, not only the profits of a few multinational corporations. This scientific solidarity is essential for achieving genuine independence in the 21st century.

For Cuba, these are not abstract ideals. For more than 60 years my country has resisted the most brutal and prolonged economic, commercial, and financial blockade in human history, a criminal policy imposed by the United States. In that struggle our friendship with China has been a vital pillar of support. Through trade, investment, and solidarity, China has offered a crucial lifeline and shown the world a model of relations based on sincere mutual assistance rather than imperial domination.

China’s Premier champions peace, justice and development at UN General Assembly

Chinese Premier Li Qiang spoke in the general debate of the 80^th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 26.

He began by noting that: “This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. It is also the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations (UN). Eighty years ago, fascism was defeated in fearless battles by countless heroic men and women around the world, and the UN was created upon their ideal of a world free of war.

“An important outcome of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War, the UN was born out of a deep reflection on the scourge of two world wars. Its founding initiated a historic experiment to escape the law of the jungle, and marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey, i.e. building the postwar international order and pursuing peace and development. The past 80 years have been tortuous but purposeful.”

The last eight decades, he continued, have seen, “human society leapfrog from the age of electricity and computers into a digital intelligence era. While the world we live in has changed enormously, the ideal of making it a better place remains unchanged.”

In this regard he identified three key aspects:

Peace and development are the strongest aspirations shared by the people of all countries. Throughout history, while the shadows of war and conflict have never fully gone away, no force has ever stopped humanity in its quest for peace and development. Having gone through two world wars, we must never forget the bitter lessons learned through bloodshed and loss of lives.

Solidarity and cooperation are the most powerful drivers for human progress. In the ferocious years of the World Anti-Fascist War, countries with different social systems, histories and cultures rose above their differences, fought side by side, and prevailed together. All this proves a simple yet powerful point – solidarity lifts everyone up, while division drags all down.

Fairness and justice are the most important values pursued by the international community. In the past 80 years, the world saw the demise of the old colonial system, the establishment of the existing international order, and the strengthening of international rule of law. History keeps reminding us that when might dictates right, the world risks division and regression; when fairness and justice prevail, societies enjoy stability and thrive. Should the era of the law of the jungle return and the weak be left as prey to the strong, human society would face even more bloodshed and brutality.

Turning to the present situation, he made this appeal:

“At present, the world has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation. Unilateralism and Cold War mentality are resurfacing, the international rules and order built over the past 80 years are under serious challenge, and the once-effective international system is constantly disrupted. The various problems induced are distressing and worrying. Humanity has once again come to a crossroads. Anyone who cares about the state of affairs in the world would want to ask: Why couldn’t we humans, having emerged from tribulations, adopt a greater sense of conscience and rationality, and treat each other with kindness and coexist in peace? How could we, in the face of deplorable incidents such as humanitarian disasters, turn a blind eye to atrocities that trample blatantly on fairness and justice and sit on our hands? How could we, when confronted with unscrupulous acts of hegemonism and bullying, remain silent and submissive for fear of might?”

Li explained that the Global Governance Initiative proposed at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s Tianjin Summit at the beginning of September underscores the principles of adhering to sovereign equality, abiding by international rule of law, practicing multilateralism, advocating the people-centred approach and focusing on taking real actions. China, he said, is ready to take coordinated and effective actions together with all sides to offer more concrete solutions and promote world peace and development.

Chinese leaders meet guests from Brazil, Timor-Leste, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania and Greece

Besides the 26 heads of state and government, China’s September 3 commemoration of the 80^th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese people’s war of resistance against Japanese aggression and the world anti-fascist war, was also attended by many other prominent current and former state leaders from around the world, including those from Brazil, Timor-Leste, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania and Greece.

On September 4, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Chief Advisor to the Presidency of Brazil Celso Luiz Nunes Amorim.

Wang Yi expressed welcome for Celso Luiz Nunes Amorim’s attendance at the commemoration on behalf of the Brazilian government. Under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China-Brazil relations have continuously reached new heights. Both sides should steadfastly work together to build a China-Brazil community with a shared future for a more just world and a more sustainable planet, setting an example of the strength through unity among major countries of the Global South.

He said that the current world landscape is undergoing complex changes, with the resurgence of unilateralism undermining the foundation of multilateralism and posing severe challenges to the vast number of developing countries. President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Plus meeting on September 1, in response to the new changes in the international situation, aiming to address global challenges more effectively.

China appreciates Brazil’s earnest performance of its duties as the BRICS chair and is ready to work with Brazil to consolidate the positive momentum of BRICS, promote greater communication and coordination among BRICS countries on major issues, and stand firm on common positions.

Celso Luiz Nunes Amorim handed over the letter from President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to President Xi Jinping, expressing that 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 was deeply moving, and that releasing pigeons is to convey the message of peace. He congratulated China on the complete success of the event. The Chinese people, faced with foreign aggression, showed unyielding resilience and rose to fight back, making significant historical contributions to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. Given the current context in which certain countries disregard international rules, abuse tariffs, and undermine the multilateral trading system, the importance of strengthening unity and cooperation among the Global South and BRICS countries is becoming increasingly prominent. Against this backdrop, China’s proposal of the GGI is of great significance.

On September 5, Zhao Leji, Chairman of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, held talks with Maria Fernanda Lay, President of the National Parliament of Timor-Leste. He said that China firmly supports Timor-Leste in following a development path suited to its own national conditions while safeguarding its national sovereignty, security and development interests.

Noting that the NPC of China and the National Parliament of Timor-Leste have maintained friendly exchanges for a long time, Zhao said the NPC is willing to further enhance exchanges and cooperation among senior members of the legislative bodies and lawmakers of the two countries, deepen experience sharing on topics such as state governance, legislation and supervision, and strengthen coordination within multilateral frameworks to present a common voice of the Global South.

Portugal reinforces sound relations with China

Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro was the first foreign head of government to visit China following the September 3 commemoration of the 80^th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

On September 9 he met with President Xi Jinping, who said that China and Portugal have achieved fruitful outcomes in cooperation across various fields in recent years, setting a model of mutual respect and mutual benefit for countries with different social systems and national conditions. Xi called on the two sides to carry forward the traditional friendship, maintain mutual trust and support, deepen the alignment of development strategies, and expand practical cooperation in areas such as innovation, green development, maritime affairs and healthcare.

He noted that the two sides should give full play to Macao’s unique role as a bridge and make good use of mechanisms like the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes at a higher level. [In addition to China and Portugal this Forum, with its headquarters in Macao, also includes Angola, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe and Timor-Leste.) They should also encourage exchanges in culture, education, tourism and scientific research, as well as deepen people-to-people and cultural exchanges.

