Published by ChinaMNC · Beidaihe

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

A guide for foreign entrepreneurs on the political context and practical takeaways from the 90th anniversary of the Long March, emphasizing resilience, adaptation, and long-term commitment in China.

Understanding China's Political Calendar: The Long March 90th Anniversary

On October 22, a major commemorative event took place at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, marking the 90th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army's Long March. President Xi Jinping delivered a significant speech, and other top leaders attended. For foreign founders building businesses in China, such events offer insight into the political and ideological climate that shapes policy and business expectations. While not directly about commercial regulations, the themes emphasized—perseverance, adaptation, and long-term vision—resonate with the challenges of establishing and growing a company in China.

Key Facts from the Anniversary Event

The event was held on October 22 at the Great Hall of the People. President Xi Jinping, who is also General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivered the main speech. Other high-ranking officials, including Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, and Vice President Han Zheng, were present. Zhao Leji presided over the meeting.

In his speech, Xi reviewed the history of the Long March, which took place from October 1934 to October 1936. He highlighted that the Red Army's First, Second, and Fourth Front Armies, along with the 25th Army, traversed more than ten provinces, covered 25,000 li, and overcame numerous obstacles. He emphasized that the Long March victory was inevitable due to correct Party leadership, firm revolutionary will, independent and realistic decision-making, and support from the people. He also noted that the spirit of the Long March—embodying loyalty, truth, justice, and unity—remains a valuable source of strength.

Xi pointed out that since the Long March victory 90 years ago, the Party has led the people through successive "new long marches" in revolution, construction, and reform. He mentioned that since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a new era, and the first centenary goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects has been achieved. China is now striving toward the second centenary goal of building a great modern socialist country and advancing national rejuvenation through a Chinese path to modernization.

Practical Takeaways for Foreign Founders

While the anniversary is a political event, it underscores several principles that are relevant to foreign entrepreneurs navigating China's business environment:

• Resilience and Perseverance: The Long March narrative emphasizes overcoming extreme hardships through determination. Similarly, establishing a company in China requires patience and persistence to navigate regulatory processes, cultural differences, and market dynamics.
• Adaptation to Local Context: The speech stressed the importance of combining Marxist principles with China's specific realities. For foreign founders, this translates to the need to adapt business models to local laws, consumer behavior, and market conditions rather than relying solely on overseas practices.
• Long-Term Commitment: The concept of a "new long march" reflects a long-term perspective. Foreign founders should view their China venture as a long-term commitment, investing time in relationship-building, compliance, and understanding policy shifts.
• Unity and Collaboration: The emphasis on unity and collective effort suggests that working with local partners, employees, and government authorities is crucial for success.

These points are not legal requirements but reflect the broader ethos that can influence business expectations and policy implementation.

How to Apply These Insights to Your China Strategy

Foreign founders can draw practical lessons from the anniversary's themes:

• Build a Strong Local Team: Just as the Long March relied on collective effort, your China operations will benefit from hiring local talent who understand the regulatory landscape and business culture.
• Stay Informed on Policy: Major political events often signal policy directions. While this anniversary does not directly change regulations, it reinforces the importance of aligning with national development goals, such as high-quality development and common prosperity.
• Embrace Compliance: The emphasis on correct leadership and discipline parallels the need for strict adherence to Chinese laws and regulations, including those related to company registration, taxation, and employment.
• Prepare for a Marathon, Not a Sprint: The Long March was a prolonged struggle. Similarly, setting up and scaling a business in China takes time, so plan for a multi-year horizon.

Remember, this is general context, not specific advice for your situation. Always consult local professionals for legal and tax matters.

Conclusion

The 90th anniversary of the Long March serves as a reminder of the values that shape China's political and social fabric. For foreign founders, understanding these values can aid in building stronger relationships and more resilient businesses. While the event itself does not alter business regulations, it highlights the importance of perseverance, adaptation, and long-term commitment—qualities essential for success in any market, including China.

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.