Supporters of China celebrate 75th anniversary at London event

Friends of Socialist China, an online platform that promotes understanding of Chinese socialism, organized a conference in London on Saturday to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on Oct 1.

Carlos Martinez, the co-founder of Friends of Socialist China, opened the conference in Bolivar Hall by saying China is "a force for peace and progress" amid the current military conflicts and climate crisis.

He cited China's position in demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the Belt and Road initiative that provides development opportunities for the world, and the country's advances in green technologies to tackle climate change as major achievements.

Zhao Fei, minister of China's embassy in the United Kingdom, addressed the more than 100 attendees and reflected on the "two miracles of rapid economic development and long-term social stability" that China has achieved during the past 75 years with the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China.

"On our journey ahead, we will inevitably be confronted with problems, risks, and challenges," Zhao said, adding that by upholding the fighting spirit, further deepening reform, and unleashing new productive forces, China will become a great modern socialist country in all respects by the middle of the century.

Cuba's ambassador to the UK, Ismara Vargas Walter, said when the People's Republic of China was founded in 1949, it marked the triumph of the indomitable spirit of the Chinese people in their struggle for sovereignty, dignity, and a future free from colonialism and imperialism.

Walter said China has been "a beacon of hope for the oppressed" because its policy of peaceful development, mutual respect, and win-win cooperation stand in sharp contrast to coercion and militarism.

Felix Plasencia, a former ambassador to China for Venezuela, and Phonesy Boulom, first secretary of Lao's embassy in the UK, also spoke at the event, praising China's role in championing cooperation with developing countries and opposing wars and unfair sanctions.

The conference was divided into three panels: China, multipolarity and the rise of the Global South, China's road to socialism, and standing up against the New Cold War.

Around 20 speakers, including academics, trade unionists, and journalists, spoke in person or via video and shared their firsthand observations, longtime studies, and positive opinions about China.

The Praxis Press also launched a new collection of essays at the event that were edited by Carlos Martinez and Keith Bennett. Titled People's China at 75 – The Flag Stays Red, the book features contributions from experts on China from around the world.