Xin Xiangyang, President of the Academy of Marxism of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Leads a Delegation for Academic Exchanges in the UK, Ireland, and Portugal
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 Overseas Marxism Studies.
On August 31, the delegation held a symposium at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) with several renowned British Marxist scholars and figures who understand and are friendly toward China. 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 [1] and co-editor of Friends of Socialist China (FOSC); and Alan Freeman, Professor at the Geopolitical Economy Research Centre at the University of Manitoba, Canada, among others. The 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 development 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) with General Secretary Jimmy Corcoran, and Gearóid Ó Machail, member of the National Political Committee of the Communist Party of Ireland, along with other key leaders. Xin Xiangyang introduced the main contents of the "Resolution" adopted at the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee. The relevant comrades from the Communist Party of Ireland introduced the century-long history and contemporary development status of their party. Both sides also engaged in profound exchanges on the current international situation and the status of the international workers' movement.
(The delegation engages in a symposium and takes a group photo with key leaders of the Communist Party of Ireland)
On the morning of September 5, the delegation held a symposium with Albano Nunes, member of the 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 International Department of the PCP Central Committee. The two sides engaged in full exchanges centered on the developmental achievements of socialism with Chinese characteristics, China's international status and its responsibility as a major power [3], the century-long history of the Portuguese Communist Party, and the role it plays on the contemporary European political stage.
(The delegation engages in a symposium and takes a 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] on the spirit of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee for all embassy staff. Ambassador Zhao Bentang spoke highly of the systematic nature and theoretical depth of the report's content, expressing hope that both sides would continue to strengthen communication and exchange to make positive contributions to the overseas dissemination of Xi Jinping New Era Socialism with Chinese Characteristics.
(Director Xin Xiangyang holds talks with Zhao Bentang, Chinese Ambassador to Portugal, and delivers a report to all embassy staff)
During this trip, the delegation not only conducted in-depth research and discussion with Marxist scholars and China-friendly figures from relevant foreign universities and research institutes, but also engaged in full communication with leaders of the Communist Parties of the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Portugal. Both Chinese and foreign parties stated 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 promoting the development and progress of the world socialist movement and the cause of communism.
(Text and photos provided by Wang Xuedong)