Int'l attendees debate global development challenges at 14th World Socialism Forum

The 14th World Socialism Forum (WSF) concluded in Beijing on Tuesday after gathering attendees from around the world to discuss the current global transformations and the evolving role of socialism in addressing contemporary challenges.

The two-day forum was hosted by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and brought together over 60 communist leaders, Marxist scholars, and diplomats from more than 30 countries across six continents, providing a platform for in-depth analysis under the theme of "Current Changes of the World, of Our Times and of History."

In addition to the seminars and dialogues at the forum, delegates will also visit China's Fujian and Guizhou provinces for academic and cultural exchanges.

Attendees pointed to China's pursuit of advancing socialism with Chinese characteristics and the strategic leadership of the Communist Party of China as being a shining example to the rest of the world in terms of its development.

Professor Mbita Chitala, the former Deputy Minister of Commerce, Trade, and Industry of Zambia, praised China's development as a remarkable global achievement.

"Now China has been defined as a 'miracle' in the world. We must learn from China that only our people in Africa can develop ourselves," said Chitala.

Jose Luis Centella, chairman of the Communist Party of Spain, underscored the significance of China's reform and opening-up policies. He highlighted China's commitment to modernization, noting that it does not seek hegemonic dominance but aims to be a dependable partner in global cooperation and development.

"The important message from the 20th Central Committee's Third Plenary Session of the Communist Party of China [held in July] is that China will continue to advance reform and opening-up, as well as Chinese modernization. China does not seek hegemony but aims to cooperate with Spain and other countries around the world, and it is a trustworthy partner for us," he said.

Massimiliano Ay, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Switzerland, also praised the relevance of China's reforms for developing nations and the opportunities it affords to more people.

"The (Communist) Party (Of China) decided to deepen the reform and opening-up, this is of particular importance for the Global South countries. It is a good thing for the majority of the people," he said.

Ay also pointed to Chinese President Xi Jinping's book on governance as a source of inspiration and practical guidance for countries navigating their own paths to modernization and socio-economic progress.

According to the International Monetary Fund, emerging markets and developing economies increased their share of global economic output from 43 percent in 2000 to 59 percent in 2023, while advanced economies' share decreased from 57 percent to 41 percent.

Experts at the forum highlighted how the rising influence of Eastern economies and the development of socialism with Chinese characteristics has injected new vitality into global socialism.

The World Socialism Forum is a significant international event established to foster dialogue and collaboration among global socialist and communist parties. It was first held in 2005 to address the evolving dynamics of socialism in the modern era. As time passes, it has become a key venue for exchanging ideas and reinforcing solidarity among socialist movements worldwide.

Int'l attendees debate global development challenges at 14th World Socialism Forum

Multiple handheld pager explosions struck Beirut and the southeastern and northeastern regions of Lebanon on Tuesday, leading to a temporary internet shutdown in the southern suburbs of the capital city, according to China Media Group (CMG) reporter Ci Xiaoning.

"I am currently at the entrance of a major hospital in Beirut, Lebanon's capital. Around 15:30 today, there were several explosions in the southern suburbs of Beirut. My Lebanese colleague, who lives very close to the area, experienced an immediate loss of internet connectivity. Reports have since confirmed that many handheld pagers were involved in the explosions," Ci reported outside a hospital in Beruit.

Lebanese Health Minister Firas Abiad confirmed that the explosions resulted in at least nine deaths and about 2,800 injuries, with approximately 200 people in critical condition. The injured are being transferred to hospitals.

In a statement, Hezbollah said it is conducting security and scientific investigations to identify the reasons behind these explosions, adding that the group is "at the highest level of readiness to defend Lebanon and its people."

In a separate statement, the Shiite group blamed Israel for "this criminal attack," vowing to retaliate.

The Lebanese Council of Ministers stressed that the government, shortly after the deadly explosions, began contacting the concerned countries and the United Nations to hold the perpetrators accountable.

Israel has yet to comment on Tuesday's blasts. According to media reports, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant held a security assessment meeting at the HaKirya military base in Tel Aviv on Tuesday to address the implications of the explosions.

CMG reporter says internet shutdown following deadly pager blasts in Lebanon