Published by ChinaMNC · Huangpu

What China's Long March 90th Anniversary Means for Foreign Founders

A high-level Communist Party gathering in Beijing underscores policy continuity and national unity—key context for foreign entrepreneurs setting up or running a company in China.

A Major Political Event and Its Business Context

On October 22, a grand gathering commemorating the 90th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' 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, President of the People's Republic of China, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivered an important speech. The event was attended by other senior leaders, including Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, and Han Zheng. Zhao Leji presided over the meeting.

For foreign founders registering or operating a company in China, such high-level political gatherings are not directly about business regulations, but they signal the broader policy environment and ideological priorities that can shape long-term stability and governance. Understanding these signals can help founders anticipate the direction of policy and maintain constructive relationships with local authorities.

Key Messages from the Speech

Xi Jinping emphasized that remembering history is essential to creating the future. He called on the entire Party, the military, and people of all ethnic groups to unite more closely around the Party Central Committee, to carry forward the great Long March spirit, and to continue striving to advance the cause pioneered by the revolutionary forebears. He stressed that on the new Long March, efforts should be made to create new brilliance.

The speech reviewed the history of the Long March from October 1934 to October 1936, when the Red Army's First, Second, and Fourth Front Armies and the 25th Army conducted what he described as a world-shaking epic. He noted that the Red Army traveled through more than ten provinces, covered 25,000 li, and broke through the encirclement and pursuit of over a million enemy troops. This, he said, declared the complete failure of the Kuomintang reactionaries' attempt to eliminate the Communist Party and the Red Army, successfully achieved the strategic shift to resist Japan in the north, and opened a new situation for the Chinese revolution.

Xi attributed the victory to several factors: the correct leadership of the Party, the determination of the Red Army, the principle of independence and seeking truth from facts, and the support of the masses. He emphasized that the great Long March spirit demonstrates the power of loyalty, truth, justice, and unity, and remains a valuable source of strength.

Implications for the Business Environment

While the speech focused on historical commemoration and ideological themes, it also touched on current national goals. Xi noted that since the 18th Party Congress, socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a new era. He stated that the first centenary goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects has been achieved on schedule, and that the country is now striving to build a great modern socialist country and realize the second centenary goal, advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through a Chinese path to modernization.

He outlined five "musts" for the new journey: upholding the Party's ideals and beliefs; promoting high-quality development and common prosperity; carrying out great struggles with new historical characteristics while balancing development and security; accelerating the building of a world-class military; and upholding Party leadership and strengthening Party building. These principles indicate a continued emphasis on stability, development, and security—factors that foreign investors should consider when planning long-term operations in China.

For foreign founders, the emphasis on high-quality development and common prosperity suggests that policies may continue to focus on sustainable growth, innovation, and social equity. The call to balance development and security implies that regulatory frameworks may evolve to address risks, which could affect areas such as data security, supply chains, and compliance. Understanding these priorities can help founders align their business strategies with national objectives.

Practical Takeaways for Foreign Founders

• Policy continuity: High-level political events reaffirm the leadership's commitment to long-term goals. Foreign founders should monitor such signals to anticipate policy direction.
• Compliance and security: The emphasis on balancing development and security suggests that regulatory compliance, especially in data and cybersecurity, will remain important.
• Local engagement: The speech highlighted the importance of public support. Building good relations with local communities and authorities can facilitate smoother operations.
• Long-term perspective: The reference to a "new Long March" implies a prolonged period of effort. Foreign founders should adopt a long-term view when investing in China.

These points are general observations and not specific legal or tax guidance. Foreign founders should consult professional advisors for advice tailored to their situation.

Conclusion

The 90th anniversary commemoration of the Long March serves as a reminder of the political and ideological foundations that shape China's governance. While the event itself does not introduce new business regulations, it provides context for the policy environment. Foreign founders operating in China can benefit from understanding these broader narratives and aligning their strategies accordingly.

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

For assistance with registering and operating a company in China, foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535.