Montenegro said the successful practice in Macao over the past 25 years fully demonstrates that the Portuguese government made the right decision. Portugal will continue to adhere to the one-China policy and will not forget the valuable support and assistance provided by China during the most difficult period of Portugal’s economy. (This refers to the economic support that China extended to Portugal during the 2009 Eurozone crisis.)

Despite periodic changes in its domestic political situation, Portugal stands out as a European country that consistently maintains positive relations with China. Moreover, the amicable way in which the issue of the former Portuguese colony of Macao has been resolved, and the way this special administrative region of the People’s Republic continues to act as a bridge not only between China and Portugal, but also to all Portuguese speaking countries, stands in stark contrast to British imperialism’s persistent if futile meddling in Hong Kong.

This understanding permeated the reactions of a number of Chinese scholars to Montenegro’s visit.

Xi Jinping meets the leaders of Zimbabwe, Slovakia, Congo, Serbia and Indonesia

Chinese President Xi Jinping held a series of meetings on September 4 with national leaders who had come to Beijing to attend the commemoration of the 80^th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

In the morning Xi Jinping met with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The two heads of state announced the elevation of bilateral relations to a China-Zimbabwe all-weather community with a shared future.

President Xi noted that this year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Zimbabwe, and the two countries’ “five-star ironclad” friendship has steadily deepened, setting an example for solidarity and coordination between China and Africa, and for the Global South. China will continue to firmly support Zimbabwe in independently pursuing a development path suited to its conditions, oppose external interference and illegal sanctions, and safeguard the shared interests of both countries and the broader Global South.

President Xi emphasised that the two sides should seize the opportunity presented by the elevation of bilateral relations to develop innovative approaches to cooperation and broaden cooperation in infrastructure, mining, investment, trade, and so on, thereby raising the quality and upgrading the substance of cooperation between the two countries. China stands ready to work with Zimbabwe to advance the implementation of the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and support Zimbabwe’s economic and social development.

President Mnangagwa said that he is delighted to attend the historic commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. The international community must never forget China’s important contribution to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and must uphold a correct historical perspective on WWII. After 45 years of development, Zimbabwe-China relations have become increasingly mature and resilient. Zimbabwe looks forward to jointly building an all-weather community with a shared future with China and will unwaveringly adhere to the one-China principle, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in all fields, and work for greater development of the bilateral relationship, bringing greater benefits to the people of the two countries.

At noon Xi met with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.

The Chinese President noted that both China and Slovakia had made tremendous national sacrifices and significant historical contributions to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. At a time when the world is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century, the international community needs solidarity and cooperation more than ever. Both sides should uphold the vision of a community with a shared future for humanity, practice true multilateralism, work for the reform and improvement of the global governance system and make greater contributions to world peace and development.

President Xi emphasised that China highly appreciates Slovakia’s commitment to friendly relations with China and is ready to work with Slovakia to maintain close high-level exchanges, firmly support each other’s chosen development path, strengthen experience sharing on governance, and continuously deepen mutual political trust. President Xi expressed his hope for Slovakia to continue playing a positive role in promoting the sound and steady development of China-EU relations.

Prime Minister Fico said that China made significant contributions to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and to upholding world peace. The successful commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression sends a strong message to the world that justice will prevail, peace will prevail, and the people will prevail, and this is truly impressive. He said it is an honour to be invited to China to witness this grand event in person.

Slovakia was the only member state of NATO and the EU to be represented at the commemoration at head of government level, although Hungary and Bulgaria also sent senior representatives.

In the afternoon, Xi met with President of the Republic of the Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso. The two heads of state announced the elevation of the bilateral relationship to a high-level community with a shared future between China and the Republic of the Congo.

President Xi noted that the relationship between China and the Republic of the Congo exemplifies China-Africa friendship. The Republic of the Congo is the first country to reach an early harvest arrangement with China under the agreement on economic partnership for shared development and will soon benefit from China’s zero-tariff treatment, opening a new chapter in bilateral trade and investment cooperation.

President Xi noted that since assuming the role of African co-chair of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), the Republic of the Congo has been working actively together with China to promote the implementation of the outcomes of the Beijing Summit and has achieved commendable results. China stands ready to work with African countries to effectively carry out the ten partnership actions and foster new growth drivers in green industries, e-commerce and digital payments, science and technology, and artificial intelligence, taking China-Africa cooperation to even greater heights. In the current international environment of transformation and turbulence, China and Africa, as important members of the Global South, must shoulder the historic responsibility of upholding international fairness and justice, safeguarding world peace, and promoting common development, and work hand in hand to build a community with a shared future for humanity.

China-Vietnam relations of comrades and brothers underlined in three high-level meetings

The special relations of comrades as well as brothers between China and Vietnam, as Vietnamese communist leader Ho Chi Minh once described it in a poem, were highlighted by three recent overlapping top level exchanges between the two socialist neighbours.

From August 31-September 2, Zhao Leji, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), visited Vietnam at the invitation of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam Tran Thanh Man, leading a party and state delegation to events marking the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

When meeting with General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee To Lam, Zhao Leji conveyed General Secretary Xi Jinping’s cordial greetings and extended warm congratulations on the historic achievements made in the cause of the CPV and the country over the past 80 years. Zhao Leji stated that under the new circumstances, China is ready to work with Vietnam to fully implement the important common understandings reached between the top leaders of the two Parties and jointly advance the socialist modernisation endeavours in their respective countries, and accelerate the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.

To Lam asked Zhao Leji to convey his sincere greetings to General Secretary Xi Jinping and expressed his gratitude for the tremendous assistance provided by China during various periods of Vietnam’s revolution and development. He said that under the leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, China has achieved remarkable accomplishments in development and has become a main driving force of global economic growth.

When meeting with Vietnamese President Luong Cuong, Zhao Leji conveyed President Xi Jinping’s best wishes to him, noting that China and Vietnam should respond to external uncertainties with the strengths of the socialist system, uphold and strengthen the leadership of the Communist Party, firmly support each other’s reform and development endeavours, leverage the exemplary role of mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation between China and Vietnam, jointly resist the countercurrents of unilateralism and protectionism, and defend international fairness and justice as well as the common interests of developing countries.

Zhao Leji attended the ceremony held at the Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi marking the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, and watched the military parade, mass pageantry and grand cultural performances. The Guard of Honour of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army was invited to participate in the military parade. The full text of General Secretary To Lam’s speech on the occasion may be read here.

Zhao Leji also paid respects at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and visited Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House.

Around 400 military personnel from the armed forces of China, Russia, Laos, and Cambodia took part in the military parade. Receiving them on August 29, Deputy Minister of National Defence Sen. Lt. Gen. Hoang Xuan Chien extended a warm welcome and expressed gratitude to the foreign troops for their participation. He commended their determination and training efforts, noting their swift integration into rehearsals alongside the Vietnamese forces. Since their arrival, the delegations had received warm attention from both local leaders and the public, he noted.

