Xin Xiangyang, President of the Academy of Marxism of 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, a delegation led by Xin Xiangyang, Director and Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of the Institute of Marxism Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), visited 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 individuals who understand and are friendly toward China [1]. Foreign scholars participating in the symposium 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], as well as the current international situation and developmental trends of imperialism.
(Director Xin Xiangyang introduces the situation of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee to attending Marxist scholars and individuals who understand and are friendly toward China.)
On September 3, at Connolly Books, which is affiliated with the Communist Party of Ireland (CPI), the delegation held a symposium with General Secretary Jimmy Corcoran, National Political Committee member Gearóid Ó Machail, and other key leaders of the CPI. Xin Xiangyang introduced the main contents of the Decision [3] adopted at the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, while the responsible 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 situation and the state of the international workers' movement.
(The delegation holds an exchange symposium and group photo with the principal leaders of the Communist Party of Ireland.)
On the morning of September 5, the delegation held a symposium with Albano Nunes, member of the Central Cadres Commission and the 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 a full exchange of views around the developmental achievements of socialism with Chinese characteristics, China's international status and its responsibility as a major power, as well as the century-long history of the Portuguese Communist Party and the role it plays on the contemporary European political stage.
(The delegation holds an exchange symposium and group photo with relevant leaders 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 [4] to the entire embassy staff on the spirit of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee. Ambassador Zhao Bentang spoke highly of the systematic nature and theoretical depth of the report's content 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 holds a meeting with the Chinese Ambassador to Portugal, Zhao Bentang, and delivers a report to the entire embassy staff.)
During this trip, the delegation not only conducted in-depth research and discussions with Marxist scholars and individuals who understand and are friendly toward China from relevant foreign universities and research institutes, but also engaged in full exchanges with the leaders 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 promote the mutual translation and dissemination of Chinese and foreign Marxist theoretical achievements, and jointly promote the development and progress of the world socialist movement and the cause of communism.
(Text and photos contributed by Wang Xuedong)