Approximately a dozen members of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) have signed a public pledge to "support" and "defend" China. The pledge, promoted by the London-based group Friends of Socialist China, has garnered over 950 signatories and advocates for the understanding and promotion of "Chinese socialism."
The signatories argue that capitalism is incapable of solving global issues like poverty and inequality, linking it instead to war, racism, and environmental destruction. They state that "the global advance to socialism is indispensable if humanity is to survive and to flourish."
Regarding China specifically, the pledge asserts that its "size and level of development give it an objectively critical role in the global transition to socialism." It further lauds China as a leader in establishing a "multipolar system of international relations" and a "new international economic order," as well as in combating climate change. The document concludes that "the continued survival of Chinese socialism is a crucial matter not only for the Chinese people but for all humanity."
This development follows reports of the DSA launching a monthly seminar series on "modern China and lessons for US socialists." One seminar reportedly claimed China has a "strong democracy," without mentioning restrictions on freedom of expression. Additionally, a DSA delegation visited Beijing to commemorate China's victory against Japan, an event attended by international leaders including Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Meeting minutes from 2021 indicate that some DSA members have discussed organizing trips to China to meet with Communist Party officials under the banner of "anti-imperialism." However, these records also reveal internal divisions within the DSA regarding the extent of its association with China, with some members expressing opposition to closer ties with the authoritarian country.