Our next webinar is on 24 September: China encirclement and the imperialist build-up in the Pacific.

Category: Speeches

Ambassador Zheng Zeguang: Two Sessions demonstrates the Chinese people’s confidence, resolve, and spirit of unity

The Chinese Embassy in the UK organised a symposium on March 20 for friends of China to learn about and discuss China’s recent parliamentary ‘two sessions’.

Introduced by Minister Zhao Fei, the proceedings began with a keynote speech by Ambassador Zheng Zeguang, who had just returned from attending the meetings in his capacity of a member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

He said that the Two Sessions demonstrated the Chinese people’s confidence, resolve, and their spirit of unity and readiness to take action. They also projected China’s main economic and social development targets and outlined a series of important policy measures. 

He added that amid growing global uncertainties, China and the UK should act upon the important common understandings reached by the leaders of the two countries, earnestly implement the outcomes of the China-UK Strategic Dialogue, the China-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue, and the China-UK Energy Dialogue, and uphold the principles of mutual respect, non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit. Both sides should seek common ground while resolving differences properly, and advance dialogue and collaboration across various sectors to benefit the people of both countries. He expressed the hope that people from different sectors in both countries would work together to promote the steady and sustained development of China-UK relations.

Following the Ambassador’s opening, remarks were made by:

  • Andy Brooks, General Secretary of the New Communist Party (NCP) of Britain.
  • Ella Rule, Chair of the Communist Party of Great Britain (Marxist-Leninist) (CPGBML)
  • Ruth Styles, Chair of the Communist Party of Britain (CPB)
  • Stephen Perry, Honorary President of the 48 Group Club
  • Lord (Neil) Davidson of Glen Cova, Labour member of the House of Lords and former government minister
  • Martin Jacques, former Senior Fellow of Cambridge University and author of ‘When China rules the World’
  • Keith Bennett, Co-editor of Friends of Socialist China
  • Helen Jones, Director of Global Engagement of the Science Museum Group
  • Sam Daws, Senior Advisor to Oxford Martin AI Governance Initiative
  • Hugh Goodacre, Secretary of the Xi Jinping Thought Study Group (Institute for Independence Studies); and
  • Frances Wood, former curator at the British Library, Sinologist, historian and author.

The discussion continued over lunch, with further contributions, including from Maise Riley, Chair of the Young Communist League (YCL) of Britain, and David Peat, Secretary of the Friends of Socialist China Britain Committee.

We reprint below the report that was published on the website of the Chinese Embassy, along with Keith Bennett’s remarks in the discussion.

The Chinese Embassy in the UK Holds Symposium for People from Various Sectors in the UK to Highlight Key Takeaways from China’s Two Sessions

On 20 March 2025, the Chinese Embassy in the UK hosted a symposium with representatives of people from various sectors in the UK to introduce the key messages of China’s Two Sessions, during which, Ambassador Zheng Zeguang delivered a keynote speech, and participants engaged in discussions.

In his speech, Ambassador Zheng emphasised that the recently concluded Two Sessions were a significant event in China’s political agenda. Given the evolving international and domestic landscapes, this year’s Two Sessions attracted even greater attention and carried profound significance.

The Two Sessions demonstrated the Chinese people’s confidence, resolve, and their spirit of unity and readiness to take action. The Two Sessions also projected China’s main economic and social development targets and outlined a series of important policy measures. 

China remains committed to advancing Chinese modernisation through high-quality development. Measures will be taken to implement proactive and effective macroeconomic policies, boost consumption, expand domestic demand and effective investment, advance technological innovation andfoster new quality productive forces. Efforts will also be made to promote high-standard opening-up,and stabilise foreign trade and investment. Despite the challenges and difficulties, we are confident in achieving the goals set out at the Two Sessions.

Continue reading Ambassador Zheng Zeguang: Two Sessions demonstrates the Chinese people’s confidence, resolve, and spirit of unity

Daniel Ortega: The continuing Chinese Revolution brings peace, wellbeing and solidarity

We are pleased to republish this article from the Tortilla con Sal website, consisting of the speeches given on March 8, International Women’s Day, at the latest ceremony to mark the handover of buses as part of the comradely support of the People’s Republic of China to the Sandinista revolution in Nicaragua.

Speaking first, Santi Zhou, representative of the Yutong Company, the bus manufacturer, said:

“Since the start of our collaboration, we have introduced several batches of buses, with a total of 2,000 units in Nicaragua. Yutong accompanies Nicaraguans in their development.

“We thank Compañero Comandante Daniel Ortega and Compañera Rosario Murillo for the opportunity to contribute to the modernisation of Nicaraguan public transport, which is now not only present in Managua… but also expanding to other territories.

“It gives us pride to strengthen the bonds of friendship between our peoples, expanding new horizons for the growth of transport and the important tourism industry, promoting access to the beautiful landscapes of Bluefields and Bilwi… Our team is committed, living and working here, to provide the greatest possible support to the Nicaraguan people.”

Fátima del Carmen German, a transport worker, said: “On this special day, March 8th when we celebrate this important date, we commemorate the struggle that women waged for equal rights; and likewise, we celebrate the strength, resilience and passion of every woman… On behalf of all these strong, brave, hardworking and empowered women, we reiterate our gratitude to our good government and our brothers and sisters in China for having confidence in us.”

China’s Ambassador to Nicaragua Chen Xi noted that this was the fifth time that he has participated in the handover of Chinese vehicles to Nicaragua.

“I wanted to salute the Nicaraguan people for the recent publication of the Constitution of the Republic of Nicaragua, unanimously approved by the Legislators of the National Assembly of Nicaragua. A revolutionary and democratic constitution, a constitution that strengthens and further consolidates the rights of education, health, security, wellbeing and all the rights that assist the honourable Nicaraguan people.

“I also want to salute Co-President Daniel Ortega, Co-President Rosario Murillo, for their great responsibility and commitment, their determination to lead the Nicaraguan people to a brighter future.

“Of course, I also cannot fail to salute you, the Nicaraguan transport workers, for the successes you have been able to achieve, to improve the means of transport, supported by the Sandinista government led by your Co-Presidents, so that you can, with all your goodwill, with all your professionalism, improve the transport service to the Nicaraguan people, so that the Nicaraguan people can enjoy better bus services, which have been a very important means of transport for the country and the people, to achieve a better development.

Noting that due to its special geographical and climatic situation, Nicaragua is particularly susceptible to national disasters and the effects of climate change, the Ambassador said that:

“But really human beings now do not have to face this with just their bare hands, we can now resort to technology, and China is an immense country but also vulnerable to natural disasters, we too face typhoons, earthquakes, floods, and so on but thanks to the leadership of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese government, and the efforts of the Chinese people, of the technicians, we have been able to develop some experiences, some very efficient, advanced technologies, to face all those emergency situations.

“And we have wanted to share those experiences, those Chinese technologies, with the Nicaraguan people, so that we can fight together against all those emergency situations, all those natural disasters; so that our peoples can enjoy life in tranquility, in security, more and more every day… And to sum up, China is willing to work together with our Nicaraguan brothers and sisters to develop many other projects, especially projects dedicated to the social sector, so that the Nicaraguan people can enjoy the benefits of our friendship, of our brother and sisterhood.”

Co-President Daniel Ortega began his speech by noting that March 8 was International Women’s Day. Noting its history, he said it was, “Clara Zetkin, who in 1910 at a Conference of Socialist Women, in Copenhagen, proposed and approved the celebration of Working Women’s Day, because it was mainly working women who were marginalised and exploited. And very soon, the following year, in the month of March, the first commemoration took place.

He went on to say that this is a “struggle that we have been waging here in Nicaragua as well, to defeat and eliminate, to extirpate, from our nation, the manifestations of machismo, which in some cases result in causing pain, even tragedy in some families.

“And there, fighting for the peace and security of the Nicaraguan people, the right of women was incorporated, and has also been enshrined in the laws, that when aggression and crimes are committed against working women, Self-sacrificing Women, then the maximum penalty goes to those who commit this type of crimes.”

Ortega pointed out that the ceremony was taking place at the Comandante Hugo Rafael Chávez Frías Roundabout and highlighted the role that the late Venezuelan revolutionary leader had played in the resumption of diplomatic relations between Nicaragua and China:

“A few days ago, on March 5th, we commemorated the 12th Anniversary of his Departure on the Journey to Immortality, but he is present here with us and we remember him well for how he connected with the Nicaraguan people.

“And I remember, dear Ambassador, that on the occasions when I would talk with Comandante Hugo Chávez, he would say to me: Well, and when…? The brothers of the People’s Republic of China are waiting for us. And he loved the People’s Republic of China, like the love we have too have for China.

“But, unfortunately, when the neoliberal governments arrived, they broke our relations with the People’s Republic of China, and three neoliberal Governments passed. And we had to return to the government and achieve a majority in Congress, in the National Assembly, to finally make Comandante Chávez’s dream come true.

“And we can tell you: Here we are, united as brothers and sisters, with the People’s Republic of China, with the Chinese people, with the Chinese Communist Party, and we are proud of that unity, which is a unity in which, we well know, the heroic people of China made an extraordinary revolution led by Mao Zedong, one to which President Xi Jinping has come giving it continuity and new brilliance.

“That is, the revolution in China has not stopped, the revolution in China continues, and now offers itself to the world as a revolution bringing peace, bringing wellbeing, bringing solidarity to the peoples. It does not carry sanctions, nor does it carry threats, nor does it carry wars. It is a revolution of peace, the revolution led by the Chinese Communist Party.”

The final speaker was Co-President Rosario Murillo, who said:

“While Comandante Daniel was talking about that plague, the plague of machismo, which is still something in our culture that we have to combat and overcome, I was remembering how we always thought and said that without revolution it is difficult to achieve women’s rights. And 45 years after the triumph of the revolution, 45 years later, what do we see? That it has been possible to achieve justice for us women, from us as women, because we have a revolution, a revolution in which we all participate with our strength, with our work, with our pride, with our sense of national dignity…

“For years immemorial, the years of the guerrilla Sandinista struggles, women have been there… But now women are in power! At that time, women were combatants, guerrillas, fighters, warriors, and we have always been warriors, fighters and combatants, but now we also constitute power, institutional power.”

