Published by ChinaMNC · Zhangjiagang
What China's 90th Anniversary of the Long March Means for Foreign Founders
A high-level Communist Party event underscores policy continuity and long-term planning — key context for foreign entrepreneurs registering or operating a company in China.
A High-Level Political Event with Implications for Business
On October 22, 2026, a major commemorative meeting marking the 90th anniversary of the Chinese Red Army's Long March was held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. The event was attended by senior leaders including Xi Jinping, who delivered a keynote speech. While the occasion was historical and political, such high-level gatherings offer foreign founders a window into the policy priorities and ideological themes that shape China's business environment. Understanding these signals can help entrepreneurs anticipate regulatory direction and align their China market entry strategies accordingly.
Key Themes from the Speech
Xi Jinping's address emphasized themes of perseverance, correct leadership, and long-term struggle. He noted that remembering history is essential to opening up the future, and he called for unity around the Party Central Committee. For foreign founders, these messages translate into a reminder that China's policy framework is rooted in continuity and centralized direction. The speech highlighted five "musts" for the new journey: upholding the Party's ideals and purpose, promoting high-quality development, engaging in "great struggles" with new historical characteristics, building a world-class military, and strengthening Party leadership. Among these, the emphasis on high-quality development and balancing development with security is particularly relevant to businesses operating in China.
Practical Takeaways for Foreign Founders
While the event itself is not about business regulations, the underlying principles can inform how foreign entrepreneurs approach the China market. Here are several practical considerations derived from the source:
- Policy continuity matters: The speech stressed the importance of adhering to the Party's leadership and ideology. For foreign founders, this suggests that understanding China's political calendar and policy cycles can help in planning investments and compliance strategies.
- High-quality development focus: The call to "promote high-quality development" and "achieve effective qualitative improvement and reasonable quantitative growth of the economy" indicates ongoing emphasis on sustainable and innovation-driven growth. Foreign founders in tech, green energy, and advanced manufacturing may find alignment with these priorities.
- Balancing development and security: The speech mentioned "better coordinating development and security." This theme has been reflected in recent regulatory approaches, including data security and supply chain resilience. Foreign companies should ensure robust compliance frameworks in these areas.
- Common prosperity: The reference to "promoting common prosperity for all people" signals continued attention to social equity, which may influence labor policies and consumer market dynamics.
- Long-term perspective: The Long March narrative itself—a story of endurance and overcoming obstacles—serves as a metaphor for long-term commitment. Foreign founders should be prepared for a journey that requires patience, local partnerships, and adaptation to evolving regulations.
How This Context Affects Company Registration and Operations
For foreign founders looking to register a company in China, the broader policy environment matters. The speech's emphasis on Party leadership and ideological unity suggests that regulatory decisions will continue to be made with centralized coordination. This can mean faster implementation of policies but also less room for local discretion. It is advisable to work with local experts who can navigate the specific requirements of entities like wholly foreign-owned enterprises (WFOEs) or joint ventures. Additionally, the focus on high-quality development may lead to incentives for businesses that align with national priorities, such as those in designated free trade zones or encouraged industries. However, foreign founders should also note the emphasis on security and risk management, which could result in stricter scrutiny in sensitive sectors.
Engaging with the Market
The event also featured a slogan on the balcony of the Great Hall: "Closely unite around the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core, fully implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, carry forward the great Long March spirit, walk the new Long March road, and strive unremittingly for the great cause of building a strong country and national rejuvenation through Chinese-style modernization." While this is political messaging, it reinforces the direction of "Chinese-style modernization," which encompasses economic, social, and environmental goals. Foreign businesses that can contribute to these goals—through technology transfer, job creation, or sustainable practices—may find a more welcoming environment.
Conclusion
While the 90th anniversary of the Long March is a domestic political milestone, it provides useful context for foreign founders. The themes of continuity, high-quality development, and security are likely to influence China's business landscape in the coming years. By staying informed about such high-level signals, entrepreneurs can better position their companies for success in China's evolving market.
For assistance with company registration and operations in China, foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535.
This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.