From August 31-September 1, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visited Tianjin to attend the meetings of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

China and Cuba build on the friendship established by Chairman Mao and Fidel Castro

On the morning of September 4, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and President Xi Jinping met at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing with First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Cuban Communist Party (PCC) and President of the Republic of Cuba Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez who was in China for 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.

President Xi pointed out that in recent years the building of a China-Cuba community with a shared future has deepened with tangible outcomes, which has become a vivid symbol of the ironclad friendship between the two parties and the two countries. This year marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Cuba. Both sides should take this opportunity to bring China-Cuba relations to a higher level and bring more benefits to the two peoples.

President Díaz-Canel noted that the commemorative events marking the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression had a solemn and lively atmosphere and are of great historic significance. China’s important contributions to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War will never be forgotten. Cuba was the first country in Latin America to build a bilateral community with a shared future with China. The relations between the two Parties and two countries are close, and the friendship is rock-solid.

The two sides released the Joint Statement between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Cuba on Accelerating the Construction of the China-Cuba Community with a Shared Future and signed multiple bilateral cooperation documents in such fields as Belt and Road cooperation, practical cooperation, the Global Security Initiative, sub-national agricultural cooperation, and artificial intelligence.

According to the joint statement: “The two Heads of State highly value the traditional friendship between the Republic of Cuba and the People’s Republic of China… and the fruitful results achieved in the development of relations and cooperation in various fields in the 65 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations. Cuba and China are good friends, good comrades and good brothers. The friendship between Cuba and China was forged by the historical leaders of the two countries, represented by Mao Zedong and Fidel Castro Ruz.”

It notes that, “The Heads of State emphasise that the relationship between Cuba and China is at its most favourable historical point. They reaffirm their strong political commitment to advancing bilateral relations by accelerating the development of a Cuba-China Community of Shared Future. The two leaders engaged in a comprehensive exchange of views on party and country relations, reaching significant consensus. They agree to continue strengthening strategic communication, increasing high-level exchanges, deepening both bilateral and multilateral political cooperation, and promoting collaboration at all levels and in all areas. They also commit to further enhancing the special friendly relations between China and Cuba in the New Era and to speeding up the establishment of the Cuba-China Community of Shared Future.”

The Cuban side highly values the outstanding theoretical and practical contributions of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for the New Era and hopes that the Chinese people will continue to make new and greater achievements in building socialism under the firm leadership of Comrade Xi Jinping and the CPC.

The Chinese side highly values and firmly supports the fact that, under the leadership of the PCC, the Cuban people persevere on the path of socialism and continuously explore a development model in accordance with their own national conditions, overcoming all difficulties. The Chinese side reaffirms its willingness to deepen friendship, strengthen solidarity and expand cooperation in all fields with the Cuban side.

The Chinese side reaffirms its firm support for the Cuban people in their struggle to defend their national sovereignty against the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States. The unjust and illegal blockade of the United States harms the right to life of the Cuban people and constitutes the main obstacle to Cuba’s development. The Chinese side once again calls on the United States to remove Cuba from the arbitrary “list of state sponsors of terrorism.”

Both sides agree to continue strengthening the special ties between the CPC and the PCC, as the cornerstone of relations between the two countries.

Both sides agree to deepen cooperation in science, technology and innovation in the fields of cybersecurity, nanotechnology, life sciences, biomedicine, food production and agrotechnology, brain sciences, biodiversity, climate change, energy and environment, digital transformation, robotics and automation.

Xi meets Lao president

On September 4, Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese President, met with Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and Lao President, in Beijing.

Thongloun was in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, where his country was admitted as a SCO Partner, and for the commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as for a working visit.

Xi stressed that given the complex and profound changes in the international and regional landscape, the two sides need to view and approach China-Laos relations from a long-term and strategic perspective and firmly support each other on issues concerning their respective core interests and major concerns. They need to focus on the operation of the China-Laos Railway and development along the route to upgrade key projects, Xi said, adding that they should also deepen cooperation in defence, law enforcement and security, and other fields.

Thongloun said that the Laos-China relationship is now at its best in history, and Laos is ready to continue working with China to implement the new five-year action plan on building a Laos-China community with a shared future.

Between his participation in the SCO meetings, August 31-September 1, and the commemoration of the war victory, September 3, Thongloun visited Hanoi to participate in the grand ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19, 1945 – 2025) and the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam (September 2, 1945 – 2025), which was held at the historic Ba Dinh Square in the Vietnamese capital on the morning of September 2.

The Vietnamese newspaper Nhân Dân reported that To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, welcomed the visit of the Lao leader describing it as a testament to the rare, loyal, and special solidarity between the two parties and nations. He noted that the participation of Lao People’s Army soldiers in the National Day parade was a great encouragement to Viet Nam.

The Vietnamese party leader stressed that every victory in Vietnam’s revolutionary cause has been closely tied to the heartfelt support of the Lao party, state, and people. He affirmed that Vietnam deeply treasures this valuable assistance, from the years of resistance in the past to the cause of national construction and defence at present, and that Vietnam will do its utmost, together with Laos, to preserve and further strengthen their special relationship.

For his part, the Lao leader offered congratulations to Vietnam, noting that the success of the August Revolution and the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam in 1945 greatly inspired Laos’s national liberation and energised revolutionary and peace movements among the oppressed peoples worldwide.

Reporting the grand ceremony, Nhân Dân, noted that international guests included:

Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and President of Laos

Samdech Techo Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian People’s Party and President of the Senate of Cambodia

Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of Cuba

Zhao Leji, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress

Igor Sergeenko, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Belarus;

And Vladimir Vladimirovich Yakushev, Secretary of the General Council of the United Russia Party and First Vice Chairman of the Federation Council of the Russian Federal Assembly.

Also present were leaders of political parties including the General Secretary of the United Left Movement Party of the Dominican Republic and the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Britain.

And in a related development, Cuban President and First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez paid a state visit to Laos, September 6-7, following his own visits to Vietnam and China.

The Lao News Agency KPL reported that President Thongloun warmly welcomed the Cuban delegation and highly valued the visit, noting that it marked the third time Comrade Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez had visited the Lao PDR. The two leaders expressed satisfaction that relations between the parties, states, and peoples of Laos and Cuba have continued to strengthen as strategic partners bound by common ideals.

On behalf of the Lao party, government, and people, Comrade Thongloun expressed sincere gratitude for the invaluable support extended by Cuba during the Lao people’s national liberation struggle and throughout the subsequent period of national development. He also invited Comrade Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez to participate in the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Lao PDR at the end of 2025.

Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez reaffirmed Cuba’s commitment to further expanding the traditional friendship and cooperation established by President Kaysone Phomvihane and President Fidel Castro and thanked the Lao PDR for its continued encouragement and support for Cuba in overcoming challenges.

The following article was originally published on the website of China’s State Council Information Office.

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, met with Thongloun Sisoulith, general secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee and Lao president, in Beijing on Thursday.

Thongloun is in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025, commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, and a working visit.

China is ready to deepen exchanges with Laos on experience in party and state governance, Xi said.

The two sides need to focus on the operation of the China-Laos Railway and development along the route to upgrade key projects, Xi said, adding that they should also deepen cooperation in defense, law enforcement and security, and other fields.

Laos fully supports the Global Governance Initiative proposed by General Secretary Xi Jinping and stands ready to strengthen coordination and cooperation with China on the international stage, Thongloun said.

China, Russia and Mongolia strengthen three-way friendship in Beijing

Chinese President Xi Jinping held important meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa on the morning of September 2. Both men were in China to attend the meetings of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) along with the commemoration of the 80^th anniversary of the Chinese people’s victory in the war to resist Japanese aggression and the world anti-fascist war.

President Xi Jinping noted that the China-Russia relationship, having stood the test of changes in the world, has become a prime example of relations between two major countries featuring everlasting good-neighbourliness and friendship, comprehensive strategic coordination, and mutual benefit, cooperation and win-win. Staying committed to their abiding aspirations and maintaining resolve, the two sides have produced fruitful outcomes in their cooperation across the board. The Chinese side will work with the Russian side to maintain close high-level exchanges, support each other’s development and rejuvenation, coordinate positions on matters pertaining to each other’s core interests and major concerns in a timely manner, and achieve greater progress in China-Russia relations. The two sides should guide their cooperation through large and especially more flagship projects and promote convergence of interests at a deeper level.

Xi Jinping observed that the Chinese and Russian presidents attending the commemorations of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War held in each other’s countries fully demonstrates the sense of responsibility of major countries as the key victorious nations of World War II and permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and speaks to their firm determination to safeguard the fruits of the victory in World War II and uphold a correct historical perspective on the War. Both China and Russia emphasise sovereign equality, international rule of law, and multilateralism. The two sides should continue to step up coordination and cooperation at the UN, the SCO, the BRICS, the G20 and other multilateral platforms, and join hands in building a community with a shared future for humanity.

President Putin noted that guided by President Xi and himself, the bilateral relationship has been highly strategic and reached a historic high. President Xi paid a state visit to Russia and attended the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War last May. President Putin said that he will attend the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression tomorrow. By doing so, the two countries underscore to the world that they helped each other and fought side by side in the World Anti-Fascist War and played critical roles in its victory in both main European and Eastern theatres, and they are firmly committed to jointly upholding the truth of history and safeguarding the fruits of the victory in World War II. The solidarity and cooperation between Russia and China in the World Anti-Fascist War has laid a solid foundation for the development of their relations in the new era.

The Russian President’s website further quoted him as saying: “Our ancestors, fathers and grandfathers paid an enormous price for peace and freedom. We do not forget this – we remember. It is the foundation, the bedrock of our achievements today and in the future.”

In his meeting with Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, President Xi noted that China and Mongolia, as friendly neighbours connected by mountains and rivers, are enjoying ever deepening exchanges and cooperation across various fields, with multiple key projects making positive progress. The two sides should be guided by the vision of building a China-Mongolia community with a shared future, consolidate strategic mutual trust, deepen development integration, and bring the two peoples closer, so as to inject sustained momentum into their comprehensive strategic partnership. He stressed that no matter how the international landscape may evolve, China will remain a trustworthy and reliable partner for Mongolia

President Khurelsukh said that it is a priority of Mongolia’s foreign policy to maintain permanent good-neighbourly friendship and pursue sustainable, mutually beneficial cooperation with China. Mongolia highly commends China’s commitment to the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness in pursuing its neighbourhood diplomacy. The Global Governance Initiative (GGI) proposed by President Xi Jinping advocates for a UN-centred international governance system that ensures equal participation of all developing countries. Mongolia warmly applauds this initiative and is ready to work with China to provide mutual support and pursue close cooperation on the global stage to safeguard the common interests of developing countries.

Xi Jinping meets leaders from Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Iran, Malaysia and Tajikistan

On September 2, Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Beijing with the leaders of a number of friendly countries who were visiting China to attend the summit meetings of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and to participate in the commemoration of the 80^th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

Meeting with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in the morning, President Xi pointed out that China and Uzbekistan are friendly neighbors and all-weather comprehensive strategic partners for a new era. China supports Uzbekistan in safeguarding its sovereignty, security and development interests, and stands ready to work together to accelerate the alignment of development strategies, steadily advance the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project, step up cooperation in such areas as joint scientific research, green energy, medical and health care, emergency management, artificial intelligence and poverty reduction, and expand exchanges on culture, education, tourism and at the sub-national level. President Xi emphasised that amid complex and volatile changes in the current international situation, a solid and stronger SCO will help countries safeguard their shared interests and boost their respective development.

President Mirziyoyev noted that China made significant contributions to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War, and hosting the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance highlights China’s courage and resolve to uphold lasting world peace. Uzbekistan attaches great importance to its relations with China and is grateful for China’s long-term and valuable support for its economic and social development and the improvement of people’s livelihood. Uzbekistan congratulates China on hosting a successful SCO Tianjin Summit and believes that China’s productive presidency has effectively elevated the international influence of the Organisation. Uzbekistan fully supports the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) proposed by President Xi Jinping, as it addresses the needs of global governance and demonstrates profound strategic vision. Uzbekistan will work with China to implement this initiative and promote a more just and equitable international order.

In his meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Xi noted that China and Pakistan share a resilient bond, a brotherly bond, and also a bond built on trust and common values – an ironclad friendship that was forged through historical twists and turns and has grown ever stronger over time. As the once-in-a-century transformations are unfolding faster across the world, a robust China-Pakistan relationship is vital for regional peace and development. President Xi stressed that China supports Pakistan in maintaining unity, focusing on development, and enhancing national strength. China is ready to work with Pakistan to build the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor 2.0 and upgrade the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement, and step up cooperation in industries, agriculture, and mining, with the aim of boosting Pakistan’s home-grown capacity for development.

Prime Minister Shehbaz congratulated China on the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and noted that the Communist Party of China’s pivotal role in the global struggle against fascism changed the course of history of both China and the world. The ironclad Pakistan-China friendship has taken root in the hearts of the over 200 million Pakistani people, and every generation will remember China’s selfless support. No force can shake this unbreakable bond. Under President Xi’s great leadership, China has achieved remarkable economic and social progress, lifted the Chinese people out of poverty, and improved the people’s well-being. At the same time, China also shares opportunities with fellow developing countries through Belt and Road cooperation, earning global acclaim and winning people’s hearts and minds. The Global Governance Initiative proposed by President Xi is of great significance for global peace, development, and stability. Pakistan fully supports and will actively promote this initiative.