Address by Compañero Santi Zhou
Representative for Central America from the Yutong Company

Dear Co-President-Comandante Daniel Ortega; dear Co-President, Comrade Rosario Murillo; dear Ambassador Chen Xi, of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China.

Dear Gentlemen, Compañero Laureano Ortega; Vice Minister Mauricio Aguilar; Compañero Fidel Moreno; Compañeras Fátima and Idalia and your compañeras and compañeros.

Compañeras and compañeros, cordial greetings. A very good afternoon to everyone, and a happy Women’s Day to all the Compañeras present today.

It is a pleasure and an honor for me to be present here. On behalf of Yutong, I want to express to you our pleasure at being able to continue as part of the growth and development of public transport in Nicaragua by supporting its People.

We have been part of this vision of the Government since 2023 and we are grateful to have been chosen for this important development. Yutong is a partner in this challenge and proof of this is our interest and commitment to accompany you throughout the process.

Since the start of our collaboration, we have introduced several batches of buses, with a total of 2,000 units in Nicaragua. Yutong accompanies Nicaraguans in their development.

We thank Compañero Comandante Daniel Ortega and Compañera Rosario Murillo for the opportunity to contribute to the modernization of Nicaraguan public transport, which is now not only present in Managua, Ciudad Sandino and Tipitapa, but will also expanding to other territories, such as Chinandega, Carazo, Masaya, León, Matagalpa, Estelí, Jinotega, Boaco (…)

In addition, it gives us pride to strengthen the bonds of friendship between our Peoples, expanding new horizons for the growth of transport and the important tourism industry, promoting access to the beautiful landscapes of Bluefields and Bilwi.

We are working and moving forward together to offer new Yutong products in the future. Our Team is committed, living and working here, to provide the greatest possible support to the Nicaraguan People, and guarantee accompaniment throughout the life cycle of our products.

Finally, I sincerely hope that the quality of life of the Nicaraguan people continues to improve every day.

Thank you very much, everyone.

Continue reading Daniel Ortega: The continuing Chinese Revolution brings peace, wellbeing and solidarity

Why should we study China?

We are pleased to publish below the speech given by Dr. Jenny Clegg to our meeting to launch People’s China at 75: The Flag Stays Red, held on Thursday March 20, at the Marx Memorial Library in central London.

Jenny makes a number of important points in her speech, noting how the process of socialist revolution and transformation in China had its antecedents in the country’s experience of World War 2. With this year being the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese people’s war of resistance against Japanese aggression and the global anti-fascist war, she argues strongly for seeing the conflict as a people’s war and as one with important lessons for today’s international situation, itself displaying ever greater dangers of another global conflagration. Jenny further argues that the left needs to take a realistic view of China and to build that into our own political perspectives and practice.

Jenny is an independent writer and researcher, specialising in China’s development and international role; and a former Senior Lecturer in Asia Pacific Studies at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN). She is the author of China’s Global Strategy: towards a multipolar world (Pluto Press, 2009) and Storming the Heavens – Peasants and Revolution in China, 1925-1949 – from a Marxist perspective (Manifesto Press, forthcoming).

People’s China at 75 is available from the publishers in paperback and digital formats. Note that, for the month of March 2025, to celebrate the launch meeting, Praxis Press are running a 25 percent discount on their full catalogue – the discount code is 25FOR25.

This book looks at China’s experience of, and contributions, to socialism. But how did socialism in China come about?  My chapter covers those first few years from 1949 to 1956 when the nationalist, peasant and worker movements converged to establish the system of public ownership in industry and agriculture.

But there is more to be said to explain where socialism in China came from – the extreme privation, the near national extinction through war and the need to resist, a history I want to suggest which is very relevant to the question today: why study China?

Today the world is in turmoil – Trump kicking off; the spectacular failure of Biden’s leadership with 70 years of the international political liberal order down the drain.  When Biden and Starmer supplied Zelensky with long-range missiles to strike deep inside Russia, we came perilously close to World War 3.

How on earth did things come to this?  From history we may gain perspective.  As we stand at the brink of WW3 let’s recall WW2 and how it sparked China’s trajectory to socialism through mass mobilisation.

China was the country most changed by WW2: 35 million causalities, the majority civilians; some 100 million, nearly one fifth of the population, uprooted from their homes, wandering aimlessly. Out of the terrible suffering came the revolutionary will to fight for a new, an independent China. 

Continue reading Why should we study China?

China’s flag stays red

The meeting room of London’s Marx Memorial Library was packed on the evening of Thursday March 20, with others joining online, for the launch of People’s China at 75 – The Flag Stays Red, edited by Keith Bennett and Carlos Martinez, the editors of this website.

The meeting was chaired by Carlos Martinez, with speakers, Keith Bennett, Professor Radhika Desai and Dr. Jenny Clegg. They were followed by a lively round of discussion and questions and answers. Andrew Murray was also due to speak but unfortunately was not able to make it.

We publish below the text of Keith’s opening speech. The meeting can be viewed on YouTube (and the video is also embedded below).

The book is available from the publishers in paperback and digital formats. Note that, for the month of March 2025, to celebrate the launch meeting, Praxis Press are running a 25 percent discount on their full catalogue – the discount code is 25FOR25.

Thank you for coming this evening and thank you also to those who have joined us online and those who will watch online in the days to come.

We’re fortunate to have a number of the authors who contributed chapters to this book with us this evening and doubtless they’ll introduce their work and the themes they sought to address.

As co-editor, along with Carlos, I want to say a bit about why and how we came to produce it.

There are two well-known sayings in English that I’d like to mention here.

The first is: Never judge a book by its cover.

And the second is: There’s an exception to every rule.

So, please take a look at the beautiful cover of our book.

I’m sure many of you have already seen it. I submit that it represents one of the exceptions to the rule. In words, as well as graphically, it sets out what we want to say and where we stand.

As Friends of Socialist China, we conceived of this book as part of our celebration of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, which fell on October 1st last year. And thanks to the stupendous efforts of our publisher, comrade and friend, Kenny Coyle, who also contributed a highly thoughtful and enlightening chapter on the antecedents of socialism with Chinese characteristics in Lenin’s explorations on the ways of building socialism, we got it out in time for our celebration and conference, held in London’s historic  Bolivar Hall on the last Saturday of September.

With a day-long conference attended by well over 100 people, a book, and a special supplement in the Morning Star, it was a landmark in the development of our work.

Some comrades have kindly said that we must have worked very hard to produce the book. I’ll let others be the judge of that. But I’ll just say that we did so in about three months – if I recall correctly – from start to finish; from conceiving the idea to the published product.

We could do so thanks to the amazing cooperation we had from all our authors and, as I’ve just mentioned, the sterling efforts of our publisher.

Continue reading China’s flag stays red

Resist the escalating New Cold War on China

The following text is based on a speech given by Friends of Socialist China co-editor Carlos Martinez at the Stop the War Cymru AGM, held on Saturday 8 March 2025. Carlos participated in the panel Imperialism’s Drive to War: Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, China, Cuba, alongside Andrew Murray (Deputy President of Stop the War Coalition), Bethan Sayed (former Member of the Senedd [Welsh parliament] for Plaid Cymru) and Ismara Mercedes Vargas Walter (Cuban Ambassador to the UK). The session was chaired by David McKnight (co-chair of Stop the War Cymru).

The speech takes up the questions of the Trump administration’s strategic orientation towards confrontation with China; whether the global working class should take sides in a conflict between the US and China; and what the tasks of the British anti-war movement are in relation to the US-led New Cold War on China.

Likelihood of a further escalation of the New Cold War

What can we expect in terms of the US-China relationship in the coming months and years?

First, we need to consider the Trump administration’s moves towards extricating itself from the quagmire in Ukraine. Presumably most people understand that Trump and his cabinet are not motivated by any abstract love of peace; they’re not attempting to recreate the spirit of Woodstock and “make love not war”. Rather, they are carrying out a strategic reorientation to fight a New Cold War on one main front instead of two. This means reducing conflict with Russia in order to focus their efforts and resources on the project of containing and encircling China.

A number of commentators have pointed to the parallels with Henry Kissinger’s “triangular diplomacy” of the early 1970s, in which the US sought to befriend China in order to concentrate on attacking their number one strategic enemy at the time: the Soviet Union.

Half a century later, the People’s Republic of China is considered the greatest threat to the long-term interests of US imperialism. China is the world’s largest economy in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms. It’s the major trading partner of over two-thirds of the world’s countries. It’s catching up with – and indeed surpassing – the US in a number of crucial areas of technology and science. Furthermore, China is at the core of the trajectory towards a multipolar world.

In a recent article, Ben Norton cites various statements from Trump and his team indicating that a strategic reorientation towards aggression against China is precisely what they are planning. For example, in an interview with Tucker Carlson last year, Trump stated that “you never want Russia and China uniting… I’m going to have to un-unite them, and I think I can do that, too. I have to un-unite them.” Similarly, Marco Rubio, the secretary of state, said in his Senate hearing last year: “The Chinese see great benefit in Ukraine because they view it as: the more time and money we spend there, the less time, and money, and focus we have on them.”

Trump’s cabinet is packed with China hawks. Marco Rubio is an anti-China fanatic who stands for increased tariffs, more sanctions, more slander, more support for Taiwanese separatism, more provocations in the South China Sea, and more destabilisation in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. Mike Waltz (national security advisor) has long pushed for closer military cooperation with India, Japan, Australia and other countries in the region in preparation for war against China. Pete Hegseth, defence secretary, says that the US is “prepared to go to war with China”.

Continue reading Resist the escalating New Cold War on China

Wang Yi: China is a progressive force for international fairness and justice

As part of the events around this year’s meeting of the National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s highest legislative body, Foreign Minister Wang Yi met the Chinese and international media on March 7 and answered their questions on key topics related to China’s foreign policy and external relations for 90 minutes.

