Published by ChinaMNC · Dali

What China’s Long March 90th Anniversary Message Signals for Foreign Founders Operating in China

A practical briefing for foreign founders on the official themes emphasized at the 90th anniversary of the Red Army’s Long March, and how those themes relate to building and running a company in China.

Why a Historical Commemoration Matters to Foreign Founders

On October 22, a commemorative meeting marking the 90th anniversary of the Chinese Red Army’s Long March was held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, state president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivered an important speech. Senior leaders including Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Vice President Han Zheng attended; Zhao Leji presided.

For foreign founders registering or operating a company in China, this is not merely a historical event. Official speeches of this kind set out the language, priorities and expectations that shape policy implementation, regulatory behavior and public discourse. Understanding the themes can help founders align their business planning, communications and government relations with the direction signaled by the central leadership.

The Core Message: Remember History, Build the Future

Xi’s speech stressed that remembering history is the basis for opening up the future. He called on the whole Party, the military and people of all ethnic groups to unite more closely around the Party Central Committee, carry forward the spirit of the Long March, continue working hard and advance the cause pioneered by earlier generations, striving for new achievements on a new Long March.

Xi noted that the Red Army’s Long March ran from October 1934 to October 1936, involving the First, Second and Fourth Front Armies and the 25th Army. It crossed more than ten provinces, covered 25,000 li, broke through encirclement and interception by more than a million enemy troops, and achieved a strategic transfer north to resist Japanese aggression. He described it as a historic feat with far-reaching influence on the process of national rejuvenation.

Four Sources of Victory and What They Suggest for Business

Xi attributed the Long March victory to four factors. First, correct Party leadership, with the establishment of Mao Zedong’s core position described as decisive. Second, firm revolutionary will and ideals, which he said can unleash enormous power. Third, independence and fact-based decision-making: the basic tenets of Marxism must be closely combined with China’s concrete reality to solve China’s problems. Fourth, support from the broad masses, whom he called the source of strength and firm backing for the Party and the military.

For foreign founders, these points translate into practical watchpoints. Correct leadership suggests that alignment with official policy direction matters when structuring investments and approvals. Fact-based decision-making signals that policies will be presented as adapted to China’s specific conditions, so founders should expect local implementation details rather than one-size-fits-all rules. Reliance on the people points to the continued importance of public support, employment and social contribution in how companies are perceived.

The Long March Spirit as an Ongoing Theme

Xi said the Long March created an extraordinary miracle and forged a great spirit. He described that spirit as embodying the power of loyalty, truth, justice and unity, and as part of the spiritual lineage of Chinese Communists, transcending time and remaining a valuable source of motivation.

For companies, the emphasis on loyalty, unity and perseverance can inform internal culture and external messaging. Foreign founders should note that official narratives reward long-term commitment and resilience. Framing a China business as a long-term endeavor, rather than a short-term transaction, is likely to resonate better with partners and local authorities.

From History to Current Priorities

Xi stated that since the Long March victory 90 years ago, the Party has led the people through repeated great marches in revolution, construction and reform. Since the 18th Party Congress, socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a new era. He said the first centenary goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects had been achieved on schedule, historic achievements and changes had been made, and the country is now working on the second centenary goal of building a great modern socialist country and advancing national rejuvenation through Chinese-style modernization.

He described the new journey as a new Long March full of glory and dreams, and set out “five musts” for carrying forward the Long March spirit.

• Stay true to ideals and purpose. Fully implement the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, remember the original mission, and rely on the people to create new achievements.
• Promote high-quality development. Meet people’s growing needs for a better life, advance the Five-Sphere Integrated Plan and the Four-Pronged Comprehensive Strategy, pursue effective qualitative improvement and reasonable quantitative growth of the economy, and promote common prosperity.
• Carry out great struggles with new historical characteristics. Better coordinate development and security, overcome difficulties and risks with a sense of historical initiative, and ensure the ship of national rejuvenation advances steadily.
• Build the people’s military into a world-class force. Uphold the Party’s absolute leadership over the military, meet the centenary goal of the People’s Liberation Army on schedule, and modernize national defense and the military.
• Uphold Party leadership and strengthen Party building. Continue full and rigorous Party self-governance and ensure the Party remains the strong leadership core of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

Practical Takeaways for Founders

First, treat policy alignment as a planning input. The speech’s emphasis on high-quality development, common prosperity, and coordinating development and security indicates the themes likely to shape regulatory priorities. Founders should build compliance and risk management around these themes.

Second, expect localization in implementation. The stress on combining principle with China’s concrete reality suggests that national direction will be adapted locally. Founders should verify requirements with local authorities and professional advisers rather than relying only on national-level statements.

Third, communicate long-term commitment. The repeated language of continuing struggle, unity and perseverance favors companies that present themselves as durable partners contributing to employment, innovation and social goals.

Fourth, monitor official discourse. Speeches by senior leaders are a useful early indicator of policy emphasis. Regular review of government websites can help founders anticipate shifts in regulation, investment priorities and public expectations.

Zhao Leji, who presided over the meeting, said Xi’s speech reviewed the Long March, summarized its significance, explained the sources of victory, elaborated the historical value of the Long March spirit, and set out the “five musts.” He described the speech as politically, ideologically and practically important and called for it to be studied and implemented. Attendees included around 3,000 representatives from central and Beijing departments, democratic parties, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, non-party figures, veteran comrades, military personnel, and residents of the capital.

This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.