Internal meeting minutes reviewed by Newsweek reveal that members connected to New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s Democratic Socialists of America circle discussed cultivating relationships with officials linked to the Chinese Communist Party and shaping their public messaging to avoid issues deemed sensitive by Beijing.
According to Newsweek, the documents span back to 2021 and include dozens of internal records such as meeting minutes and materials related to trips to China. The records show activists debating outreach strategies toward Chinese officials and framing pro-China advocacy under the banner of what they described as “anti-imperialism.”
One New York-based political activist told a Democratic Socialists of America China Working Group meeting on Oct. 8 that “China wants to interface with the DSA,” according to the minutes. The activist suggested that if the group developed a strong itinerary, hired local help, and built further connections with the Communist Party of China, the effort would be successful.
The minutes also reflect discussions about deliberately avoiding topics considered flashpoints for the Chinese government. Participants urged steering clear of issues such as China’s threats toward Taiwan, the security crackdown in Hong Kong, and the treatment of Uyghur Muslims, while still pursuing contacts linked to China’s ruling party.
Newsweek reported that Chinese officials were not present during the DSA meetings themselves. However, U.S.-based participants later met with Chinese officials during trips to China, where they were encouraged to pursue what were described as “official exchanges.” One such exchange included an August 2025 trip to Guizhou, where American visitors were hosted by officials at a Communist Party school.
Internal discussions also highlighted guidance from Code Pink, an activist group, encouraging participants to “stay out of the weeds” when it came to sensitive China-related topics. The minutes further quote a participant at a 2021 meeting who claimed that reports stating “one million Uyghurs [are] being brutalized in Xinjiang” were an exaggeration.
Newsweek said it reached out to both the DSA International Committee and New York City Hall for comment but did not receive responses. The materials reviewed by the outlet did not show Mamdani himself attending any of the meetings referenced in the documents.
When asked about reported contacts between DSA figures, Mamdani’s administration, and the Chinese Communist Party, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy addressed the issue. Embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu told Newsweek that “local exchanges and cooperation” are an important component of China-U.S. relations.
While Mamdani was not directly tied to the meetings in the records reviewed, the report notes that the DSA’s national leadership has publicly celebrated his election victory. The organization has also highlighted the role that New York City DSA members played as campaign staff and volunteers during his run.
The revelations are likely to intensify scrutiny of the ideological leanings and foreign policy views circulating within Mamdani’s broader political network. Critics may argue that discussions about tailoring messaging to avoid offending Beijing raise serious concerns about values and transparency, particularly as China’s human rights record and geopolitical ambitions remain contentious issues on the global stage.
Newsweek’s report underscores how internal activist discussions, even when not involving elected officials directly, can fuel questions about influence, priorities, and the direction of political movements tied to major American cities.
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