Among the highlights of the press conference were:

Responding to China Central Television:

The three monumental events that China hosted last year, i.e., the conference marking the 70th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), and the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, set a new benchmark of the Global South joining hands for common progress… President Xi Jinping, as the leader of a major country and a big political party, has shown a global vision and shouldered the responsibility of our times, and led China’s diplomacy in upholding fundamental principles, breaking new ground, and making steady progress… the success of the Chinese path to modernisation and the inspiration it offers are increasingly recognised and emulated by more and more countries.

Last month, President Xi attended the opening ceremony of the Asian Winter Games, marking the beginning of the diplomatic events that China will host this year. We will solemnly 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 hold a series of major events including the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.

Responding to ITAR-TASS:

Based on deep reflections on historical experience, China and Russia have decided to forge everlasting good-neighbourliness and friendship, conduct comprehensive strategic coordination, and pursue mutual benefit, cooperation and win-win, because this best serves the fundamental interests of the two peoples and conforms to the trend of our times… A mature, resilient and stable China-Russia relationship will not be swayed by any turn of events, let alone be subject to interference by any third party. It is a constant in a turbulent world rather than a variable in geopolitical games. 

This year will be the 80th anniversary of the victory in WWII. Back then, China and Russia fought valiantly in the main theatres of Asia and Europe respectively. The two nations made immense sacrifice for and major, historic contributions to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. The two sides will take the opportunity of joint commemoration of this important historical milestone to advocate the correct historical view of WWII, defend its victorious outcomes, uphold the UN-centred international system, and promote a more just and equitable international order.

Responding to the Xinhua News Agency:

We will be a just and righteous force for world peace and stability. We will continue to expand our global partnerships featuring equality, openness and cooperation, actively use the Chinese approach in resolving hot-spot issues, and write a new chapter of the Global South seeking strength through unity… We will be a progressive force for international fairness and justice. We will uphold true multilateralism, and bear in mind the future of humanity and the well-being of the people.

Responding to CNN:

There are more than 190 countries in the world. Should everyone stress “my country first” and obsess over a position of strength, the law of the jungle would reign the world again. Smaller and weaker countries would bear the brunt first, and international norms and order would take a body blow… New China stands firm on the side of international justice and resolutely opposes power politics and hegemony. History should move forward, not backward. A big country should honour its international obligations and fulfill its due responsibilities. It should not put selfish interests before principles, still less wield its power to bully the weak. A saying in the West goes, “There are no eternal friends, only permanent interests.” But we in China believe that friends should be permanent, and we should pursue common interests…

President Xi Jinping has proposed building a community with a shared future for humanity and called on all countries to transcend disagreements and differences, jointly protect our only planet, and develop together the global village as our common home. This great vision reflects not only the fine tradition of Chinese civilisation that the world belongs to all, but also the internationalist commitment of Chinese Communists. It enables us to see the well-being of the entire humanity, just like having a bird’s-eye view of all the mountains that would look small when we stand on a peak, as described in an ancient Chinese poem.

Responding to Radio Republik Indonesia:

Continue reading Wang Yi: China is a progressive force for international fairness and justice

Communicating the principles of Marxism-Leninism to the young generation

What follows is the text of a speech given by Fiona Sim (co-founder of the Black Liberation Alliance and member of the Friends of Socialist China Britain Committee) at our recent bilateral webinar with Renmin University of China, held on 26 February 2026.

Fiona describes the economic, political and ideological conditions faced by young people in the West in the present era: a brutal neoliberalism, characterised by rising poverty, inequality and alienation; witnessing devastating wars and seemingly inevitable climate collapse; and being fed relentless propaganda fomenting “a culture of nihilism and pessimism”.

In academia, ruling class ideology prevails and seeks to either ignore Marxism or to paint it as some sort of failed experiment. Certainly young people are “protected” from the fact that “there is another world possible and it is being built now – by China, Cuba, Vietnam, DPRK, Laos, and many more entering their own revolutionary processes” that people can take inspiration from. And yet objective reality is increasingly radicalising young people; increasingly they understand that they “can organise, unite, and work together to resolve the contradictions and build a socialist alternative”.

The young generation are rejecting the right-wing and neoliberal ideologies that shamelessly capitulate to the reactionary rhetoric of the far-right. In Venezuela, we have seen how young people formed the biggest demographic that voted for Maduro. In Britain, young people started encampments in support of Palestine and continue to turn out in their tens, if not hundreds of thousands to protest the fascists on the streets as well as the government’s war mongering policies in lieu of the “cost of living crisis” and plummeting employment rates. In China, we see how Socialism with Chinese Characteristics has shown the proof is in the proverbial pudding and the young people are drawn to the hope it brings, with 74 million young people as proud members of the Communist Youth League.

Fiona concludes:

Right now the contradictions of imperialism are at their sharpest. Presidents like Donald Trump expose the barefaced brutality of US hegemony and the capitalist system is leaving millions in destitution and despondence. The conditions could not be more ripe for revolution. To get there, the young people must be prepared. The young generation must be encouraged to study the revolutionary histories and ongoing resistance movements of the world because in a world so rife with despair, Marxism-Leninism remains humanity’s hope for the future. 

For young people, there is a lot of reason to be nihilistic about the future and the current state of the world. We have inherited a world that is heating up. With the global average temperature rise predicted to climb permanently above 1.5°C, a mass extinction event of thousands of species grows more likely by the day. In recent decades, millions have died in the wars and genocides in Palestine, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Ukraine, and so on. Millions more around the world have died from the sanctions regime of the United States government whether by Democrat or Republican. Many young people have been permanently displaced from their homelands as a result. 

The young people are the next generation, but will this next generation be the last of humanity? What will be left for the generations to come?

In the West, these are the logical questions for a generation that has been conditioned to believe that the everyday person has no influence on the systems of a society or the governance of the world. The neoliberal philosophy has poisoned the human psyche, presenting Capital as a god and capitalists as its angels. The proletariat make offerings of commodities to the bourgeois gods while driven to fight among themselves for the scraps that fall off the table. Here the idea of “meritocracy” takes root. 

In such a system, working class young people become cogs in the capitalist machine–taught to worship brands and TikTok trends while being forced into minimum-wage jobs that keep them trapped in poverty, living at the behest of slum-like landlords and lining the pockets of CEOs of privatised infrastructure (whether that be water, rail, or energy). This form of alienation is a means of crushing revolutionary spirit: separating the individual from the collective, from the community, from the vanguard. At its core, as Mao says in Combat Liberalism, liberalism is “a corrosive which eats away unity, undermines cohesion, causes apathy and creates dissension.” This is demonstrated in its highest form under neoliberalism. 

Continue reading Communicating the principles of Marxism-Leninism to the young generation

Promoting and developing Marxism in the 21st century

On Wednesday 26 February, Friends of Socialist China and Renmin University of China’s School of Marxism held a bilateral online seminar on the theme of Promoting and developing Marxism in the 21st century. The event was attended by around 50 people, and featured contributions on topics such as: key developments in Marxist theory in recent decades; communicating the principles of Marxism-Leninism to the young generation; Marxist education in China; Marxist perspectives on the digital economy; and the role of Chinese Marxists in consolidating and translating the complete works of Marx and Engels.

Carlos Martinez, Fiona Sim and Roger McKenzie made contributions on behalf of Friends of Socialist China, while professors Zhao Yulan, Wang Li and Ma Shenxiao spoke on behalf of Renmin University. The presentations were followed by a lively Q&A session, and the event concluded with a discussion of future collaboration between the two organisations.

The following is the text of Carlos Martinez’s contribution to the seminar, taking up the overall theme of promoting and developing Marxism in the 21st century.

The task of promoting and developing Marxism in the 21st century is an urgent one.

From the point of view of addressing the existential threats that humanity faces – most notably climate breakdown, nuclear conflict and pandemics – and meeting the needs of the people of the world for peace and development, the diffusion, application and development of Marxism is of critical importance.

It was 110 years ago that the heroic Polish-German revolutionary and theoretician Rosa Luxemburg popularised the idea that humanity faced a stark choice: between socialism and barbarism. And in fact she was citing Engels from a generation before. So this notion of socialism or barbarism is not new, but today it resonates louder than ever.

The capitalist system is increasingly becoming a hindrance to human progress, and a threat to human survival. The capitalist countries no longer constitute the major driving force in the development of the productive forces, and the capitalist system is beset by intractable problems and insuperable contradictions: economic crisis, rising poverty, declining life expectancy, declining rate of profit, widening inequality, expanding unemployment, breakdown of social cohesion, war, racism, sexism, and environmental destruction.

And yet there is nothing inevitable about capitalism’s collapse being followed by the construction of global socialism. As the Danish Marxist Torkil Lauesen points out in his The Long Transition Towards Socialism and the End of Capitalism, recently released on Iskra Books: “Capitalism could collapse in a brutal, chaotic endgame of wars and natural disasters. To avoid this is our task; and to accomplish that task, we must fulfil the transition to socialism. To do this, we need to learn from the past and mobilise, organise, and develop a strategy for future struggles.”

In my view, this concisely encapsulates the tasks facing those seeking to develop Marxism in the 21st century.

It’s important to remember that the global socialist movement, in spite of setbacks, has scored remarkable successes, from 1917 onwards, and these should be studied and understood. The global working class must take ownership of its own history.

Reviewing the progress made by the Soviet Union since its formation in 1922, Yuri Andropov, then the General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, said in 1982 that “history perhaps has never known such a spectacular advance from a condition of backwardness, misery and ruin to the grandeur of a modern great power with highly advanced culture and steadily growing welfare of the people.”

This was not simple hyperbole or hubris. Soviet socialism wiped out feudalism; defeated European fascism; built the world’s first comprehensive welfare state; made unprecedented advances in terms of building equality for women and supporting national rights; provided a bedrock of support for anti-colonial liberation movements; and modernised the country. And unlike in the advanced capitalist countries, this modernisation was achieved without recourse to colonialism, imperialism and war.

