For the EL delegation the purpose of the trip to China has been twofold: it was important on the one hand to learn about the socialist market economy and China’s recent developments in accordance to the political decisions taken in the last 30 years, on the other hand to discuss issues, such as workers’ rights, education and social protection that are part of the European Left’s agenda. Recent developments of the international situation, the struggle for peace and aspects related to globalization and worldwide challenges for the left forces were another focus.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of China’s reform and opening up. The reform of the cultural revolutionary course of the CP of China and the introduction of a policy orientated towards liberalisation launched in 1978 introduced market economic aspects that enabled China to become a modern and industrial power on the global scene. The focus on productivity as a precondition for social development and education is what distinguishes the socialism with Chinese characteristics from other socialist models in the past.
The EL delegation had the chance to discuss various aspects of today’s China with the CP of China and other political and social organizations, as well as with different institutions in Beijing and in Anhui Province. The EL delegation was received by Li Changchun, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the CP of China. The program also included  discussions with Zhang Zhijun, vice-minister of the International Department of the CPC, a seminar at the Central Party School about the reform and opening up policies, meetings with the CPC Anhui Provincial Committee, exchanges with the All China Federation of Trade Unions, the Chinese Youth Federation, the All China Women’s Federation, a discussion at the Institute for Marxist Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, a meeting with officials from the Ministry of Education, and visits to Beijing’s Aerospace Science and Technology City as well as Hefei’s High Tech Development Zone. The delegation also visited the Olympic Park and met visitors, participants and volunteers of the Paralympics.
The intensive exchange between the Chinese representatives and the EL delegation members has shown openness on both sides, and a clear interest of China for Europe and the European Union. The European Left Party and the Communist Party of China will continue the exchange of views and discuss future forms of cooperation, which has also been included in the media coverage of the delegation’s visit.


The EL delegation consisted of EL Chairman Lothar Bisky (The Left, Germany), Vice-Chairwoman Graziella Mascia (Communist Refoundation Party, Italy), Milan Neubert (Party of Democratic Socialism, Czech Republic), Maite Mola (Spanish Communist Party), Carmen Hilario (Left Bloc, Portugal), Anna Filini (Synaspismos, Greece),  Helmut Scholz (The Left, Germany), Helmut Ettinger (The Left, Germany), Eleonora Circosta (EL office, Belgium).