- The Guardian
- Issue #1970
The Communist Party of China (CPC) hosted the “CPC and World Political Parties Summit” on the 6th July from Beijing. Delegates from over 500 political parties of the world attended the virtual summit, including Communist Party of Australia (CPA) General Secretary Comrade Andrew Irving, CPA President Comrade Vinnie Molina, and CPA Guardian Collective member Comrade Seamus Carey. The event took place at the time of the celebrations of 100 years since the CPC’s founding.
The keynote speech was delivered by China’s President and General Secretary of the CPC, Comrade Xi Jinping. He said:
“A few days ago, we celebrated the CPC’s centenary with a grand gathering. Over the past hundred years, the CPC has united and led the Chinese people in working ceaselessly towards the tremendous transformation of the Chinese nation from standing up and growing prosperous to becoming strong. […]
“The human race is an integral community and the planet Earth its homeland. In the face of common challenges, no person or country can remain insulated. The only way out is to work together in harmony with one accord. Political parties, as an important force behind human progress, need to set the right course forward and shoulder their historic responsibility to ensure the people’s wellbeing and pursue human progress.”
The next speech was contributed by President of South Africa and President of the African National Congress (ANC) Cyril Ramaphosa, who congratulated the CPC on its centenary. He said:
“This is a joyous occasion for the people not only of China, but of the world.
“For us as South Africans, this is a particularly auspicious moment, because we are this month celebrating the 100th anniversary of the formation of the South African Communist Party, a revolutionary organisation that played a central role in our struggle for freedom and democracy.”
Contributions were made by President Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan, Chairman of the United Russia party and former President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev, and Argentine President Alberto Fernandez.
Next spoke General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee, Comrade Nguyen Phu Trong, who said political parties should accompany their governments to bring happiness to the people, actively engage in efforts to respond to global challenges, uphold the spirit of solidarity and sense of responsibility, foster dialogue, respect each other’s legitimate interests, and comply with international law, especially in addressing differences.
He said, “Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and other theories on state governance are of particular referential value to Vietnam,” and expressed desire to further consolidate relations and cooperation between the CPV and CPC, and their respective countries.
First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba, Comrade Miguel Diaz-Canel, said that the CPC has explored a development path suitable for China’s national conditions and led the country in making great achievements. China has effectively handled the COVID-19 pandemic and eliminated absolute poverty, which Comrade Diaz-Canel attributed to the CPC’s people-centred development philosophy.
Contributions were then made by the respective Presidents of the Philippines, Zimbabwe, Palestine, Serbia; the Prime Ministers of Cambodia and Pakistan; the Presidents of Mozambique, Namibia, and the Republic of the Congo.
Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa, spoke, saying “China is the most sincere friend we have.”
The next contribution was made by Bolivia’s former President and Chairperson of the Movement Towards Socialism party, Evo Morales.
Further speeches were made by the Prime Minister of Morocco, President of South Sudan, President of the Socialist International, and the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Spain (PCE), Comrade Jose Luis Centella. Comrade Centella praised China’s Belt and Road Initiative, describing it as an important international cooperation platform and a great opportunity for the world economy to recover from the pandemic.
A video contribution was made by CPA President Vinnie Molina, who said:
“Political parties and organisations from all political and ideological perspectives have the responsibility to work together in solidarity with each other for the elimination of poverty, health, education and to save the planet from climate change or war.
“On the historic occasion of the centenary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, the Communist Party of Australia sends its fraternal greetings and congratulations. […]
“As the CPA General Secretary Comrade Andrew Irving said in a recent interview with Chinese media, the developments and achievements led by the CPC are a success for all Marxists around the world.
“The CPA appreciates its growing fraternal relations with the Communist Party of China, and the deepening relations amongst the international Communist movement generally. […]
“The Marxist doctrine is omnipotent because it is true” – these immortal words of Comrade Lenin remain as valid as ever. And as Comrade Mao Zedong said: ‘Armed with Marxist-Leninist theory and ideology, the Communist Party of China has brought a new style of work to the Chinese people, a style of work which essentially entails integrating theory with practice, forging close links with the masses and practising self-criticism.’ This style of work continues to be carried on by the CPC, guiding the successive victories of the Chinese people.”
This summit represents a historic moment for global friendship and cooperation of political parties and peoples. Regardless of all ideological differences and disputes, at this historical juncture it is yet more necessary than ever to seek unity on all issues held in common, while respecting differences and independence.