Kim Jong Un’s first China visit in six years draws world attention

The top leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), Kim Jong Un visited Beijing, September 2-4, to participate in the commemoration of the 80^th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. His first visit to China in six years drew extraordinary global attention, not least due to the high levels of protocol and hospitality extended by the Chinese side. Kim Jong Un joined Russian President Vladimir Putin in flanking Chinese President Xi Jinping on the rostrum of Tienanmen Square, denoting their status as the chief guests among 26 heads of state and government, as well as senior representatives of dozens of nations and international organisations. It was also the first occasion for Kim Jong Un to participate in this type of multilateral gathering of world leaders and the first time for a DPRK leader to review a military parade in China since founding President Kim Il Sung participated in the 1959 tenth anniversary celebrations of the founding of the People’s Republic.

Arriving in the afternoon of September 2, Kim Jong Un was greeted at Beijing Railway Station by Cai Qi, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and member of the Secretariat and Director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister, Yin Yong, Mayor of Beijing, and other senior officials.

On the evening of September 4, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and President Xi Jinping held talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing with General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) and President of the State Affairs of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong Un.

Xi Jinping noted that China and the DPRK are good neighbours, good friends and good comrades who have shared weal and woe and helped each other in time of need. The friendship between China and the DPRK has a long history. Both countries are socialist countries led by communist parties, having common ideals, convictions and aspirations.

Xi Jinping extended congratulations on the (October 10) 80th anniversary of the founding of the WPK and stressed that China is going all out to build a great modern socialist country in all respects and pursue national rejuvenation through a Chinese path to modernisation, while the DPRK has kept making new progress in developing socialism. The CPC and the Chinese government attach great importance to the traditional friendship between China and the DPRK, and stand ready to maintain, consolidate and develop China-DPRK relations. No matter how the international landscape may evolve, this position will stay unchanged. China will continue to support the DPRK in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions and opening new grounds in advancing the DPRK’s socialist cause. China will work with the DPRK to step up high-level exchanges and strategic communication, strengthen exchanges of experience in governance of Party and state affairs, deepen mutual understanding and friendship, promote closer interactions at all levels, and advance practical cooperation across the board.

Special friendship with Cambodia reflected in high-level visits

The special friendship between China and Cambodia has again been reaffirmed with two overlapping visits by Cambodia’s top leaders.

On August 23, Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk arrived in Beijing to attend the commemoration of the 80^th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, far ahead of others.

President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan met with the King and the Queen Mother at Zhongnanhai, where the senior Chinese leadership live and work, on August 26.

President Xi Jinping expressed his warm welcome to King Norodom Sihamoni and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk for visiting China again and welcomed King Norodom Sihamoni’s attendance at 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. President Xi noted that during his state visit to Cambodia in April this year, he was accorded a warm and friendly reception by the King and the Cambodian people, of which he still has fond memories. The China-Cambodia relations have withstood the test of the shifting international landscape, and the two countries have forged an ironclad friendship featuring mutual assistance in trying times.

King Norodom Sihamoni and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk expressed their great pleasure to visit China again and attend upon invitation 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. The Chinese people made significant contributions to safeguarding world peace, which should always be remembered. Cambodia always views its relations with China from a strategic perspective and is ready to carry forward the long-standing friendly relations between the two countries and work with China to build an all-weather Cambodia-China community with a shared future in the new era.

Meanwhile, on August 30, President Xi Jinping met in Tianjin with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, who was in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.

President Xi underscored that the China-Cambodia friendship, having stood the test of time, is rock-solid and the shared asset of the two peoples. Amidst an ever-changing international landscape, China and Cambodia, as ironclad friends, should keep the big picture in mind, adopt a long-term perspective, and steadfastly follow the path of friendship opened by the older generation of Chinese and Cambodian leaders. The two sides should maintain unwavering solidarity, enable each other’s success, promote the well-being of their people, and contribute to peace, stability, and prosperity of the region.

Prime Minister Hun Manet noted that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The Chinese people forged peace with courage and unity, which is truly admirable. The traditional friendship between Cambodia and China has grown ever stronger over time. Cambodia appreciates China’s long-standing, valuable support and assistance. President Xi’s historic state visit to Cambodia last April yielded fruitful outcomes. Cambodia looks forward to working with China to implement the important consensus reached during the visit, deepen the ironclad friendship between the two countries, lend each other support on issues involving their core interests and major concerns, expand cooperation in trade, investment and infrastructure, combat online gambling and telecom fraud, and further advance the two countries’ all-weather community with a shared future.

The following articles were originally published on the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Xi Jinping meets leaders from Armenia, Belarus, Maldives, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, India and Türkiye

Chinese President Xi Jinping had a full day of bilateral meetings in Tianjin on August 31, with his counterparts who had come to attend the meetings of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and in many instances to also attend the commemoration of the 80^th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War days later.

In the morning, meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Xi underscored that China and Armenia enjoy a time-honoured friendship, which has grown ever stronger over time. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations 33 years ago, the two countries have respected and trusted each other, and benefited and learned from each other, leading to the sustained, sound, and steady development of bilateral relations. China supports Armenia in joining the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and stands ready to work with Armenia to practice true multilateralism and build a community with a shared future for humanity.

Prime Minister Pashinyan noted that under the leadership of President Xi, China has made remarkable development achievements. Armenia hopes to learn from China’s experience to boost its own economic and social development.

The two sides issued the Joint Statement Between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Armenia on Establishing the Strategic Partnership and signed multiple bilateral cooperation documents in such areas as market regulation, metrology, and media.

Meeting with Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko, President Xi Jinping pointed out that the peoples of China and Belarus, fighting side by side in the past, made important contributions to defeating militarism and fascism, and forged a profound friendship. At present, century-defining transformation is accelerating across the world, and humanity once again stands at a crossroads. China is willing to work with the Belarusian side to shoulder the responsibilities of the times, practice true multilateralism, and jointly advance peace, development, and win-win cooperation in the world.

President Lukashenko noted that every time he came to China, he would always be deeply impressed by the country’s vibrant development and progress. Under the strong leadership of President Xi Jinping, China is committed to pursuing a path of development that suits its national conditions. Having achieved great success in development, China now faces an even brighter prospect, and no force can stop China’s development and revitalisation. In international and regional affairs, China keeps a just position, upholds multilateralism, and defends fairness and justice. Belarus is an all-weather partner to China and a friend that can always be relied upon. Belarus is ready to work with China to increase exchanges on governance experience, deepen practical cooperation across the board, and bring bilateral relations to new heights.