Continue reading Promoting and developing Marxism in the 21st century

Xi Jinping speech at the Forum on Literature and Art

Qiushi, the theoretical journal of the Communist Party of China (CPC) recently published the full text of the Speech at the Forum on Literature on Art, delivered by General Secretary Xi Jinping on October 15, 2014, but now officially published in full. 

The main body of Comrade Xi’s speech is divided into five parts, and these are some of the key points he makes in each section:

  1. A thriving Chinese culture is essential for the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation
  • Every leap forward for human society and civilisation has been accompanied by historic cultural progress… Throughout history, China’s position and influence in the world has never relied on military might or outward expansion, but rather on the compelling power and appeal of its culture.
  • Literature and art serve as a clarion call for progress in every age… During the European Renaissance, giants like Dante, Petrarch, Giovanni Boccaccio, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, Michel de Montaigne, Miguel de Cervantes, and William Shakespeare ushered in the dawn of a new era and awakened people’s minds. Remarking on the Renaissance, Engels noted that it was “a time which called for giants and produced giants – giants in power of thought, passion, and character, in universality and learning.”
  • The famous Chinese writer Lu Xun once said that to transform the intellectual world of our compatriots, we must first work on literature and art. Our endeavours to provide intellectual guidance, forge inner strength, and build a common cultural identity are all inseparable from literature and art. At a time when towering skyscrapers are rising across the land, we must also make sure that the intellectual and cultural towers of our nation stand tall and majestic.

2. We should produce excellent works worthy of the times

  • Excellent works are not confined to one style, form, or standard. They can be highly refined compositions or popular entertainments, monumental masterpieces or universally accessible creations. What makes a work great is its capacity to warm and inspire audiences, to spread and endure through time, and to win people’s affection with its positive energy and appeal.
  • When I visited Russia last March, I met with several Russian sinologists and mentioned that I had read many works by Russian authors, including Chernyshevsky’s What Is to Be Done?, which had such a profound impact on me when I read it in my youth. During a visit to France this March, I discussed the influence of French literature on my life, explaining that I developed a strong interest in French literature and art in my youth, because many of our Party’s early leaders had studied in France. While in Germany, I shared my experience of reading Faust. At the time, I was working in rural Shaanxi Province. When I learned that a fellow student had a copy of the book, I walked 15 kilometres to borrow it from him. Later, he walked the same distance to retrieve it. Why do I share these stories with foreigners? I do it because literature and art are a universal language. When we talk about literature and art, we are really talking about society and life. This makes it one of the easiest ways to create understanding and connection with others.
  • Problems such as plagiarism and imitation are leading to a sameness in many works, while assembly-line production and fast-food-style consumption are also problems. In some works, we see a mockery of the sublime, a distortion of classical narratives, and a subversion of history, as well as the denigration of ordinary people and heroic figures. Some works fail to distinguish between right and wrong or good and evil; they glorify the ugly as beautiful and exaggerate the dark side of society. Others indulge in sensationalism, catering to low tastes and treating creation as a “money tree” for personal gain or a “party drug” for sensory gratification. Some works are poorly written, hastily produced, and contrived, contributing to the creation of “cultural garbage.” Some creators overemphasise luxury, excessive packaging, and ostentation, allowing form to overshadow content. Moreover, some are fixated on the notion of “art for art’s sake,” focusing solely on personal experiences – tempests in teacups that are of no relevance to the general public or real life. All this serves as a warning: literature and art must not lose their direction in the tide of the market economy, nor deviate from the question of whom they are supposed to serve. Otherwise, literature and art will be devoid of vitality.
  • I have spoken with several artists about the most pronounced issues in literature and art today. Coincidentally, they have all mentioned the same word to me: impatience. Some people believe that it is not worth their time to continue refining a work until it reaches its potential because they cannot quickly convert their efforts into practical value – or, in other words, they cannot swiftly cash in. Not only is this attitude misguided, it also allows low-quality works to thrive and leads to a situation where the bad drives out the good. The history of artistic development shows that the pursuit of quick success, excessive resource exploitation, and shoddy production harm not only art but the cultural life of society. Vulgarity is not the same as accessibility; desire does not equate to hope, and mere sensory entertainment does not equal spiritual joy. For literature and art to gain the people’s recognition, superficiality, opportunism, self-promotion, and empty grandstanding will not cut it. Mutual flattery and self-congratulation are also not going to work.
  • We should adhere to the principle of “letting a hundred flowers bloom and a hundred schools of thought contend,” in order to promote academic and artistic democracy, create a positive, healthy, and harmonious atmosphere, encourage open discussions among different viewpoints and schools of thought, and advocate the development of various genres, themes, forms, and techniques. This will help promote mutual learning and exchange of ideas, content, style, and schools of thought.
  • The internet and new media have transformed artistic forms, giving rise to many new genres and profoundly changing how art is conceived and practiced. The shifts toward digitised text, more visually-oriented books, and online reading have spurred a major transformation in the arts and broader social culture. To adapt to these developments, we should focus on the creation of online art and provide stronger positive guidance in this evolving landscape.
  • The recent years have seen a surge of new artistic organisations, such as private studios, private cultural agencies, and online artistic communities. New artistic groups, including online writers, contracted writers, freelance writers, independent producers, independent actors and singers, and freelance artists, have all become very active. There is a strong likelihood that future artistic masters will come from among these groups, given that throughout history and across cultures, many renowned artists have emerged from society and from among the people. We should broaden our outreach efforts, expand our connections, and look at these groups with a fresh perspective. With new policies and methods, we can unite and engage such artists and guide them to become a vital force in the flourishing of socialist art.
  1. We should encourage people-centred cultural creation
Continue reading Xi Jinping speech at the Forum on Literature and Art

China: ‘Palestinians governing Palestine’ is an important principle that must be upheld

Following his visit to New York, where he chaired the high-level United Nations Security Council meeting on ‘Practicing Multilateralism, Reforming and Improving Global Governance’, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi flew to South Africa to attend the Johannesburg meeting of G20 foreign ministers, the first such gathering to be held on African soil.

In a deeply racist and hegemonic move, the meeting was boycotted by the United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio, with the US citing South Africa’s tentative moves in land reform aimed to redress the iniquities of the erstwhile racist apartheid system and the legacy of colonial rule as well as the host country highlighting the issues of diversity, equality and tackling climate change, all of which are in the crosshairs of the Trump administration. Trump is also determined to punish South Africa for its courageous and principled leading role in unmasking and opposing Israeli genocide against the Palestinian people. It should further be noted that plutocratic capitalists with intimate ties to Trump, such as Elon Musk and Peter Thiel, have deep ties to the old racist system in South Africa. The US retreat into unilateralism, and attempts at bullying, only served to highlight the unique role of China as the major power putting forward constructive strategies and proposals in the common interest of the vast majority of humanity.

In his speech delivered on February 20, the first day of the conference, Wang Yi said that China would work with all other parties in the following areas:

  • Acting as the guardians of world peace. Countries should respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and respect the development paths and social systems independently chosen by each other. Countries should persevere with dialogue and negotiation and seek peaceful settlements to differences and political solutions to international and regional hotspot issues. The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, initiated by China and some other Global South countries 70 years ago, remain as relevant as ever under current circumstances.
  • Acting as the builders of universal security. Humanity is a community with a shared future. It is also an indivisible community of shared security. A country must not pursue its own security at the expense of the security of other countries, and the legitimate security concerns of all countries should be taken seriously.
  • Acting as the defenders of multilateralism. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. It is also the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War.  

Noting that previous speakers had all spoken about the Ukraine crisis, Wang Yi said: “Although the parties have different positions and it is hard to find simple solutions to complex issues, dialogue is always better than confrontation and peace talks better than fighting… Acting on the wishes of the relevant parties and keeping in mind the concerns of the international community, especially those of the Global South, China will continue playing a constructive role in the political settlement of the crisis.”

And turning to the question of Palestine, he remarked: “The conflict in Gaza has caused an unprecedented humanitarian disaster. The flames of war must not be reignited, and the ceasefire agreement must be implemented in a continuous and effective manner. Gaza and the West Bank are the homeland of the Palestinian people. ‘The Palestinians governing Palestine’ is an important principle that must be upheld in the post-conflict governance of Gaza… The historical injustice on the Palestinian question has remained unaddressed for over seven decades. The issue should not be marginalised once again.”

Wang Yi noted that: “This year represents an ‘African moment’ at the G20. After welcoming the African Union as a full member, the G20 is going to have a summit on the African continent for the first time. We must listen to what Africa has to say, take Africa’s concerns seriously, support Africa’s actions, and work for peace and development in Africa, so as to leave a distinct African mark on the Johannesburg Summit. China firmly supports the African people in independently resolving African problems and opposes external interference in the internal affairs of African countries.”

And in concluding he invoked the words of Nelson Mandela: “It is so easy to break down and destroy. The heroes are those who make peace and build.”

Wang Yi made a further speech the next day, saying, “China is ready to join all sides in embracing the theme of ‘Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability’ proposed by South Africa, ushering in a new chapter of G20 cooperation, and working together for a just world of common development” in the following ways:

  • Through Solidarity we will cement the foundation of G20 cooperation. President Ramaphosa noted that, cooperation has been one of the key markers of human development, which is what the G20 was established for. We should seek common ground, set aside and overcome differences whenever possible, avoid division and discord, and reject bloc confrontation. Major countries should play a leading role in advancing reform of the global economic governance system and improving the representation and voice of the Global South.
  • Through Equality we will empower the G20 on the way forward. In today’s world, technological revolution is progressing apace, presenting us with both opportunities and risks. China supports South Africa’s establishment of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) task force and supports the Global AI Summit on Africa. China also welcomes you all to attend the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference. Together with Brazil, South Africa and the African Union, we have jointly launched an Initiative on International Cooperation in Open Science, and we look forward to more countries and international organisations coming aboard.
  • Through Sustainability we will open up new prospects for the G20. China will take an active part in the two newly established task forces on “Inclusive Economic Growth” and “Food Security” set up by South Africa, and support cooperation in priority areas such as disaster relief, debt sustainability, fair energy transition and key minerals.

