DSA members sign pledge to back China, sparking internal debate over CCP ties
Around a dozen Democratic Socialists of America activists signed a Friends of Socialist China pledge to support Chinese socialism, prompting division within the group.
A handful of activists linked to the Democratic Socialists of America have joined a pledge organized by Friends of Socialist China, a London group claiming 952 signatories, to "support, defend and build understanding of Chinese socialism." The document asserts that China's continued socialist path is vital for global survival and criticizes capitalism as tied to war, inequality and environmental harm. The DSA has hosted monthly seminars on "modern China" and dispatched a delegation to Beijing for the 80th anniversary of the victory over Japan, an event praised by member Dee Knight.
Meeting minutes obtained by one outlet's show ongoing plans for further trips to meet CCP officials under an anti-imperialism banner, yet also capture sharp criticism from an International Committee member who opposes promoting the Chinese regime. The DSA has not responded to requests for comment regarding the pledge.
Why it matters
The pledge reveals growing engagement between US leftist activists and China, raising concerns about ideological alignment and political influence.
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