15th World Socialism Forum kicks off in Beijing

The 15th World Socialism Forum opened in Beijing on Monday, bringing together nearly 90 foreign communist leaders, Marxist scholars, social activists, and diplomatic representatives from 35 countries. The forum, themed "At the Crossroads of World History: The Choices of All Nations", focused on Chinese-style modernization, the rise of the Global South, and reforms in global governance to safeguard fairness and justice.

Gao Xiang, president and Party secretary of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), opened the forum by highlighting the profound adjustments underway in the global balance of power. He stressed China's Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative, and Global Governance Initiative have offered practical solutions to global challenges, contributing Chinese wisdom and strength to the international community. As a leader of the global socialist movement, Gao said China's practice of Chinese-style modernization brings new vitality to socialism, and offers developing countries a non-Western path to modernization. Echoing this vision, he stressed that China will continue to work with socialist forces worldwide to deepen solidarity, jointly tackle global challenges, and let the light of socialist ideals shine in human civilization.

Voices from across the world resonated with these themes. Alberto Moreno, general secretary of the Communist Party of Peru – Red Fatherland, said that "multilateralism is the call of our era," adding that China's initiatives are inspiring for constructing a fair and democratic international order.

Echoing this sentiment, José Luis Centella, president of the Communist Party of Spain, noted that China's leadership in global governance shows "a practical commitment to fairness and cooperation," contrasting it with hegemonic strategies that threaten global peace. He urged progressive forces worldwide to reform international institutions and resist confrontational blocs, saying such efforts are essential for a more just global system.

Maurizio Acerbo, secretary of the Communist Refoundation Party, stressed that elements of fascism are reappearing on the world stage. He recognized China's responsible role in international affairs and emphasized that Chinese-style modernization has broken the hegemony of neoliberalism and offered the world a new development paradigm.

Meanwhile, general secretary of the Communist Party of Argentina Jorge Kreneyss highlighted BRICS as a key platform for Global South nations to strengthen autonomy, noting that China's vision offers hope and concrete support for countries seeking self-determined development.

Building on the discussions with foreign participants, Chinese scholars emphasized that Chinese style modernization represents a new form of human civilization rooted in China's historical and cultural context, offering a model that transcends Western-centric paradigms. They highlighted that China's governance initiatives demonstrate the responsibilities of a major power, provide a strategic blueprint for a fairer and more effective global system, and showcase the practical and theoretical value of socialist modernization with Chinese characteristics. In a rapidly changing world, they stressed the importance of adapting Marxist principles to contemporary realities, combining ideological commitment with practical action to advance global development and the ongoing progress of Socialism.

Participants at the forum widely agreed that Chinese style modernization, combined with international cooperation and multilateral governance initiatives, provides a new vision for global socialism and a practical model for equitable development worldwide.