He further noted that: “Africa is experiencing a new awakening. The G20 should make the most of South Africa’s Presidency, mobilise more development resources, promote synergy in global development actions, and partner with Africa in industrialisation, infrastructure, green minerals and other areas, to accelerate the continent’s advance toward modernisation.”

The following articles were originally published on the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry. Additionally, the welcoming speech to the conference by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa may be read here.

Continue reading China: ‘Palestinians governing Palestine’ is an important principle that must be upheld

Wang Yi: The Global South should remain at the forefront of improving the global governance system

Following his visit to Ireland, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi proceeded to New York, where, on February 18, on the initiative of China, which holds the rotating Chair of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for February, the UNSC held a high-level meeting on the theme, ‘Practicing Multilateralism, Reforming and Improving Global Governance’. The meeting was chaired by Wang Yi and representatives from over 100 countries participated.

In his address to the meeting Wang Yi noted:

The year 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. Eighty years ago, our forefathers, with strenuous struggle and tremendous sacrifice, won the great victory of the Anti-Fascist war; the international community drew painful lessons from the scourge of two world wars; and the United Nations was founded. Multilateralism gradually became the main trend of the times…

The past 80 years is a period of accelerated advancement in world multipolarity and economic globalisation, a period that has witnessed people across the world forging ahead and meeting challenges together, and also a period during which the Global South has been rising and growing in strength. Meanwhile, although human society has emerged from the shadows of the Cold War and moved beyond the bipolar standoff, comprehensive peace and shared prosperity remain elusive. In the third decade of the 21st century, peace and development remains a long-term, arduous task… In the face of the profoundly changing international landscape, the Global South should not only achieve the historic feat of moving toward modernisation together but also remain at the forefront of improving the global governance system.

To this end, he made four proposals:

  • Upholding sovereign equality. All countries are equal, regardless of size or strength. This is the foremost principle in the UN Charter. In advancing global governance, all countries have the right to participate as equals, make decisions as equals, and benefit as equals. We must respect the development paths chosen independently by people of all countries, uphold the principle of non-interference in internal affairs, and not impose one’s will upon others.
  • Upholding fairness and justice. Since the end of World War II, a large number of countries in the Global South have emerged on the world stage, which has revealed growing incompatibility and irrationality in the global governance structure. Under the new circumstances, international affairs should no longer be monopolised by a small number of countries. Countries in the Global South have the right to speak up for and defend their legitimate rights and interests. The fruits of development should no longer be taken by just a few countries. People of all countries have the right to a happy life.
  • Upholding solidarity and coordination. The Security Council must rise above narrow-minded geopolitical considerations, champion the spirit of solidarity and cooperation, fulfil its duties conferred by the UN Charter, and effectually play its role for the maintenance of international peace and security.
  • Upholding an action-oriented approach.  In the face of protracted wars, loss of innocent lives, and challenges brought by new technologies, UN agencies should seek solutions rather than chant slogans. Gaza and the West Bank are the homeland of the Palestinian people, not a bargaining chip in political trade-offs. The Palestinians governing Palestine is an important principle that must be followed in the post-conflict governance of Gaza.

Following the meeting, Wang Yi answered questions from the media. On the issue of Gaza, he said that it is important to recognise that the world is facing more than just the Ukraine crisis. Other hotspots, including the Gaza conflict, also require the international community’s attention and should not be marginalised.

Behind the Gaza conflict lies the unresolved Palestinian question. More than 70 years have passed since the UN adopted the resolution to establish two States, Palestine and Israel, but the two-state solution has only been partially implemented. The State of Israel was established long ago, but the Palestinian people still do not have their own country. Many are displaced, becoming refugees. The Palestinian question remains at the core of the Middle East issue. Palestinian factions should truly implement the Beijing Declaration and achieve unity and self-strength. All parties in the Middle East should transcend their differences and support Palestine’s statehood. The United Nations should take action to admit Palestine as a full member.

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

Remarks by H.E. Wang Yi at the United Nations Security Council High-Level Meeting “Practicing Multilateralism, Reforming and Improving Global Governance”

Feb. 19 (MFA) — Your Excellency Secretary General António Guterres,
Colleagues,

I would like to thank Secretary General Guterres for attending this meeting and for his briefing.

The year 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. Eighty years ago, our forefathers, with strenuous struggle and tremendous sacrifice, won the great victory of the Anti-Fascist war; the international community drew painful lessons from the scourge of two world wars; and the United Nations was founded. Multilateralism gradually became the main trend of the times. New historical chapters were opened in global governance.

The past 80 years is a period of accelerated advancement in world multipolarity and economic globalization, a period that has witnessed people across the world forging ahead and meeting challenges together, and also a period during which the Global South has been rising and growing in strength. Meanwhile, although human society has emerged from the shadows of the Cold War and moved beyond the bipolar standoff, comprehensive peace and shared prosperity remain elusive. In the third decade of the 21st century, peace and development remains a long-term, arduous task.

The 80 years of history is enlightenment enough: In the face of the turbulent and changing international landscape, the U.N.-centered international system provides important safeguards for the cause of human progress, and the vision of multilateralism with coordination and cooperation as its cornerstone is the best solution to global issues. In the face of the historical trend of shared future, no country can prosper alone; mutually beneficial cooperation is the right choice. In the face of the profoundly changing international landscape, the Global South should not only achieve the historic feat of moving toward modernization together, but also remain at the forefront of improving the global governance system.

Mr. Secretary General,
Colleagues,

To chart our course for the future, we should not forget why we started out in the beginning. Today, transformation not seen in a century is accelerating across the world, geopolitical conflicts keep escalating, multiple crises are emerging, and instability and uncertainty are increasingly prominent. In a time of intensifying turbulence and transformation, we need, more than ever, to remind ourselves of the founding mission of the U.N., reinvigorate true multilateralism, and speed up the efforts to build a more just and equitable global governance system. In this connection, China proposes the following:

First, upholding sovereign equality. All countries are equal, regardless of size or strength. This is the foremost principle in the U.N. Charter. In advancing global governance, all countries have the right to participate as equals, make decisions as equals, and benefit as equals. We must respect the development paths chosen independently by people of all countries, uphold the principle of non-interference in internal affairs, and not impose one’s will upon others. We must practice international rule of law, ensure the effective implementation of international law, and reject double standards and selective application. Resolutions of the Security Council are binding, and should be observed by all countries. The Security Council is entrusted with authority, and such authority should be upheld by all countries. Any act of bullying, trickery or extortion is a flagrant violation of the basic norms of international relations. Any unilateral sanction that circumvents Security Council authorization lacks legal basis, defies justification and contradicts common sense.

Second, upholding fairness and justice. A critical part of global governance is to ensure that justice prevails. Since the end of World War II, a large number of countries in the Global South have emerged on the world stage, which has revealed growing incompatibility and irrationality in the global governance structure. Under the new circumstances, international affairs should no longer be monopolized by a small number of countries. Countries in the Global South have the right to speak up for and defend their legitimate rights and interests. The fruits of development should no longer be taken by just a few countries. People of all countries have the right to a happy life. The reform of the Security Council should continue to emphasize democratic consultation, increase the representation and say of developing countries, especially African countries, and effectively redress historical injustice.

Third, upholding solidarity and coordination. Promoting international cooperation is an important purpose of the U.N. Charter, and a sure path toward improving global governance. Countries should commit to the principle of extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit, replace confrontation with coordination, prevent lose-lose through win-win cooperation, and break down small circles with greater solidarity. Members cannot just sit by and watch multilateral institutions become dysfunctional and ineffective due to their own failure to cooperate. The Security Council must rise above narrow-minded geopolitical considerations, champion the spirit of solidarity and cooperation, fulfill its duties conferred by the U.N. Charter, and effectually play its role for the maintenance of international peace and security.

Continue reading Wang Yi: The Global South should remain at the forefront of improving the global governance system

China advocates equality among all countries regardless of size

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has outlined his country’s view of multipolarisation in his address, delivered on February 14, to the 61st Munich Security Conference.

In four succinct points, without mentioning any country by name, but clearly drawing firm and definite lines of demarcation with the bullying and hegemonic practices of the United States in particular, Wang sets out China’s building blocks for an equal and orderly multipolar world:

  • It is important to advocate equal treatment. Rivalry between big powers had brought disaster to humanity, as evidenced by the lessons of the two world wars in the not-so-distant past. Whether it is the colonial system or the core-periphery structure, unequal orders are bound to meet their demise. Independence and autonomy are sought across the world, and greater democracy in international relations is unstoppable. It is in this principle that China advocates equality among all countries regardless of size and calls for increasing the representation and say of developing countries in the international system.
  • It is important to respect international rule of law.  The world today is witnessing incessant chaos and confusion, and one important reason is that some countries believe might makes right and have opened a Pandora’s box marked the law of the jungle. In reality, all countries, regardless of size or strength, are stakeholders in international rule of law. Without norms and standards, one may be at the table yesterday but end up on the menu tomorrow. Major countries must take the lead in honouring their words and upholding rule of law, and must not say one thing but do another, or engage in zero-sum game.
  • It is important to practice multilateralism. In the face of emerging global challenges, no country can stay unaffected, and the “we first” approach in international relations only leads to a lose-lose result.
  • It is important to pursue openness and mutual benefit. The multipolar world should be one where all countries develop together. Protectionism offers no way out, and arbitrary tariffs produce no winners. Decoupling deprives one of opportunities, and a “small yard with high fences” only ends up constraining oneself.

We reprint the full text of the speech below. It was originally published on the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Keynote Speech by H.E. Wang Yi
At the 61st Munich Security Conference
Conversation with China

Munich, February 14, 2025

Your Excellency Chairman Christoph Heusgen,
Dear Friends,
Colleagues,

The world we live in is an increasing mix of turbulence and transformation. Many people are asking the same question: Where is it headed? If I may borrow the theme of this year’s Munich Security Report, it is headed toward multipolarization. When the United Nations was founded 80 years ago, it had only 51 member states; today, 193 countries ride in the same big boat. A multipolar world is not only a historical inevitability; it is also becoming a reality.

