Internal Tensions Within Democratic Socialists of America Over Ties to China
The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) appears to be experiencing significant internal strife regarding its connections with certain officials from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the group’s attempts to suppress criticism about China. One member expressed dissatisfaction, stating it’s “not what I joined,” according to a recent report.
Internal documents indicate that the DSA, which includes New York Mayor Zoran Mamdani, has engaged with the CCP, adopted stances consistent with China’s position, and prompted disputes over directives to sidestep sensitive political topics related to China during meetings.
“These materials reveal ongoing ideological ties and narratives that suggest influence is occurring both at a discursive and organizational level,” mentioned a member, who provided recordings confidentially.
Minutes from meetings dating back to 2021 reveal that members discussed connections with the CCP under the guise of “anti-imperialist” initiatives and frequently traveled to China to meet with party officials.
Additionally, the documents highlight calls from DSA participants urging others to avoid discussing certain politically sensitive matters like China’s actions regarding Taiwan, the situation in Hong Kong, and the treatment of Uyghur Muslims.
Mamdani was not present at the meetings outlined in the documents.
“This doesn’t align with what I expected from this organization, and I suspect many others feel the same way,” said a member of the DSA International Committee, expressing frustration. “It’s hard to reconcile participation in an organization that promotes such views.”
While the records do not suggest any explicit wrongdoing, they raise questions about the potential influence of China within the group and beyond.
During a meeting in October 2025, a political activist associated with DSA touted the creation of a DSA China Working Group aimed at strengthening ties with China.
“China wants to cooperate with DSA,” the individual, whose name was omitted, remarked.
Members who challenged the organization’s position on China were labeled unfriendly and pushed into discussions to explain their views further, according to the minutes.
“I don’t understand why we can’t discuss their rights until we handle American imperialism,” raised one concerned participant, who felt the group was neglecting issues related to rights in China. They later apologized after receiving criticism.
This report follows a revelation that DSA conducts monthly seminars titled “Modern China and Lessons for American Socialists.”
In a December session, some of DSA’s educational offerings made controversial assertions, such as claiming that communist nations boast “strong democracies,” asserting China has the world’s largest economy, and promoting the idea that state control over businesses is essential to protect workers from oligarchy.
“The primary goal of the Chinese Communist Party is to reduce inequality,” emphasized Ben Norton, an American Marxist researcher currently in Beijing.
He added, “People have a lot of misconceptions about China.”
Anlin Wang, a DSA member who hosted the December session, noted that the seminar began as an internal series in 2024 and was deemed successful enough to be shared publicly.
