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Published by ChinaMNC · Zhoukou

What a Major State Ceremony Signals for Foreign Founders Operating in China

A high-level commemoration in Beijing underscored continuity in China's leadership and long-term policy direction—context that foreign founders may find relevant when planning registration and operations in China.

A High-Level Ceremony in Beijing

On 22 October, a major commemorative event took place at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, marking the 90th anniversary of the Chinese Red Army's Long March. The event was attended by China's top leadership, including Xi Jinping, who delivered a keynote speech. Also present were Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, and Han Zheng. Zhao Leji presided over the meeting.

For foreign founders registering or operating a company in China, such state occasions are worth noting—not because they change registration rules directly, but because they reflect the broader political and policy environment in which businesses operate. Understanding this context can help founders anticipate the direction of long-term governance and public priorities.

Key Themes from the Speech

Xi Jinping's address emphasized themes of historical memory, unity, and perseverance. He stated that remembering history enables a better future and called on the Party, the military, and people of all ethnic groups to unite around the Party Central Committee and carry forward the spirit of the Long March. The speech reviewed the period from October 1934 to October 1936, when the Red Army's First, Second, Fourth, and Twenty-Fifth Front Armies undertook what was described as a world-shaking expedition across more than ten provinces, covering 25,000 li, and overcoming encirclement by millions of enemy troops. The speech characterized this as a strategic transfer that opened new prospects for the Chinese revolution.

Xi underlined that the victory of the Long March was inevitable and rested on several factors: correct Party leadership, firm revolutionary will, independent and realistic decision-making, and the support of the masses. He noted that the establishment of Mao Zedong's core position was decisive for the victory. He also stressed that Marxism must be closely integrated with China's concrete realities to solve China's problems and demonstrate its vitality.

From Historical Narrative to Present-Day Priorities

The speech connected the Long March to contemporary goals. Xi noted that since the 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. He stated that the first centenary goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects has been achieved on schedule, and that the country is now focused on the second centenary goal: building a great modern socialist country and advancing national rejuvenation through a Chinese path to modernization.

For foreign founders, these references to long-term goals are a reminder that China's policy framework is often set with multi-decade horizons. While the speech did not address business regulations directly, the emphasis on continuity and staged development may inform how founders think about market entry timing and long-term commitment.

Five "Musts" for the New Long March

Xi outlined five requirements for carrying forward the Long March spirit and pursuing the new long march:

These points reflect domestic governance priorities. Foreign founders may view them as background signals rather than direct compliance requirements. Still, the emphasis on security, high-quality development, and Party leadership suggests that regulatory oversight in China will likely remain attentive to national priorities.

Atmosphere and Attendance

The Great Hall of the People was described as solemn and lively. The stage backdrop featured the Party emblem and the years "1936–2026," flanked by ten red flags. A slogan on the second-floor balcony called for unity around the Party Central Committee, implementation of Xi Jinping Thought, carrying forward the Long March spirit, and striving for national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization.

Attendees included members of the Political Bureau and Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, vice chairmen of the Central Military Commission, vice chairmen of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, state councilors, the president of the Supreme People's Court, and vice chairmen of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. Approximately 3,000 people participated, including senior officials from central and Beijing municipal departments, representatives of democratic parties and the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, non-party figures, veteran comrades, PLA and armed police personnel, and residents of the capital.

Practical Takeaways for Foreign Founders

While this event was not a business-policy announcement, it offers several contextual cues for foreign founders considering company registration or operations in China:

None of these points constitute legal requirements. They are contextual observations that may help founders interpret the broader environment. When registering a company, founders should rely on official regulations, local authorities, and professional advisors rather than on political speeches.

Conclusion

The 90th anniversary commemoration of the Long March was a significant state event that reinforced themes of unity, perseverance, and long-term national goals. For foreign founders, such occasions provide a window into the political culture and policy priorities that shape China's business environment. While the event did not introduce new rules for company registration or operations, it highlights the importance of understanding China's governance context. Founders are advised to monitor official channels for regulatory updates and to seek local professional guidance when establishing or expanding their presence in China.

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

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