Will multipolarity bring chaos, conflict and confrontation? Does it mean domination by major countries and the strong bullying the weak? China’s answer is, we should work for an equal and orderly multipolar world. This is another major proposition put forward by President Xi Jinping, and it represents our sincere expectation for a multipolar world. China will surely be a factor of certainty in this multipolar system, and strive to be a steadfast constructive force in a changing world.

Here, I want to make four points. 

First, it is important to advocate equal treatment. Rivalry between big powers had brought disaster to humanity, as evidenced by the lessons of the two world wars in the not-so-distant past. Whether it is the colonial system or the core-periphery structure, unequal orders are bound to meet their demise. Independence and autonomy is sought across the world, and greater democracy in international relations is unstoppable. Equal rights, equal opportunities and equal rules should become the basic principles of a multipolar world.

Continue reading China advocates equality among all countries regardless of size

A multipolar world or a New Cold War?

The following text is based on a presentation given by Friends of Socialist China co-editor Carlos Martinez at the Latin America Conference held in London on 8 February 2025. The panel also included Morning Star editor Ben Chacko and Canadian author and academic Isaac Saney; it was chaired by Carole Regan of the Cuba Solidarity Campaign.

The text attempts to clarify what multipolarity is, as well as addressing the role of China and the rising threat of military confrontation between the US and China.

What is multipolarity?

‘Multipolarity’ is a word that is heard increasingly often, but its meaning is not well or widely understood, including on the left.

There are many people who think that multipolarity simply means a return to the era of intense inter-imperialist rivalry that characterised the period leading up to World War 1. In the early 20th century, the situation was ‘multipolar’ in the sense that there was more than one imperialist country; Britain, the US, Germany, France, Russia and Japan all represented poles of power and were competing fiercely among themselves for control of the world’s land, resources, labour and markets. Needless to say, there was nothing progressive or peaceful about this conjuncture.

However, multipolarity as defined in the modern era does not refer simply to a geopolitical situation with more than one major power; it is more than a shift away from the US-dominated unipolarity of the 1990s. Multipolarity includes the rise of the Global South; it insists on the principle of equality between nations; and it envisions an end to the system of hegemony and domination, whereby one country (or group of countries) can impose its will on others.

In this sense, we could say that the situation in 1914 was actually unipolar: it was a world system where power was concentrated among a small handful of imperialist countries, albeit with significant contradictions and rivalry between them.

Multipolarity sees Latin America as a centre of power. It sees Africa, West Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, East Asia, the Caribbean and the Pacific as centres of power. Its multilateral organisations include not just the G7, NATO and EU, but also BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), the African Union (AU), the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), the G77, and so on.

This geopolitical shift reflects a rapidly-changing global economic landscape. For example, BRICS countries now have a larger share of the world’s GDP than the G7 countries when measured by purchasing power parity (PPP). This is a dramatic transformation compared to the beginning of the 21st century, when G7 countries made up 43 percent of global GDP by PPP, compared to the BRICS countries’ 21 percent.

So when we talk about multipolarity, we’re not talking simply about a change of cast in the imperialist world system, such as Spanish/Portuguese colonialism giving way to Dutch colonialism, or Dutch colonialism giving way to British colonialism, or British colonialism giving way to US imperialism. Rather, multipolarity represents an end to the whole system of domination and hegemony; an end to the 500-year-old division of the world into oppressor and oppressed nations. It means undermining imperialism and depriving the imperialist countries of their power to determine the fate of the rest of the world.

Continue reading A multipolar world or a New Cold War?

Prospects for US-China relations in Trump’s second presidency

The London Region of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) held its 2025 Annual Conference online on Sunday 12 January.

Friends of Socialist China co-editor Keith Bennett was among the speakers in a session entitled, NATO, war, nukes: Outlook for 2025, where he was joined by CND General Secretary Sophie Bolt; Jess Barnard, a member of the Labour Party’s National Executive Committee (NEC); Carol Turner, Chair of London CND and a Vice Chair of national CND; and Vijay Prashad, Director of the Tricontinental Institute for Social Research. The session was chaired by Christine Shawcroft, a Vice Chair of London CND and editor of Labour Briefing.

A keynote opening speech on Prospects for Peace and Justice was given by Jeremy Corbyn, former Leader of the Labour Party and now the Independent Member of Parliament (MP) for Islington North, introduced by Murad Qureshi, a Vice President of London CND and a former Chair of the Stop the War Coalition.

Further discussions focused on Ukraine and the Middle East as testing grounds for new tech weapons, with expert input from Peter Burt, a researcher for Drone Wars UK; and Dave Webb, Convenor of the Global Network Against Weapons and Nuclear Power in Space; chaired by former MP Emma Dent-Coad; and a final session on Peace Movement Priorities, with Baroness Jenny Jones from the Green Party; Tony Staunton, a Vice Chair of CND; and Angie Zelter, a founder of Lakenheath Action for Peace; chaired by Hannah Kemp-Welch, a Vice Chair of London CND.

Keith’s speech focused on the prospects for relations between China and the United States during Donald Trump’s second presidency. We reprint it below.

An edited version was also carried by Labour Outlook. The full conference proceedings can be viewed on the YouTube channel of London CND.

Thank you to London Region CND for the invitation to take part in this distinguished panel.

With war raging in Ukraine for nearly three years and with the unrelenting genocide in Gaza, now well into its second year, both naturally forming the main day-to-day focus of most peace campaigners, is it self-indulgence or overreach to also turn our attention to the Asia Pacific region?

I would argue that it is not. No analogy is ever exact, but a clear parallel can be drawn with events in the 1930s. Local conflicts, in Spain, Ethiopia and, indeed China, were the proverbial canaries in the mine, which presaged the global conflagration of World War II.

Today, no bilateral relationship is more important, more strategic and more fraught than that between the United States and China. On the potentially positive side, the world needs these two powers to work together constructively if humanity is to meet an existential threat like climate change. Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of China, and of a couple of US politicians, there is little sign of this happening. Something that will most likely be exacerbated when Trump quits the Paris Climate Change Accord. Again.

Continue reading Prospects for US-China relations in Trump’s second presidency

Full text of President Xi Jinping’s 2025 New Year message

We are pleased to republish below President Xi Jinping’s New Year message. The message outlines the current situation in China without seeking to obscure difficulties and challenges, whether domestic or global, objective or subjective, and it points the way forward, combining confidence with realism in an objective and scientific manner.

Xi points to the impressive advances that have been made over the course of the past year in the pursuit of high-quality development and the improvement of people’s living standards, as well as in advancing new productive forces and exploring new frontiers of science and technology.

For the first time, China has produced more than 10 million new energy vehicles in a year. Breakthroughs have been made in integrated circuit, artificial intelligence, quantum communications and many other fields. Also for the first time, the Chang’e-6 lunar probe collected samples from the far side of the moon. The Mengxiang drilling vessel explored the mystery of the deep ocean. The Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link now connects the two cities across the sea. The Antarctic Qinling Station is now in operation on the frozen continent.

Xi reiterates the CPC’s firm commitment to meeting the needs of the people:

Of all the jobs in front of us, the most important is to ensure a happy life for our people. Every family hopes that their children can have a good education, their seniors can enjoy good elderly services, and their youngsters can have more and better opportunities. These simple wishes are our people’s aspirations for a better life. We should work together to steadily improve social undertakings and governance, build a harmonious and inclusive atmosphere, and settle real issues, big or small, for our people. We must bring more smiles to our people and greater warmth to their hearts.

Discussing China’s role in the world, in the context of a rising multipolarity, President Xi affirms China’s commitment to peace and cooperation:

As changes unseen in a century accelerate across the world, it is important to rise above estrangement and conflict with a broad vision, and care for the future of humanity with great passion. China will work with all countries to promote friendship and cooperation, enhance mutual learning among different cultures, and build a community with a shared future for mankind. We must jointly create a better future for the world.

The English translation of the speech was first published on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Friends of Socialist China co-editor Keith Bennett’s comment on the speech is included in a China Daily report, which we publish below the speech.

Greetings to everybody! Time flies fast, and the new year will be with us shortly. I extend my best wishes to you all from Beijing.

In 2024, we have together journeyed through the four seasons. Together, we have experienced winds and rains and seen rainbows. Those touching and unforgettable moments have been like still frames showing how extraordinary a year we have had.

We have proactively responded to the impacts of the changing environment at home and abroad. We have adopted a full range of policies to make solid gains in pursuing high-quality development. China’s economy has rebounded and is on an upward trajectory, with its GDP for the year expected to pass the 130 trillion yuan mark. Grain output has surpassed 700 million tons, and China’s bowls are now filled with more Chinese grain. Coordinated development across regions has gained stronger momentum, and mutually reinforcing advances have been made in both new urbanization and rural revitalization. Green and low-carbon development has been further enhanced. Indeed, a more beautiful China is unfolding before us.

We have fostered new quality productive forces in light of actual conditions. New business sectors, forms and models have kept emerging. For the first time, China has produced more than 10 million new energy vehicles in a year. Breakthroughs have been made in integrated circuit, artificial intelligence, quantum communications and many other fields. Also for the first time, the Chang’e-6 lunar probe collected samples from the far side of the moon. The Mengxiang drilling vessel explored the mystery of the deep ocean. The Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link now connects the two cities across the sea. The Antarctic Qinling Station is now in operation on the frozen continent. All this epitomizes the lofty spirit and dreams of the Chinese people to explore stars and oceans.

Continue reading Full text of President Xi Jinping’s 2025 New Year message

Friends of Socialist China year in review

Friends of Socialist China held its second annual Christmas dinner at the Hiba Express Palestinian restaurant in central London’s Holborn district on Sunday, December 15. Just over 60 people attended, including senior representatives of the embassies of China, Laos and Cuba, members of the Chinese media corps in London, the London representative of Sinn Féin, comrades from Malaysia, Holland and Luxembourg, and activists from a broad range of progressive organisations with whom we have been working over the past year.