Xi Jinping: At all times, our work must be for the people and we must do our best to improve the well-being of all the people

Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed the commemoration of the 80^th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, held on September 3 in Beijing’s Tienanmen Square, just prior to the commencement of the military parade.

Xi described it as “an occasion for us to remember history, honour fallen heroes, cherish peace, and create a better future” and paid “high tribute to our veteran soldiers and comrades, patriots, and officers who fought in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, and to the Chinese nationals from home and abroad who made important contributions to our victory. I express my sincere thanks to foreign governments and friends that supported and assisted the Chinese people in resisting aggression. I also extend a warm welcome to our guests from around the world who are with us today.”

He added: “The Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression was a great war fought with tenacity and valour. Under the banner of the national united front against Japanese aggression established at the initiative of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese people stood up to fight the formidable enemy with an iron will, formed a great wall with flesh and blood to defend the nation, and ultimately achieved the first complete victory in resisting foreign aggression in modern times… The Chinese nation is a great nation that is never intimidated by any bullies and always values independence and forges ahead. In the past, when faced with critical struggles between good and evil, light and darkness, progress and reaction, the Chinese people rallied together to defy the enemy. They fought for the survival of the country, for the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, and for justice for the whole of humanity. Today, humanity again has to choose between peace and war, dialogue and confrontation, win-win cooperation and zero-sum game. The Chinese people firmly stand on the right side of history and the progress of human civilisation. We will remain committed to the path of peaceful development and join hands with all peoples around the world in building a community with a shared future for humanity.”

Towards the conclusion of his remarks he stated: “On the new journey in the new era, the Chinese people of all ethnic groups should, under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China, follow Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, the Theory of Three Represents and the Scientific Outlook on Development, and fully implement the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for the New Era.”

Shortly afterwards, Xi hosted a lunch in the Great Hall of the People for visiting foreign heads of state and government, other prominent politicians, and the relatives of international friends and comrades who had supported the Chinese people during the war, among others.

He noted: “Eighty years ago, the Chinese people thoroughly defeated the Japanese militarist aggressors after fighting a bitter and heroic war of resistance for 14 years. This marked the complete victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. It was a historic turning point for the Chinese nation emerging from the grave crises in modern times to embark on the journey toward great rejuvenation; it was also a major turning point in the course of world history.

“The Chinese people won the great victory through their united efforts with the anti-fascist allied forces and the people around the world. The Chinese government and people will never forget the foreign governments and international friends who supported and assisted the Chinese people in resisting aggression.”

He said the purpose of the commemoration was to “remember history, honour fallen heroes, cherish peace, and create a better future,” adding:

“Might may rule the moment but right prevails forever. Justice, light and progress will inevitably triumph over evil, darkness, and regression. At all times, we must advocate the common values of humanity, resolutely defend international fairness and justice, and ensure righteousness prevails and brightness shines in our world.

“The people are the creators of history, and the pursuit of a better life is a shared aspiration of all nations. At all times, our hearts must be with the people, our work must be for the people, and we must do our best to improve the well-being of all the people.”

We reprint the full texts of both speeches below as originally published on the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Xi Jinping meets UN Secretary General and leaders from Egypt, Myanmar and Kazakhstan

With the largest ever gathering of the quarter century old Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Tianjin (August 31-September 1) and the commemoration of the 80^th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War in Beijing (September 3), China’s high-level diplomacy has recently experienced a particularly busy period.

President Xi Jinping began a round of bilateral meetings in Tianjin on August 30, the eve of the SCO Summit, meeting with United Nations Secretary General António Guterres, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Myanmar’s Acting President Min Aung Hlaing in the afternoon and with Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in the evening.

Meeting with António Guterres, President Xi noted that the founding of the United Nations was the most important decision made by the international community at the end of the Second World War. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and the founding of the United Nations. History teaches that multilateralism, solidarity and cooperation are the right way to address global challenges.

Guterres expressed his gratitude for China’s strong and solid support to the UN. He noted that at a time when multilateralism, international law and the authority of the United Nations are being challenged, and the international governance architecture is in urgent need of reform, it is all the more important to recall the founding mission and values that led to the creation of the UN 80 years ago. China has made significant contributions to safeguarding international law and ensuring international rule of law and has been a cornerstone of multilateralism. The UN will strengthen cooperation with China to uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, defend the basic norms of international relations, advance a multipolar world, enhance the representation of developing countries, and enable the UN to play a greater role in international affairs.

Meeting with Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, President Xi noted that Egypt was the first Arab and African country to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China. Next year marks the 70th anniversary of China-Egypt diplomatic ties. The two sides should take it as an opportunity to steer the bilateral relationship toward the goal of building a China-Egypt community with a shared future in the new era, add new impetus to China-Arab and China-Africa relations, and make greater contributions to upholding world peace and stability and promoting global development and prosperity. The two countries should be good friends that closely collaborate in multilateral affairs, shoulder historical and major-country responsibilities as important members of the Global South, safeguard the victorious outcomes of World War II, jointly oppose unilateralism and bullying practices, and defend the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order underpinned by international law.

Prime Minister Madbouly said China is a true partner and friend of Egypt, and the two sides have always trusted and supported each other. Egypt places high importance on its relations with China and is firmly committed to the one-China principle. Egypt stands ready to take next year’s 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties with China as an opportunity to increase high-level exchanges, expand trade and investment, and deepen cooperation in such areas as new energy, electric vehicles, finance and seawater desalination, in a bid to achieve greater progress in bilateral relations.

Meeting with Myanmar’s Acting President Min Aung Hlaing, President Xi noted that Myanmar was part of the Eastern battlefield of the World Anti-Fascist War and it is an important dialogue partner of the SCO. The China-Myanmar pauk-phaw (brotherly) friendship, rooted in the hearts of the two peoples, is as strong and relevant as ever. The two sides should seize the opportunity of the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations to deepen strategic cooperation, accelerate the building of their community with a shared future, and bring greater benefits to people in both countries.

The two sides should advance key projects of the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor and promote economic and trade cooperation. Joint efforts should be made to combat cross-border crimes, maintain peace and tranquility in the China-Myanmar border region, and ensure the safety and security of Chinese personnel, institutions, and projects in Myanmar.

Acting President Min Aung Hlaing said that Myanmar and China share a deep pauk-phaw friendship and a common pursuit of peace and stability, and both countries made significant contributions to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. China has always been a good neighbour and a good friend to Myanmar, providing long-term assistance to Myanmar’s economic and social development, supporting its post-disaster rehabilitation efforts, and playing a constructive role in facilitating peace and stability in northern Myanmar.

