Published by ChinaMNC · Wujiang

China Marks 90th Anniversary of Long March: Key Takeaways for Foreign Founders

A high-level commemoration in Beijing highlights themes of resilience and long-term planning—values that can inform how foreign founders approach company registration and operations in China.

A Historic Anniversary with Lessons for Business

On October 22, 2026, China held a major commemoration in Beijing marking the 90th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army's Long March. The event, held at the Great Hall of the People, featured a keynote speech by 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. While the occasion was political in nature, the themes emphasized—perseverance, strategic planning, and adaptation—resonate with the challenges and opportunities foreign founders face when establishing and operating a company in China.

What the Long March Commemoration Covered

The source article, published on the Guangdong Provincial Government portal, reports that the commemoration took place on the morning of October 22. Attendees included senior leaders Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, and Han Zheng. Zhao Leji presided over the meeting.

In his speech, Xi Jinping reflected on the Long March, which took place from October 1934 to October 1936. He described it as a world-shaking feat in which the Red Army's First, Second, and Fourth Front Armies and the 25th Army traversed more than ten provinces, covered 25,000 li (approximately 12,500 kilometers), and broke through encirclement and interception by over a million enemy troops. The march, he said, declared the complete failure of the Kuomintang reactionaries' attempt to eliminate the Communist Party and the Red Army, achieved the strategic transfer to resist Japanese aggression, and opened a new phase of the Chinese revolution.

Xi emphasized that the victory of the Long March was inevitable and contained the key to the Party and the people's army's advance. He attributed this to several factors: correct Party leadership (including the establishment of Mao Zedong's core position), firm revolutionary will and ideals, independent and realistic decision-making (integrating Marxist principles with China's concrete reality), and the support of the masses.

He also spoke of the "Great Long March Spirit," which he said embodies the power of loyalty, truth, justice, and unity, and remains a valuable source of motivation. Looking ahead, Xi noted that the new journey is a "new Long March" and outlined "five musts": uphold the Party's ideals and purpose; promote high-quality development and common prosperity; pursue the great struggle with historical initiative while balancing development and security; build a world-class military; and strengthen Party leadership and discipline.

The article also mentions that approximately 3,000 people attended the event, including representatives from central and state organs, the military, democratic parties, and various sectors of society.

Why This Matters for Foreign Founders

At first glance, a political commemoration may seem far removed from the practicalities of registering a company in China. However, the underlying messages—resilience, long-term planning, and adaptation to local conditions—are directly relevant to foreign entrepreneurs navigating China's business environment.

• Persistence pays off: The Long March story underscores the importance of perseverance in the face of obstacles. Foreign founders often encounter regulatory hurdles, cultural differences, and operational challenges. A long-term perspective and determination can help overcome these.
• Local adaptation is key: Xi's emphasis on integrating Marxist principles with China's concrete reality mirrors the need for foreign businesses to adapt their models to local market conditions, consumer behavior, and regulatory frameworks.
• Unity and teamwork: The speech highlights the power of unity. For foreign founders, building strong local teams and partnerships is essential for success in China.
• Strategic patience: The Long March was a strategic retreat that ultimately led to victory. Similarly, foreign founders should be prepared to pivot and take a long-term view when entering or expanding in China.

Practical Steps for Foreign Founders in China

While the commemoration itself does not introduce new policies, it reinforces the importance of understanding China's historical and political context. Foreign founders should:

• Stay informed: Follow official government sources for updates on regulations and policies that affect foreign investment and company operations.
• Engage local expertise: Work with local lawyers, accountants, and business consultants to navigate the complexities of company registration, tax, and compliance.
• Build relationships: Cultivate strong ties with local partners, suppliers, and government authorities. Relationship-building (guanxi) remains important in Chinese business culture.
• Embrace long-term commitment: China's market offers significant opportunities but requires patience and sustained effort. Plan for the long haul.

How ChinaMNC Can Help

At ChinaMNC, we specialize in assisting foreign founders with company registration and ongoing operations in China. Our services include entity setup, tax compliance, HR support, and regulatory guidance. While the Long March commemoration is a historical event, the values it embodies—perseverance, adaptation, and strategic thinking—are ones we share in helping our clients succeed.

For personalized assistance, foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535. Our team is ready to help you navigate the Chinese business landscape and turn challenges into opportunities.

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