Multiple self-identified Democratic Socialists of America-linked individuals have signed onto a statement declaring support for the People's Republic of China and promoting understanding of what the document calls 'Chinese socialism.'
The statement, titled 'Friends of Socialist China,' characterizes the global advance toward socialism as indispensable for humanity's survival. The text argues that socialism is necessary to prevent climate breakdown, end poverty, establish global peace, and dismantle structural discrimination.
Among those listed as signatories are Mirah Wood, identified as Co-Chair of the Middle East & Africa Subcommittee within the DSA International Committee in the United States, and John McGrath, described as part of the DSA International Committee's anti-war efforts in the United Kingdom. Archived web pages show both names appearing on similar lists dating back to 2022.
The statement describes socialist countries' record as 'overwhelmingly positive.' It asserts that the continued survival of Chinese socialism is a crucial matter not only for the Chinese people but for all humanity, and declares signatories will work to support, defend, and build understanding of the system.
Fox News Digital reached out to both the DSA national organization and its International Committee for comment on this story. The DSA International Committee provided a statement emphasizing that it 'advocates for international solidarity' and opposes militarism and imperialism but declined to elaborate further ahead of publication.
What the Right Is Saying
Republican critics have characterized the statement as evidence of alignment between portions of the American left and adversarial foreign governments. They argue that characterizing China's political system as beneficial to humanity ignores documented human rights concerns.
Several Republican members of Congress have called for investigations into foreign influence in domestic political organizations, with some suggesting that statements supporting authoritarian states warrant scrutiny under existing disclosure laws.
Conservative commentators have argued that DSA's national prominence within the Democratic Party makes such positions a legitimate subject of electoral criticism. They note that candidates affiliated with the organization hold elected offices at local and state levels across multiple jurisdictions.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressives who support the signatories argue that DSA members, like any political activists, have the right to express views on foreign policy without being defined by their party's broader platform. They note that the organization has thousands of members with diverse perspectives on international relations.
Some progressive commentators have argued that critical examination of U.S.-China policy does not equate to endorsement of the Chinese government. They contend that advocates for diplomatic engagement are distinct from those who support authoritarian governance structures.
DSA's national leadership has previously stated that the organization's International Committee operates independently in its advocacy work, and membership in DSA does not imply agreement with every position taken by international subcommittees or working groups.
What the Numbers Show
DSA reported approximately 90,000 paying members as of its most recent public membership count. The organization's International Committee represents one of dozens of working groups within its structure.
The statement's signatories list includes individuals from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and several European nations based on names visible in archived versions of the document.
China represents the world's second-largest economy by nominal GDP and largest by purchasing power parity. The U.S.-China relationship is considered the most consequential bilateral relationship in international affairs by multiple government assessments.
The Bottom Line
The emergence of this statement highlights ongoing tensions within progressive political movements regarding foreign policy positions, particularly toward China. DSA's national leadership has not publicly endorsed the document's specific assertions about Chinese socialism.
The statement comes as Congress continues debates over China-related legislation, including technology restrictions, trade policies, and diplomatic approaches. Both parties have taken harder lines on China in recent years, though they differ on specific mechanisms.
Fox News Digital will update this article if DSA provides additional comment beyond its initial statement.