Largest ever gathering of SCO family held in Tianjin

On August 31-September 1, immediately prior to China’s grand celebration of the 80^th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, the north China coastal city of Tianjin, near to Beijing, hosted the 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) followed by the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Plus meeting.

These were the biggest gatherings to date in the SCO’s quarter century history, drawing more than 20 heads of state or government, along with the heads of 10 international organisations, including the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

As we previously reported, at the latter meeting, President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), which aims at establishing “a more just and equitable global governance system and advancing toward a community with a shared future for humanity.”

Presiding over the SCO Summit, President Xi delivered an important statement entitled, “Staying True to SCO Founding Mission and Ushering in a Better Future.”

He said that the SCO has established itself as a model for a new type of international relations. The organisation was the first to set up a military confidence-building mechanism in its member states’ border areas and the first to take multilateral actions against the three forces of terrorism, separatism and extremism, thereby maintaining peace and tranquility in the region. The SCO was the first to launch Belt and Road cooperation, providing a robust driving force for development and prosperity and further improving the multidimensional connectivity network across the region. The SCO was the first to conclude a treaty on long-term good-neighbourliness, friendship and cooperation, and proclaim the member states’ commitment to forge lasting friendship and refrain from hostilities, bringing the hearts of the peoples closer to each other. The SCO was the first to put forth a vision of global governance featuring extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit as an effort to practice true multilateralism, thus becoming a proactive force for world peace and development.

President Xi emphasised that the SCO has grown into the world’s largest regional organisation, and its international influence and appeal are increasing day by day. Looking ahead, the member states should carry forward the Shanghai Spirit, forge ahead with solid steps, and better tap into the potential of the SCO in the following five ways:

Seeking common ground while putting aside differences. SCO member states should respect their differences, maintain strategic communication, build up consensus, and strengthen solidarity and collaboration.

Pursuing mutual benefit and win-win results. SCO member states need to better align their development strategies and promote the high-quality implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative, improve trade and investment facilitation, enhance cooperation in such areas as energy, infrastructure, green industry, the digital economy, scientific and technological innovation, and artificial intelligence, so as to march toward modernisation hand in hand by bringing out the best in one another and working together for a shared future.

Championing openness and inclusiveness. SCO member states need to enhance mutual understanding and friendship through people-to-people exchanges, firmly support one another in economic cooperation, and jointly cultivate a garden of civilisations in which all cultures flourish in prosperity and harmony through mutual enlightenment.

Upholding fairness and justice. SCO member states must promote a correct historical perspective on World War II, oppose the Cold War mentality, bloc confrontation and bullying practices, safeguard the UN-centred international system, support the multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core, and make the global governance system more just and equitable.

Striving for real results and high efficiency. SCO member states should continuously promote the reform of the Organisation, increase resources input and enhance capacity building to improve its institutional structure and make its decision-making more scientific and its actions more efficient, and provide stronger underpinnings for security and economic cooperation among them.

The leaders of the member states signed and issued the Tianjin Declaration of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, approved the SCO Development Strategy to 2035, released a statement on the victory of World War II and the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, a statement on supporting the multilateral trading system, and adopted 24 outcome documents covering enhanced cooperation in security, economy, people-to-people ties, and organisational development.

The Silk Road Tango: Can the elephant and dragon share one stage?

In the following article, Mayukh Biswas argues that India and China, in spite of ongoing tensions, have deep historical, cultural, and economic ties that position them as key actors in reshaping the global order, with much to gain from friendship and cooperation.

The article opens by noting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s embrace of Trump and the US’s long-term strategy to leverage India against China. The US side disrupted this process recently by imposing punitive tariffs on Indian imports, thereby exposing the limits of US–India alignment.

Globally, Mayukh situates India–China relations within wider shifts: Brazil’s leftward turn under Lula, Africa’s escalating resistance to neo-colonialism, and growing anger around the world at Western sanctions and militarism. BRICS and the other institutions of an emerging multipolarity offer a counterweight to US hegemony.

Tracing two millennia of exchange, the author highlights how Buddhism, science, mathematics, art, and trade linked India and China peacefully. From the Bandung Conference and Panchsheela to today’s BRICS, cooperation between the two countries has also made an important contribution to the construction of the Global South.

Yet political contradictions remain. The BJP’s ideological base fuels anti-China rhetoric, while Western powers exploit tensions through forums like the Quad, seeking to draw India into the US-led strategy of China containment. Despite this, India and China share overlapping interests: strengthening the Global South, addressing climate change, and resisting Western dominance.

Mayukh concludes that the “elephant and dragon” should choose the path of greater cooperation, helping to guide a more multipolar and peaceful global future.

Colonial “divide and rule” only breeds conflict. Long before Europe’s rise, India and China traded and exchanged culture. In the 21st century, this cooperation is vital for global peace.

Mayukh Biswas is former All India General Secretary of the Students’ Federation of India, current Communist Party of India (Marxist) West Bengal state committee member, and a researcher in International Relations at Jadavpur University.

The Modi government had left no stone unturned in praising Trump – from “Namaste Trump” to “Howdy Modi.” Not long ago, far-right Hindutva groups celebrated Trump’s birthday and even performed rituals for his victory. But despite all the theatrics, Trump has imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods, the highest in Asia. This import duty, applied as “punishment” for buying cheap oil from Russia, will severely impact India’s leather, textiles, IT, and agriculture sectors, risking millions of jobs.

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which is the ideological lodestar of the ruling BJP, had supported Trump’s anti-Muslim policies, seeing his divisive moves align with their communal agenda; they thought Trump was their ‘long-lost brother.’ Now, Modi is in a deep dilemma. Meanwhile, despite their cold relations, China has made its stance clear. Chinese Ambassador Zhu Feihong tweeted in support of New Delhi: “Give the bully an inch, he will take a mile.” He highlighted how the U.S. weaponizes tariffs, violating UN and WTO rules to suppress other nations, destabilizing the world.

China proposes Global Governance Initiative

On Monday 1 September at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Plus meeting in Tianjin, President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), which aims at establishing “a more just and equitable global governance system and advancing toward a community with a shared future for humanity”.

He set out five guiding principles for the GGI:

Adhere to sovereign equality: all countries, regardless of size, strength or wealth, have their sovereignty and dignity respected; have the right to independently choose their social system and development path; and have the right to participate in, make decisions in and benefit from the global governance process as equals.
Abide by international rule of law: The purposes and principles of the UN Charter are universally recognised as the basic norms of international relations. International law and rules must be applied equally and uniformly, without double standards.
Practise multilateralism: Global affairs should be decided by all, the governance system built by all, and the fruits of governance shared by all.
Commit to a people-centred approach: The people of all nations are the fundamental actors in global governance, and their well-being is its ultimate benefit.
Focus on results: Effective global governance is essentially one that resolves real problems.

