LONDON’S historic Marx Memorial Library was the setting for the Tuesday evening launch of China analyst Carlos Martinez’s new book The East is Still Red: Chinese Socialism in the 21st Century.

Mr Martinez, co-editor of Friends of Socialist China and co-founder of No Cold War, told a packed meeting room that socialism “is not simply a part of China’s history but it is central to its future.”

He said: “There have been numerous books written to persuade you that China was somehow this authoritarian, repressive state intent on taking over the world. 

“I wanted to write about China’s achievements and present a positive view of China including its multipolar foreign policy strategy and the role of Chinese socialism.

“My book counters the propaganda war against China and the drive towards a new cold war.”

He added: “One of the other reasons for writing this book is to talk about the fact that China is a Marxist country and how this is incredibly misunderstood — including on the left.”

Among the speakers at the launch was Venezuelan ambassador Rocio Maneiro, who served as her country’s representative in China for many years.

She said that most books she has read about China were far from reflecting the realities of the country “but the book by Carlos presents a different hypothesis about what China means to the world today.”

Danny Haiphong, journalist at Black Agenda Report, said: “China is a beacon of hope for the global South. Socialism informs the multipolarity approach of China to foreign policy.”

China specialist and peace activist Jenny Clegg said: “With this book Carlos does battle with the new cold war.”

She urged the meeting to see the book as a “guide within the left and a tool for activists.” 

The East is Still Red: Chinese Socialism for the 21^st Century is printed by Praxis Press for £17.99.