Published by ChinaMNC · Qilin

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

A high-level CCP commemoration emphasizes unity, resilience, and long-term planning—values that can inform how foreign founders approach company registration and operations in China.

A High-Level Commemoration with Practical Takeaways

On October 22, 2026, China marked the 90th anniversary of the Long March with a major event at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. President Xi Jinping delivered a speech emphasizing themes of perseverance, strategic planning, and collective effort. While the event is political in nature, the underlying messages offer useful context for foreign founders considering company registration or ongoing operations in China.

The meeting was attended by senior leaders including Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, and Vice President Han Zheng. Zhao Leji presided. The source reports that approximately 3,000 people attended, including officials from central and state departments, representatives of democratic parties, military personnel, and members of the public.

Historical Context: The Long March

According to the source, the Long March took place between October 1934 and October 1936. Forces led by the Communist Party of China—the First, Second, and Fourth Front Armies and the 25th Army—undertook a military retreat that spanned more than ten provinces and covered 25,000 li (approximately 12,500 kilometers). The source states that these forces broke through encirclement by over a million enemy troops, marking a strategic shift northward to resist Japanese aggression and opening a new phase in the Chinese revolution.

Xi described the Long March as a decisive event with profound implications for China's national rejuvenation. He emphasized that the victory resulted from correct Party leadership, firm revolutionary conviction, an independent and fact-based approach, and support from the general public.

Core Messages from Xi's Speech

Xi's address focused on drawing lessons from history to inform current and future efforts. Key points included:

• Leadership and unity: The victory was attributed to correct Party leadership and the establishment of Mao Zedong's core position, which Xi called decisive.
• Resilience: Revolutionary ideals and beliefs were said to generate immense power, making a determined team invincible.
• Practical adaptation: Marxism must be integrated with China's concrete realities to solve problems and demonstrate vitality.
• Public support: The people were described as the source of strength and a strong backing for the Party and military.

Xi also highlighted the "Great Long March Spirit," which he said embodies the power of loyalty, truth, justice, and unity. This spirit, part of the Party's spiritual lineage, is presented as a valuable asset for overcoming difficulties.

From Revolutionary History to Modern Development

Xi noted that the Long March continues in new forms. Since the 90th anniversary of the victory, the Party has led the people through successive "long marches" in revolution, construction, and reform. Since the 18th Party Congress, socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a new era. The source states that the first centenary goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects has been achieved on schedule, and the country is now focused on the second centenary goal: building a great modern socialist country and advancing national rejuvenation through Chinese-style modernization.

For foreign founders, this emphasis on long-term planning and steady progress may resonate. China's policy direction remains oriented toward high-quality development, common prosperity, and security—factors that can affect business strategy and regulatory expectations.

Five Imperatives for the "New Long March"

Xi outlined five requirements for carrying forward the Long March spirit. These are framed as general principles for national development:

• Adhere to Party ideals and purpose: 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 the people's growing needs for a better life, coordinate the Five-Sphere Integrated Plan and the Four-Pronged Comprehensive Strategy, seek qualitative improvement and reasonable quantitative growth in the economy, and advance common prosperity.
• Undertake great struggles with new historical characteristics: Better coordinate development and security, overcome difficulties and risks with a proactive historical spirit, and ensure the steady progress of the "great ship of national rejuvenation."
• Accelerate building a world-class military: Uphold the Party's absolute leadership over the military, achieve the centenary goal of the People's Liberation Army on schedule, and advance defense and military modernization.
• Uphold Party leadership and strengthen Party building: Exercise full and rigorous Party self-governance, and ensure the Party remains the strong leadership core of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

These points are broad policy orientations, not specific regulations. However, they signal a continued focus on stability, development, and security—areas that foreign investors often monitor when planning market entry or expansion.

Implications for Foreign Founders

While the commemoration is a domestic political event, it offers context for the operating environment in China. The emphasis on resilience, long-term planning, and adaptation to local realities aligns with the practical experience of many foreign founders who navigate China's regulatory landscape. The speech's stress on high-quality development and common prosperity may inform expectations around labor, environmental, and social policies.

Foreign founders should note that China's policy priorities are communicated through such high-level events, and these priorities can shape implementation at local levels. Understanding these signals can help in strategic decision-making, from choosing a registration location to structuring operations for compliance and growth.

Practical Steps for Company Registration and Operation

For foreign founders looking to establish a presence in China, the following general steps are commonly involved:

• Market research and planning: Assess demand, competition, and regulatory requirements for your sector.
• Choose a legal structure: Common options include a wholly foreign-owned enterprise (WFOE), joint venture, or representative office. Each has different capital, liability, and operational implications.
• Name approval and registration: Reserve a company name with the local Administration for Market Regulation and submit incorporation documents.
• Capital and banking: Open a capital account, inject registered capital as required, and set up a basic bank account.
• Tax and social insurance registration: Register with tax authorities and enroll employees in social insurance as required.
• Ongoing compliance: Maintain accounting records, file annual reports, and adhere to foreign exchange and labor regulations.

These steps are general and may vary by industry and location. Working with local professionals can help ensure compliance and efficiency.

Conclusion

The 90th anniversary of the Long March highlights themes of perseverance and strategic vision. For foreign founders, these themes may serve as a reminder of the importance of long-term commitment and adaptability when operating in China. As China continues to pursue modernization and high-quality development, staying informed about policy directions can support informed business decisions.

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

Call to action: Foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535 for help registering and operating a company in China.