Speaking before dinner, our co-editor Keith Bennett reviewed our work over the last 12 months and reiterated our solidarity with the people of Palestine.

Responding, Minister Zhao Fei from the Chinese Embassy said:

Over the past three years, the Friends of Socialist China have done incredible work in helping more people learn about and understand China.

As 2024 draws to a close, China has calmly navigated the changing domestic and international environment with comprehensive strategies. Our economy continues to grow steadily, and we have made significant progress across many areas. The upcoming year, 2025, marks the final year of China’s 14th Five-Year Plan. It is also a pivotal year as China begins its march towards the second Centenary Goal of building a modern socialist country by building on the success of building a moderately well-off society. A host of major strategies, reforms, and projects will be implemented, injecting fresh vitality and momentum into Chinese society. The future of socialist China will surely be even brighter and will bring more opportunities for global development.

We also took the opportunity to honour Comrade Kamal Majid, a lifelong communist of Iraqi origin, retired professor and member of our Advisory Group, on his upcoming 95th birthday. His birthday cake was suitably decorated with red flag and hammer and sickle icing.

The following is the main body of Keith’s speech.

On behalf of Friends of Socialist China, thank you all for coming this evening. This is a time of year when there are many calls on people’s time. The fact that you have chosen to spend this evening with us is, I think, a real testimony to our friendship, based on our shared belief that a better world is both possible and necessary.

Allow me to welcome, in particular, Minister Zhao Fei from the Chinese Embassy and his colleague Comrade Zhen Sitong.

Along with the Ambassador of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and his First Secretary; and the First Secretary of the Cuban Embassy and his colleague.

It’s almost exactly one year since we gathered here on December 17, 2023, for our first end of year social.

On that occasion, I said that “We look forward to stepping up our work and doing better in 2024.”

Whilst we know that what we have been able to do remains but a drop in the ocean of what needs to be done, I can say that we have managed to keep that promise.

On social media we now have just under 40,000 followers on X, still widely known as Twitter.

Just under 6,000 followers on Facebook.

11,700 subscribers to our YouTube channel.

And over 2,000 subscribers to our weekly news bulletin.

On our website, we have published 446 articles so far this year – a modest increase from 425 last year!

We have held an excellent series of events, often in conjunction with other progressive organisations.

Our first webinar in 2024 was on the theme – ‘Peace delegates report back from China: Building solidarity and opposing the New Cold War’.

It followed the successful visit to China of a delegation from the US Peace Council and brought together many strands of the progressive movement in the United States.

Continue reading Friends of Socialist China year in review

Wang Yi: Riding the trend of the times with a strong sense of responsibility

On December 17, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, delivered a major speech at an important year end symposium in Beijing on the international situation and China’s foreign relations.

Wang makes a detailed and profound exposition of the thinking behind China’s foreign policy and its stance on key questions, summarises the work of China’s diplomacy in 2024, and outlines priorities for the coming year.

Among some of the highlights of his speech are:

  • Building a community with a shared future for humanity is an important vision put forth by President Xi Jinping. It provides an incisive answer to the important question of “what kind of world to build and how to build it.” It envisions a historic progress in state-to-state relations from the pursuit of peaceful coexistence to that of a future shared by all.
  • The building of a community with a shared future for humanity has become a great enterprise joined by various parties. In the course of 2024, China and Brazil have announced joint efforts to build a China-Brazil community with a shared future for a more just world and a more sustainable planet, demonstrating their sense of responsibility as two emerging countries; China and Serbia have launched efforts to build a China-Serbia community with a shared future in the new era, the first of its kind in China’s relations with European countries.
  • What’s worth mentioning in particular is that Chinese and African leaders have agreed to build an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era, giving expression to the shared desire of the 2.8 billion Chinese and Africans to pursue common development in greater solidarity.
  • We have actively worked for the restoration of world peace and endeavoured to save human lives. On the Ukraine crisis, we have always maintained an objective and impartial position, and actively pushed for peace talks. China and Brazil jointly issued the six-point consensus on political settlement of the Ukraine crisis. We also brought other Global South countries together to launch the Group of “Friends for Peace” to gather consensus for finding a path to peace.
  • The Gaza conflict has taken too many civilian lives. The immediate priority is a comprehensive ceasefire, the key is to ensure humanitarian assistance, and the fundamental way out is to realize the two-state solution. Over the past year, we have pushed for the adoption of the first resolution by the Security Council on a ceasefire in Gaza, facilitated the reconciliation dialogue and the signing of the Beijing Declaration by various Palestinian factions, and delivered multiple batches of humanitarian assistance to Gaza. We will continue to make unremitting efforts toward a comprehensive, just, and lasting solution to the Palestinian question.
  • We have mediated peace in northern Myanmar and facilitated multiple rounds of peace talks among conflicting parties.
  • We have supported Afghanistan in building an inclusive political framework and realising peace and reconstruction.
  • Facing the dramatic change in Syria, China will continue to stand with the Syrian people and uphold the “Syrian-led and Syrian-owned” principle. China opposes the attempt of terrorist forces to exploit the situation to create chaos, and will help Syria maintain its sovereignty and restore stability.
  • Over the past year, China’s cooperation with other developing countries has set a fine example, which has reinforced the trend of uniting for strength within the Global South. The collective rise of the Global South in the current chapter of history is a distinctive feature of the great transformation across the world. China will always be an important member of the Global South and always be committed to unity and invigoration of the Global South.
  • Building on its historic expansion last year and setting off this [coming] year from the new starting point of greater BRICS cooperation, BRICS is bringing more partners into its big family to make the platform a primary channel for strengthening solidarity and cooperation among Global South nations.
  • The China-Russia relationship, under the visionary guidance of the heads of state, has grown more mature and stable, demonstrated in a clearer way its independence and resilience, and set an example of friendly exchanges between major countries and neighbours. The three meetings between President Xi Jinping and President Putin this year further deepened the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination.
  • China and Europe are two great civilisations of the world and two major forces of the times. China stands ready to work with the European side to handle differences and disputes properly, seek win-win solutions, and jointly safeguard free trade and multilateralism.
  • As long as China and the United States cooperate with each other, they can accomplish many great things together. In the meantime, China firmly safeguards its sovereignty, security and development interests, and firmly opposes the illegal and unreasonable suppression by the US side. In particular, with regard to the US’ gross interference in China’s internal affairs such as Taiwan, China has to make a firm and robust response to resolutely defend its legitimate rights and interests and safeguard the basic norms governing international relations.
  • China will be a firm force for justice in the face of the countercurrents of unilateralism and bullying. We will hold solemn commemorations for the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese people’s war of resistance against Japanese aggression and the world anti-fascist war, promote a correct view of history, uphold true multilateralism, and firmly safeguard the international system with the UN at its core, the international order underpinned by international law, and the basic norms governing international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

The following is the full text of Wang Yi’s speech. It was originally published on the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Dear Experts and Friends,

It gives me great pleasure to join you at the year-end for an in-depth discussion about the international situation and China’s diplomacy. Let me start by thanking all of you for your longstanding interest in and support for China’s diplomatic efforts.

In 2024, the world witnessed further transformation and instability, marked by protracted and intensified geopolitical conflicts, repeated attempts to decouple and sever supply chains, and the rapid rise of the Global South. It has become all the more clear where the once-in-a-century transformations are heading.

Continue reading Wang Yi: Riding the trend of the times with a strong sense of responsibility

China takes forward the legacy of the October Revolution

On Saturday October 26, the Newport and Gwent Valleys [South Wales] branch of the Communist Party of Britain (CPB) organized a very successful fund-raising social to celebrate the anniversary of the 1917 October Socialist Revolution. It was attended by members and supporters of the CPB, the Young Communist League and the Communist Party of India (Marxist), along with other friends from the labour, trade union and progressive movements. The more formal part of the afternoon was chaired and introduced by CPB General Secretary Robert Griffiths. Short videos were shown of the 1945 victory parade in Moscow marking the triumph over Nazi fascism and of the famed African-American artist and revolutionary Paul Robeson singing the Soviet national anthem. Following this, Robert introduced the guest speaker, Keith Bennett from Friends of Socialist China.

We publish below the main body of Keith’s talk.

The October Revolution was a truly great event in world history – one that remains worthy of celebration. The account given by the US communist journalist John Reed has a highly apposite title – ‘Ten Days that Shook the World’.

Indeed, this was a revolution that not only shook but changed the world forever. Even though the Soviet Union itself tragically no longer exists, after the October Revolution nothing was ever the same again or could ever be the same again.

The Soviet Union represented the first sustained attempt by working people to hold and maintain power. Throughout its lifetime there were both great achievements as well as some significant mistakes.

But whatever the mistakes or shortcomings, the Soviet Union was the first country to legislate for the equality of women and men. The first to guarantee universal and free education and health care. The first to ensure full employment and the right to paid annual holidays for all workers and farmers.

Entire nationalities were provided with a written script for the first time. Visiting Soviet Uzbekistan in the 1980s, I learned how that vast republic went from some two percent literacy to universal literacy in barely a couple of decades.

Above all, the Soviet Union bore the brunt of the World Anti-Fascist War in Europe, sacrificing the lives of 27 million of its citizens to defeat Nazism.

Support from the Soviet Union played a vital role in the dismantling of the old colonial empires and the victory of the national liberation movements.

And the threat of the Soviet example played a significant role in forcing the ruling class in this and other major capitalist countries to make concessions to the working class in the form of the ‘welfare state’.

Some years ago, when Gordon Brown was Prime Minister, the Tories, who, of course had bitterly opposed the creation of the NHS, took to deriding it as “Stalinist”. On first consideration, this might seem to be a risible and ridiculous claim. Nevertheless, it expresses a certain truth that such gains for working people did indeed flow in no small measure from the fear of the ruling class that their populations might follow the Soviet road.

