Xin Xiangyang, Party Secretary and Director of the Academy of Marxism of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Leads a Delegation to Turkey and Greece for Academic Exchanges
From November 14 to 23, 2023, Xin Xiangyang, Secretary of the Party Committee and Director of the Institute of Marxism Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), led a delegation to Istanbul, Turkey, and Athens, Greece, to engage in academic and intellectual exchanges with left-wing party figures, left-wing scholars, and members of the educational community in both countries.
On the 14th, the delegation held a symposium with Professor Hayri Kozanoglu, former Chairman of the Democratic Left Party of Turkey, and others. Professor Kozanoglu and his colleagues introduced aspects of Marxist research and the left-wing socialist movement in Turkey. Director Xin Xiangyang addressed questions of concern to the hosts regarding the "Belt and Road Initiative" [1], the "new development paradigm" [2], and evaluations of historical figures such as Mao Zedong and Sun Yat-sen.
On the morning of the 15th, the delegation held a symposium at the headquarters of the Vatan Party (Patriotic Party) of Turkey with the party’s leader, Mr. Perinçek, and others. Mr. Perinçek introduced the current status and political program of the Vatan Party, speaking highly of the achievements in building socialism with Chinese characteristics in the New Era and the global influence of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. He also engaged in exchanges with the delegation on theoretical and practical issues regarding socialism. In accordance with the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the CPC [3], Director Xin Xiangyang provided detailed elaborations on these relevant issues.
On the afternoon of the 15th, the delegation visited the editorial office of the Belt and Road Quarterly. Editor-in-Chief Mr. Firket Akfirat introduced the journal’s mission, funding sources, publishing status, topic selection, key articles, and future development plans. Director Xin Xiangyang communicated with Mr. Firket Akfirat regarding exchange and cooperation between the Institute of Marxism Studies and the journal.
On the 17th, Director Xin Xiangyang delivered a presentation to comrades at the Chinese Consulate-General in Istanbul titled "On the Worldview and Methodology of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era."
On the 19th, the delegation held a symposium with Professor Yanis Varoufakis, former Finance Minister of Greece, founder of the DiEM25 party, and economist at the University of Athens. The two sides conducted a seminar and exchange regarding Professor Varoufakis’s new book published in 2023, Technofeudalism: What Killed Capitalism. Director Xin Xiangyang introduced to Varoufakis China's major measures for regulating and guiding capital, as well as the functions of the newly established National Data Bureau.
On the 20th, the delegation visited Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences in Athens. Director Xin Xiangyang engaged in exchanges and consultations with Rector Christina Koulouri, Vice Rector Christos Papatheodorou, and Deputy Director of International Relations Marianna Psylla regarding university education in China and Greece and the possibilities and methods for further strengthening international exchange and cooperation.
On the morning of the 21st, the delegation visited the Nicos Poulantzas Institute, a well-known European left-wing think tank. They held discussions with Director Costas Douzinas, former Director (and former Minister of Education and Culture) Aristides Baltas, Head of International Relations (and advisor to the transform! europe network) Danai Koltsida, and researcher Michalis Spourdalakis. They exchanged views on the international influence of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the New Era and Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, the development of left-wing political parties in Greece, and cooperation in the study of Marxist theories of the state.
On the afternoon of the 21st, Director Xin Xiangyang delivered a presentation to comrades at the Chinese Embassy in Greece titled "How to Tell the China Story Well Proceeding from the 'Two Combinations'." [4]
Through this visit, the Institute of Marxism Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences engaged in deep exchanges with left-wing party figures, left-wing scholars, and educators in Turkey and Greece, enhancing mutual understanding and creating favorable conditions for better cooperation in the future.