Published by ChinaMNC · Pinggu

What China's Long March 90th Anniversary Means for Foreign Founders: A Guide to Navigating the Business Environment

On October 22, 2026, China commemorated the 90th anniversary of the Long March. For foreign founders, the event signals the enduring influence of Party leadership and ideology on China's governance and business climate. This article outlines the key points and practical implications for company registration and operations.

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

On October 22, 2026, a grand gathering marking 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 (CPC) 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.

For foreign founders registering or operating a company in China, this commemoration is not just a historical milestone—it reflects the ideological and political framework that shapes China's governance and business environment. Understanding the key themes of the speech can provide useful context for navigating policies, regulations, and public discourse in China.

Key Themes from the Anniversary Speech

Xi Jinping emphasized that remembering history is essential to shaping the future. He called on the entire Party, the military, and people of all ethnic groups to unite more closely around the CPC Central Committee, to carry forward the great Long March spirit, and to strive for new achievements on the new Long March. The speech highlighted several core principles:

• Party leadership as decisive: The victory of the Long March is attributed to the correct leadership of the Party and the establishment of Mao Zedong's core position.
• Firm revolutionary will: Revolutionary ideals and beliefs can unleash immense power; a team with lofty ideals and firm convictions is invincible.
• Independence and pragmatism: The basic principles of Marxism must be closely integrated with China's specific realities to solve China's problems.
• Support from the people: The masses are the source of strength for the Party and the military; maintaining close ties with the people ensures victory.

These principles are presented as the "winning path" of the Long March and are echoed in contemporary governance.

Implications for Foreign Founders

While the speech focuses on historical commemoration, its themes have practical relevance for foreign entrepreneurs:

• Policy continuity and stability: The emphasis on Party leadership suggests that China's policy direction will remain consistent. Foreign founders should stay informed about regulatory changes and align their business strategies with national priorities.
• Social responsibility and people-oriented approach: The stress on the masses as the source of strength implies that businesses are expected to contribute to social welfare and maintain good relations with local communities and employees.
• Independent innovation and pragmatism: The call to integrate theory with reality encourages practical, market-driven solutions. Foreign founders can leverage China's innovation ecosystem while adapting to local conditions.
• Unity and collective effort: The spirit of unity highlights the importance of building strong partnerships with local stakeholders, including government agencies and business partners.

New Long March and High-Quality Development

Xi Jinping described the new journey as a "new Long March" for the Party and the people. He outlined "five musts" for carrying forward the Long March spirit:

• Stay true to ideals and convictions: 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 historical achievements.
• Promote high-quality development: Continuously meet the people's growing needs for a better life, coordinate the "Five-Sphere Integrated Plan" and the "Four-Pronged Comprehensive Strategy," achieve effective qualitative improvement and reasonable quantitative growth of the economy, and promote common prosperity for all.
• Undertake great struggles: Better coordinate development and security, overcome difficulties, risks, and challenges with historical initiative, and ensure the steady progress of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
• Build a world-class military: Adhere to the Party's absolute leadership over the military, achieve the centenary goal of the People's Liberation Army, and advance defense and military modernization.
• Strengthen Party leadership and building: Persist in full and rigorous Party self-governance, and ensure the Party remains the strong leadership core of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

For foreign founders, the focus on high-quality development signals opportunities in sectors aligned with national goals, such as advanced manufacturing, green technology, and digital economy. The emphasis on common prosperity may also encourage businesses to adopt fair labor practices and contribute to social equity.

Domestic and International Context

The commemoration was attended by approximately 3,000 people, including senior officials, representatives of democratic parties, veterans, and people from all walks of life in the capital. Zhao Leji presided over the meeting and called for studying and implementing Xi's speech, uniting around the CPC Central Committee, and striving for national rejuvenation through Chinese-style modernization.

For foreign founders, understanding these ideological currents can aid in building constructive relationships with local authorities and partners. While the speech does not directly address foreign investment, it underscores the importance of aligning with China's development goals and respecting its political system.

Practical Steps for Foreign Founders

Based on the themes above, foreign founders can take the following practical steps:

• Monitor policy signals: Pay attention to major speeches and documents to anticipate regulatory trends and adjust business plans accordingly.
• Engage with local communities: Demonstrate commitment to social responsibility through CSR initiatives and fair treatment of employees.
• Adapt to local realities: Tailor products and services to Chinese market needs and comply with local laws and regulations.
• Build partnerships: Collaborate with local businesses and government agencies to navigate the business environment effectively.
• Leverage opportunities: Explore sectors supported by national policies, such as innovation-driven industries and sustainable development.

By understanding the ideological underpinnings of China's governance, foreign founders can better position their companies for long-term success in the Chinese market.

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.