That mistakes were made, and even crimes committed, in the course of building socialism in the USSR is undeniable. But, whilst detailed assessment of these is not possible today, what we really must do is place them in a context where the imperialist ruling class was never reconciled to the existence of the Soviet Union and the threat it posed. Not the military threat claimed by the cold warriors, but the threat of a good example. In that sense, it is reasonable to conclude that, throughout its entire history, the Soviet Union never enjoyed even a single day of true peace.

We were, however, told that, with the collapse of the Soviet Union there would at last be a ‘peace dividend’. No more wars.

Instead, we got the exact opposite. No peace dividend but rather austerity and the rolling back of the welfare state. And above all, we entered a period of constant and endless wars. In former Yugoslavia, Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Libya, Lebanon, Yemen, Somalia, and elsewhere. Through to today’s appalling genocide in Palestine, and the spiraling conflict throughout the region, as well as NATO’s proxy war in Ukraine.

And this brings me to the question of China.

The October Revolution was by no means a simple national phenomenon. Rather it inaugurated an entirely new period of world history – that of the long transition (with all its victories and setbacks) from capitalism to socialism on a worldwide scale.

In his last published article, ‘Better Fewer But Better’, Lenin turned to consideration as to whether the Soviet state could survive – a matter about which he was never sanguine. But he concluded on a note of revolutionary optimism that:

“In the last analysis, the outcome of the struggle will be determined by the fact that Russia, India, China, etc., account for the overwhelming majority of the population of the globe. And during the past few years it is this majority that has been drawn into the struggle for emancipation with extraordinary rapidity, so that in this respect there cannot be the slightest doubt what the final outcome of the world struggle will be. In this sense, the complete victory of socialism is fully and absolutely assured.”

In a very real sense, therefore, the liberation of China, and the founding of the People’s Republic, whose 75th anniversary we have just celebrated, arose from the October Revolution. In his 1949 article, ‘On the People’s Democratic Dictatorship’, Mao Zedong explained:

Continue reading China takes forward the legacy of the October Revolution

Xi Jinping: Building a just world of common development

From November 13-17, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Peru at the invitation of his Peruvian counterpart Dina Ercilia Boluarte Zegarra, to attend the 31st APEC [Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation] Economic Leaders’ Meeting and to pay a state visit to the country. He then visited Brazil from November 17-21 at the invitation of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to attend the 19th G20 Summit and pay a state visit.

The first session of the G20 Summit was held on the morning of November 18 and was chaired by President Lula as the host. Its focus was on the “fight against hunger and poverty” and, on Brazil’s initiative, was preceded by the launch of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty.

Xi Jinping made a speech at the session, taking as his theme, “Building a Just World of Common Development”.

The Chinese President began by noting that, “today, transformation of a scale not seen in a century is accelerating across the world. Humanity faces unprecedented opportunities and challenges.” He recalled his previous observation that, “prosperity and stability would not be possible in a world where the rich become richer while the poor are made poorer, and countries should make global development more inclusive, beneficial to all, and more resilient.”

To build a just world of common development, he noted, “we need to support developing countries in adopting sustainable production and lifestyles, properly responding to challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental pollution, enhancing ecological conservation, and achieving harmony between people and nature.”

China’s development is an important part of the common development of the world. “We have lifted 800 million people out of poverty, and met the poverty reduction target of the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development ahead of schedule.

“This achievement did not just fall into our laps. It is the fruit of the strenuous, unified efforts of the Chinese government and people. Everything China does, it always places the people front and centre, and it solemnly declares that ‘not a single poor region or person should be left behind.’”

Reflecting on his own life’s journey, he added: “I have worked from village to county, city, provincial and central levels. Poverty alleviation has always been a priority and a major task I am determined to deliver.”

“China’s story is proof that developing countries can eliminate poverty… If China can make it, other developing countries can make it too. This is what China’s battle against poverty says to the world.”

Noting that “China will always be a member of the Global South, a reliable long-term partner of fellow developing countries, and a doer and go-getter working for the cause of global development,” Xi went on to list eight actions for global development being taken by China.

We reprint below the full text of President Xi’s speech. It was originally published on the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Your Excellency President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva,
Colleagues,

It gives me great pleasure to attend the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro. I thank President Lula and the Brazilian government for the warm hospitality extended to the Chinese delegation.

Today, transformation of a scale not seen in a century is accelerating across the world. Humanity faces unprecedented opportunities and challenges. As leaders of major countries, we should not let our vision be blocked by fleeting clouds. Rather, we must see the world as one community with a shared future, and shoulder our responsibility for history, take historical initiative and move history forward.

I pointed out at this forum that prosperity and stability would not be possible in a world where the rich become richer while the poor are made poorer, and countries should make global development more inclusive, beneficial to all, and more resilient. At the Hangzhou Summit, China placed development at the center of the G20’s macroeconomic policy coordination for the first time, and the Summit adopted the G20 Action Plan on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the G20 Initiative on Supporting Industrialization in Africa and Least Developed Countries. The Rio Summit this year has chosen the theme “Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet.” It places fighting hunger and poverty at the top of the agenda, and decides to establish a Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty. From Hangzhou to Rio, we have been working for one and the same goal, that is, to build a just world of common development.

To build such a world, we need to channel more resources to such fields as trade, investment and development cooperation, and strengthen development institutions. There should be more bridges of cooperation, and less “small yard, high fences,” so that more and more developing countries will be better off and achieve modernization.

To build such a world, we need to support developing countries in adopting sustainable production and lifestyle, properly responding to challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental pollution, enhancing ecological conservation, and achieving harmony between man and nature.

To build such a world, we need an open, inclusive and non-discriminatory environment for international economic cooperation. We should promote a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, energize sustainable development with new technologies, new industries and new business forms, and support developing countries in better integrating in digital, smart and green development to bridge the North-South gap.

To build such a world, we need to stay committed to multilateralism. We should uphold the U.N.-centered international system, the international order underpinned by international law, and the basic norms of international relations based on the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter.

Continue reading Xi Jinping: Building a just world of common development

The Global South, with China in the forefront, is the key driver towards true multilateralism

The China Institute of International Studies (CIIS), a specialised research institution directly under China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy Studies Centre of CIIS, hosted a launch on November 11 of their latest report, entitled ‘True Multilateralism: Conceptual Development, Core Essence and China’s Practice’.

Held at Beijing’s Diaoyutai State Guest House, the meeting was attended by more than 220 people from around 70 countries, including diplomats from 66 embassies in Beijing and representatives from three international organisations. 18 embassies were represented by their Ambassador or Head of Mission. They were joined by Chinese officials, scholars, researchers and students, along with foreign students studying in China.

Friends of Socialist China Co-Editor Keith Bennett attended and spoke at the conference, representing the Institute of Independence Studies and its Xi Jinping Thought Study Group.

Speakers at the event were:

  • Chen Bo: Secretary General, Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy Studies Centre; and President, China Institute of International Studies (CIIS)
  • Miao Deyu: Assistant Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China
  • Mauricio Hurtado: Ambassador of Chile to China
  • Ahmed Mustafa Fahmy:  Head, League of Arab States’ China Representative Office
  • Oleg Kopylov: Deputy Secretary General, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
  • Ren Hongyan: Special Research Fellow, Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy Studies Centre
  • Chhem Kieth Rethy: Senior Minister, Royal Government of Cambodia; Chairman, Economic, Social and Cultural Council, Cambodia
  • Wu Zhicheng: President, Institute of International Strategy, Party School of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (National Academy of Governance)
  • Keith Bennett: Xi Jinping Thought Study Group, Institute for Independence Studies, UK
  • Wang Lei: Deputy Director, Institute of World Economics and Politics, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences
  • Gafar Kara Ahmed: Researcher, China-Arab Research Centre on Reform and Development, Shanghai International Studies University; former Sudanese Ambassador to China; and
  • Jia Lieying: Dean, School of International Relations & Director, UN Research Centre, Beijing Language and Culture University.

The full text of the Report may be found here.

The following is the text of Keith’s remarks to the meeting.

I welcome the release of your report today. Long ago, Engels, in his preface to ‘The Peasant War in Germany’, stressed the need to constantly “keep in mind that socialism, having become a science, demands the same treatment as every other science – it must be studied.”

This is why the foreign policy of a major socialist country like China, whilst naturally deciding each issue on its merits and specific characteristics, cannot be approached and determined in an ad hoc or impressionistic way but rather on the basis of the most advanced theory, itself based on the summation of long years of practice, which at the present time means the study and application of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy.

President Xi Jinping always reminds us that we are witnessing and experiencing changes unseen in a century. We can see the veracity and profundity of his observation by looking at practically any field of human exploration and endeavour, most recently, for example, the immense opportunities and challenges presented by AI.

But most fundamentally, I believe that the significance of viewing things from this century-long paradigm is that it is just a little over 100 years since socialism graduated from being an ideal to becoming a modern programme of nation building. The concept of changes unseen in a century addresses above all the global ramifications of that historical turning point.

This year we have observed the 70th anniversary of the proclamation of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, which may be taken as the building blocks and guarantor of true multilateralism and a most fundamental reform of a global governance system hitherto dominated by a handful of oppressor nations, almost exclusively in Western Europe and North America.

The creation of the Soviet state meant that there were now countries in the world with fundamentally different political and social systems. The question therefore arose as to what type of relations should exist between those states and how should the relationship between them be handled. Faced with this question, Lenin formulated the policy of peaceful coexistence.

Some three-and-a-half decades later, it was clear that the existence of states with different social systems was no mere transient phenomenon but rather a long-term historical reality. It therefore fell to the Chinese communists to raise the issue beyond a tactical policy or temporary necessity, but rather to place it on a firm theoretical foundation, to elevate it to the level of science.

Today, in the new era, this issue, while losing none of its original cogency and vitality, has to be approached on a new basis and on a new level. If, seventy years ago, the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence gave the socialist countries, and the newly independent countries just embarking on the road of building a new society, freedom to breathe and room to manoeuvre, today we face a qualitatively different situation.

Continue reading The Global South, with China in the forefront, is the key driver towards true multilateralism