Published by ChinaMNC · Fengxiang

What a High-Level Party Anniversary Event Means for Foreign Founders in China

A practical look at the official commemoration of the 90th anniversary of the Long March, and how foreign founders can interpret such political events when registering or operating a company in China.

Why a Political Anniversary Matters to Foreign Founders

On October 22, a major official commemoration was held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing to mark the 90th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army's Long March. President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote speech. The event was attended by senior leaders including Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Han Zheng, with Zhao Leji presiding. For foreign founders registering or operating a company in China, such high-level political events are not merely ceremonial. They signal the ideological themes and policy priorities that can shape the business environment, regulatory tone, and public discourse in the months ahead. Understanding these signals can help you anticipate how officials at different levels may interpret compliance, development, and risk.

Key Themes from the Official Speech

History as a Guide for the Future

Xi stressed that remembering history is essential to opening up the future. He called on the whole Party, the military and people of all ethnic groups to unite more closely around the Party Central Committee, carry forward the spirit of the Long March, and continue working to advance the cause pioneered by earlier revolutionaries. For foreign founders, the practical takeaway is that official rhetoric often emphasizes continuity, unity, and long-term planning. When interacting with local authorities or partners, framing your business plans in terms of stability and long-term contribution may align better with the prevailing tone than short-term speculation.

The Long March Narrative

The speech recounted that from October 1934 to October 1936, the Party led the Red Army's First, Second and Fourth Front Armies and the 25th Army on a march that crossed more than ten provinces over 25,000 li, broke through encirclement by over a million enemy troops, and successfully shifted north to resist Japanese aggression. Xi described this as a world-shaking feat with profound influence on the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. While this is historical content, it illustrates how official narratives frame perseverance through difficulty—a theme that can resonate in policy communications about economic challenges and long-term goals.

Why the Victory Was Considered Inevitable

Xi attributed the victory to four factors: correct Party leadership (including the establishment of Mao Zedong's core position), firm revolutionary will and ideals, independent and realistic application of Marxist principles to China's specific conditions, and support from the broad masses. He emphasized that only by integrating Marxist theory with China's concrete reality can China's problems be solved. For foreign founders, this underscores the importance of local adaptation: policies and regulations are often shaped by China's specific context, and a one-size-fits-all approach from headquarters may not work.

The Spirit of the Long March

The speech described the Long March spirit as embodying the power of loyalty, truth, justice and unity, calling it a valuable asset that inspires overcoming difficulties. This framing suggests that official communications may continue to emphasize unity, discipline and collective effort. In practical terms, keeping good relations with employees, local communities and government contacts remains important.

From the First to the Second Centenary Goal

Xi noted 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. Since the 18th Party Congress, socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a new era. The first centenary goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects has been achieved on schedule, and the country is now working toward building a great modern socialist country and realizing the second centenary goal through Chinese-style modernization. For foreign founders, this means the policy focus remains on long-term development goals, which can translate into continued emphasis on high-quality development and common prosperity.

The "Five Musts" for the New Long March

Xi outlined five requirements for carrying forward the Long March spirit: first, uphold the Party's ideals, convictions and purpose, fully implement the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and rely on the people; second, steadfastly promote high-quality development, coordinate the "Five-Sphere Integrated Plan" and the "Four-Pronged Comprehensive Strategy," pursue effective qualitative improvement and reasonable quantitative growth of the economy, and promote common prosperity for all; third, carry out great struggles with many new historical features, better coordinate development and security, and overcome difficulties and risks with a proactive historical spirit; fourth, accelerate building the people's military into a world-class military, uphold the Party's absolute leadership over the military, and achieve the centenary goal of the People's Liberation Army on schedule; fifth, uphold Party leadership and strengthen Party building, advance full and rigorous Party self-governance, and ensure the Party remains the strong leadership core.

For foreign founders, the second point is particularly relevant: high-quality development and common prosperity suggest continued policy attention to sustainable growth, fair competition, and social responsibility. The third point—coordinating development and security—indicates that regulatory measures may continue to balance openness with risk control. The fifth point on Party self-governance may translate into stricter discipline within state organs and state-owned enterprises, which can affect how officials interact with businesses.

What This Means in Practice for Company Registration and Operations

• Policy continuity: The emphasis on long-term goals suggests that the overall direction of foreign investment policy is unlikely to change abruptly. However, specific implementation may vary by region and sector.
• Local adaptation: The stress on integrating principles with China's specific reality reinforces the need for localized compliance strategies—understand local regulations, not just national ones.
• Development and security: Expect continued scrutiny in areas deemed sensitive to national security. Foreign founders should ensure their data, technology and supply chain practices align with evolving rules.
• Common prosperity: Policies may encourage fair labor practices, reasonable profit distribution, and social contribution. Building these into your business model early can reduce friction.
• Unity and discipline: Official events often set the tone for the broader political atmosphere. Maintaining respectful engagement with authorities and avoiding public controversy is prudent.

How to Use This Information

Foreign founders should not over-interpret a single event, but it is useful to recognize that high-level political gatherings often precede or reinforce policy shifts. Monitor subsequent regulatory announcements, especially in areas like high-quality development, common prosperity, and national security. When communicating with Chinese partners or officials, referencing shared goals such as long-term development and stability can help build rapport. Finally, remember that official speeches are general in nature; specific rules for company registration, tax, and operations are set out in laws and regulations, which should be your primary reference.

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