The proposal makes clear that the GGI is not about overturning the UN-based system or trying to create a parallel international order. Rather, it aims to improve the existing international system and make it more effective in addressing global challenges. In his speech announcing the initiative, Xi Jinping observed that “while the historical trends of peace, development, cooperation and mutual benefit remain unchanged, Cold War mentality, hegemonism and protectionism continue to haunt the world”, and noted that new threats and challenges to peace and development are emerging.

The GGI concept paper notes some important deficiencies in global governance that need to be urgently addressed:

First, serious underrepresentation of the Global South. “The collective rise of emerging markets and developing countries necessitates boosting the representation of the Global South and redressing historical injustice.”
Second, erosion of the UN’s authority, particularly due to unilateral measures and violations of international law taken by some countries.
Third, the need for greater effectiveness. Urgent issues such as climate change, the digital divide, AI regulation and cyberspace need to be effectively managed within a global framework.

The concept paper insists:

We must stand firmly on the right side of history, and join hands with all progressive forces in the world to build a community with a shared future for humanity and make relentless efforts for mankind’s noble cause of peace and development.

The GGI is the fourth major initiative proposed by China, following the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI) and the Global Civilisation Initiative (GCI), which collectively aim to foster global development, peace, friendship, understanding and cooperation. Xinhua reports that Russia, Cuba, Pakistan, Nicaragua, Nepal and Venezuela – as well as UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres – have already stated their support for the initiative.

Putin: Russia and China are united in our vision of building a just, multipolar world order, with a focus on the nations of the Global Majority

We are pleased to republish below the full text of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s interview with Xinhua News Agency, conducted on the eve of his visit to China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Tianjin Summit and the commemorations in Beijing for the 80th anniversary of China’s victory in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression.

The interview touches on a wide range of important issues, including Russia-China relations, the global balance of power, the significance of the SCO, and the lessons to be learned from the Second World War.

On the issue of the Global Anti-Fascist War, Putin notes:

The peoples of the Soviet Union and China bore the brunt of the fighting and suffered the heaviest losses. It was our citizens who endured the greatest hardships in the struggle against the invaders and played a decisive role in defeating Nazism and militarism. Through those severe trials, the finest traditions of friendship and mutual assistance were forged and strengthened – traditions that today form a solid foundation for Russian–Chinese relations.

I would remind you that even before the full-scale outbreak of the Second World War, in the 1930s, when Japan treacherously launched a war of aggression against China, the Soviet Union extended a helping hand to the Chinese people. Thousands of our career officers served as military advisers, assisting in strengthening the Chinese army and providing guidance in combat operations. Soviet pilots also fought bravely alongside their Chinese brothers-in-arms.

He adds:

The historical record leaves no doubt as to the scale and ferocity of those battles. We remember the great significance of the famous Hundred Regiments Offensive, when Chinese Communist forces liberated a territory with a population of five million from Japanese occupation. We also recall the unparalleled feats of Soviet troops and commanders in their clashes with Japan at Lake Khasan and the Khalkhin Gol River. In the summer of 1939, our legendary commander Georgy Zhukov won his first major victory in the Mongolian steppes, which in effect foreshadowed the later defeat of the Berlin–Tokyo–Rome Axis. In 1945, the Manchurian Strategic Offensive Operation played a decisive role in liberating northeast China, dramatically altering the situation in the Far East and making the capitulation of militarist Japan inevitable.

And, correctly remembering the crucial role played by China in the defeat of fascism and militarism and the birth of the modern international order, he states:

In Russia, we will never forget that China’s heroic resistance was one of the crucial factors that prevented Japan from stabbing the Soviet Union in the back during the darkest months of 1941–1942. This enabled the Red Army to concentrate its efforts on crushing Nazism and liberating Europe. Close cooperation between our two countries was also an important element in forming the anti-Hitler coalition, strengthening China as a great power, and in the constructive discussions that shaped the post-war settlement and helped to reinvigorate the anti-colonial movement.

Putin observes that, in the West, there are ceaseless attempts to rewrite the history of the Second World War, to downplay the role of the Soviet Union and China in the victory over fascism, and to whitewash the crimes of fascism and militarism. “Historical truth is being distorted and suppressed to suit their current political agendas. Japanese militarism is being revived under the pretext of imaginary Russian or Chinese threats, while in Europe, including Germany, steps are being taken towards the re-militarisation of the continent, with little regard for historical parallels.”

World leaders to gather in China to mark victory in anti-fascist war

China will stage a massive military parade on September 3 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War and 26 heads of state or government will attend on the invitation of President Xi Jinping.

This was announced by Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Hong Lei on August 28.

China’s official listing foregrounds Russian President Vladimir Putin and Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) top leader Kim Jong Un. With Kim also being joined by the Presidents of Vietnam, Laos and Cuba, this represents an unprecedented gathering of the heads of state of all five presently existing socialist countries.

The presidents of all five of China’s Central Asian neighbours – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan – will also attend, as will the leaders of Belarus, Armenia and Azerbaijan, meaning that nine of the 15 former republics of the USSR, who collectively waged the Great Patriotic War against Nazism, will be represented at top level. Other national leaders from countries with a long and significant history of friendship with China, include those from Cambodia, Mongolia, Nepal, Zimbabwe, the Republic of Congo, Iran, Serbia and Slovakia, the last mentioned being the only member of the European Union and NATO to be represented at top level.

Besides those mentioned above, China’s southeast Asian neigbours will also be represented by Indonesia, Malaysia and Myanmar (meaning that six of the ten members of the Association of South East Asian Nations, ASEAN, will be represented at top level), while Pakistan and the Maldives join Nepal in representing China’s South Asian neighbours.

In addition, at the invitation of the Chinese government, heads of parliaments, deputy prime ministers and high-level representatives from various countries, heads of international organisations, and former political dignitaries will also attend the V-Day commemorations.

Announcing the participation of Kim Jong Un, Hong Lei said that China and the DPRK are traditional friendly neighbours. He noted that during the arduous years of war, the Chinese and DPRK people supported each other and fought side by side against Japanese aggression, making important contributions to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and humanity’s just cause. He further said that safeguarding, consolidating and developing China-DPRK relations is the firm stance of the Communist Party of China and the Chinese government, adding that China stands ready to continue working with the DPRK to enhance exchanges and cooperation, and advance socialist development.

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) also announced Kim’s China visit.

Hong also said that President Putin’s attendance at the commemoration events further highlights the high level of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era and underscores their unity in safeguarding the victorious outcome of World War II. He stressed that China and the Soviet Union, as the main battlefields of World War II in Asia and Europe, respectively, served as pillars in the fight against militarism and fascism 80 years ago and made immense national sacrifices.