Xin Xiangyang, Director of the Academy of Marxism at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Leads a Delegation to the UK, Ireland, and Portugal for Academic Exchanges
From August 30 to September 7, 2024, Xin Xiangyang, Director and Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of the Institute of Marxism Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), led a delegation to the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Portugal to conduct academic exchanges. Members of the delegation included Researcher Yu Bin, Director of the Department of Marxist Principles at the CASS Institute of Marxism Studies; Associate Researcher Liu Zixu, Deputy Director of the Editorial Department of International Critical Thought; and Associate Researcher Wang Xuedong of the Department of Foreign Marxism Research.
On August 31, the delegation held an exchange symposium at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) with several renowned British Marxist scholars and figures known for their understanding of and friendship toward China [1]. Participating foreign scholars included Radhika Desai, Visiting Professor at LSE and convener of the International Manifesto Group; Keith Bennett, Vice Chair of the 48 Group Club and co-editor of Friends of Socialist China (FOSC); and Alan Freeman, Professor at the Geopolitical Economy Research Group at the University of Manitoba, Canada. Chinese and foreign scholars engaged in in-depth discussions on the great achievements of socialism with Chinese characteristics, the important reform measures proposed at the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee [2], the current international situation, and the developmental trends of imperialism.
(Director Xin Xiangyang briefs participating Marxist scholars and China-friendly figures on the conditions of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee)
On September 3, the delegation held a symposium at Connolly Books, affiliated with the Communist Party of Ireland (CPI), with General Secretary Jimmy Corcoran, National Political Committee member Gearóid Ó Machail, and other key leaders. Xin Xiangyang introduced the main contents of the "Decision" adopted by the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee to the foreign hosts. Leading comrades of the CPI introduced the century-long history and current developmental status of their party. The two sides also held in-depth exchanges on the current international landscape and the status of the international workers' movement.
(The delegation holds an exchange symposium and group photo with the primary leadership of the Communist Party of Ireland)
On the morning of September 5, the delegation held a symposium with Albano Nunes, member of the Central Cadre Commission and Central Control Commission of the Portuguese Communist Party (PCP) and Editor-in-Chief of O Militante; Francisco Melo, member of the PCP Central Control Commission and Director of the Avante! publishing house; and Luis Carapinha, member of the PCP Central International Department. The two sides engaged in comprehensive exchanges regarding the developmental achievements of socialism with Chinese characteristics, China’s international status and its responsibility as a major country, as well as the century-long history of the PCP and its role on the contemporary European political stage.
(The delegation holds an exchange symposium and group photo with relevant leadership of the Portuguese Communist Party)
On the afternoon of September 5, at the invitation of the Chinese Embassy in Portugal, Xin Xiangyang delivered a guidance report [3] on the spirit of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee for all embassy staff. Ambassador Zhao Bentang praised the systematic nature and theoretical depth of the report and expressed hope that both sides would continue to strengthen communication and exchange to make active contributions to the overseas dissemination of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.
(Director Xin Xiangyang meets with Chinese Ambassador to Portugal Zhao Bentang and delivers a report to embassy staff)
This delegation’s visit not only involved in-depth research and discussion with Marxist scholars and China-friendly personnel from relevant foreign universities and research institutes but also facilitated full communication with the leadership of the Communist Parties of the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Portugal. Both the Chinese and foreign sides expressed that they will continue to strengthen communication and cooperation in the future, actively promoting the mutual translation and dissemination of Chinese and foreign Marxist theoretical achievements, and jointly advancing the development of the world socialist movement and the cause of communism.
(Text and photos provided by Wang Xuedong)