Friends of Socialist China held its second annual China Conference on Saturday, September 27. Delegates gathered in London’s Bolivar Hall to hear expert presentations from an international range of diplomatic representatives, progressive scholars and activists on such topics as: 80 years since the defeat of fascism—China as a force for peace and multipolarity; China’s achievements in overcoming poverty and building socialism; and how China is leading the fight against climate breakdown.
The opening session of the conference was addressed by senior diplomats from the embassies of China, Russia, Cuba, Laos, and Venezuela. The closing session was addressed by leading representatives of the Communist Party of Britain, the Communist Party of Ireland, and the Association of Indian Communists.
The opening session was also due to be addressed by George Galloway, leader of the Workers Party of Britain (WPB) and former Member of Parliament. However, that morning, George and his wife, Gayatri Galloway, also a leading member of the Workers Party, were detained by Sussex Police on their arrival at Gatwick Airport under Schedule 3 of the Counter Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019.
Below is a section of the address given by Communist Party of Ireland National Executive delegate, Gearóid Ó Machail, to the Conference:
‘The Communist Party of Ireland deeply values its fraternal relations with the Communist Party of China. These ties are not transactional—they are built on mutual respect, shared ideological foundations, and a commitment to building socialism in our respective contexts. Over the 46 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China and Ireland have deepened exchanges and cooperation across politics, economy, science and technology, and culture, bringing tangible benefits to both peoples.
We meet here at a time when the achievements of Chinese socialism are not only undeniable but are increasingly vital to the future of human civilisation and the survival of our delicate, global ecosystem. From lifting hundreds of millions of people out of poverty to leading the world in green development and technological innovation, China stands as a beacon of what is possible when a proud and resilient people chart their own course, guided by socialist principles and a commitment to national sovereignty.
Meanwhile, Ireland remains trapped in a ‘Triple Lock’ of imperialism, with a comprador capitalist class subservient to the economic, and increasingly militaristic, diktats of London, Brussels, and Washington. Sovereignty and anti-imperialism are not merely geopolitical questions. They are questions of dignity, of human rights, and of justice. And they remind us that the struggle against imperialism is not a relic of the past—it is a living, ongoing reality.
China’s foreign policy, rooted in peaceful development and win-win cooperation, offers a stark contrast to the aggressive militarism and economic coercion practiced by imperialist powers. Through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative, China is building infrastructure, fostering development, and offering alternatives to the neoliberal model that has failed so many countries on every continent.
Having endured war, China understands its cost. China is the only major country to enshrine peaceful development in its Constitution and the charter of its ruling party, elevating it to a national commitment. China has never initiated a war, never occupied an inch of foreign territory, is the only major nuclear country to pledge no first use of nuclear weapons, and remains the largest contributor of peacekeepers among permanent members of the UN Security Council, as well as the second-largest financial contributor to UN peacekeeping operations.
Comrades, the road ahead will not be easy. The forces of reaction are mobilising. The contradictions of capitalism are sharpening. But in China’s example, we see hope. We see the possibility of a world not ruled by profit but guided by the needs of the people.
Let us not leave this conference merely informed—but mobilised. Let us return to our communities, our unions, our parties, and our classrooms with renewed commitment to telling the truth about China and defending the achievements of socialism.
Let us challenge the lies of imperialism wherever they appear—in the media, in parliament, or in everyday conversation—and replace them with facts, with analysis,
And above all, let us remember that the struggle for socialism is global. The victories of the Chinese people are victories for all of us. Their challenges are our challenges. Their future is bound up with ours and ours with theirs.
As Communists, we serve neither empire nor capital—but the cause of socialism, the dignity of nations, and the unity of peoples. Let us continue to build bridges between our movements. Let us deepen our understanding of Chinese socialism. And let us stand together in the fight for a better world in solidarity with socialist China.’
