Published by ChinaMNC · Chencang

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

A practical look at the recent high-level meeting in Beijing and how its emphasis on long-term strategy, resilience, and self-reliance offers lessons for foreign entrepreneurs building companies in China.

A High-Level Anniversary with Strategic Signals

On October 22, 2026, 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. President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote speech, and senior leaders including Li Qiang, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, and Han Zheng attended, with Zhao Leji presiding. For foreign founders registering or operating a company in China, this event is more than a historical milestone—it provides insight into the strategic mindset that shapes China's policy environment.

The source text reports that the meeting emphasized themes such as remembering history to open the future,弘扬 the "Great Long March Spirit," and continuing the "new long march" toward national rejuvenation through Chinese-style modernization. While these are political concepts, they carry practical implications for business planning. Below, we distill the key takeaways and offer practical guidance for foreign entrepreneurs.

Key Takeaways from the Anniversary Event

1. Emphasis on Long-Term Vision and Perseverance

President Xi's speech highlighted that the Long March, from October 1934 to October 1936, involved the Red Army's First, Second, Fourth, and Twenty-Fifth Front armies traveling over 25,000 li across more than ten provinces, overcoming massive obstacles. He stressed that重温 history helps draw wisdom and strength for moving forward. For foreign founders, this underscores the value of a long-term commitment to the China market. Building a business in China often requires patience, adaptation, and a multi-year perspective, especially when navigating regulatory changes or market fluctuations.

2. Self-Reliance and Adaptation to Local Conditions

The speech noted that victory came from independent decision-making and seeking truth from facts—applying Marxist principles in accordance with China's specific realities. In business terms, this translates to the importance of localizing your strategy. Foreign founders should not assume that models successful elsewhere will automatically work in China. Instead, they should adapt products, marketing, and operations to local regulations, consumer behavior, and competitive dynamics. This may involve forming local partnerships, hiring local talent, and tailoring your intellectual property strategy to China's legal framework.

3. Unity and Collective Effort

The event stressed that the Long March victory relied on the support of the masses and the unity of the Party, army, and people. For foreign founders, this suggests the value of building strong relationships with local stakeholders—suppliers, distributors, government agencies, and industry associations. Engaging with local communities and demonstrating commitment to China's development goals can help build trust and smooth regulatory interactions.

4. The "New Long March" and High-Quality Development

Xi's speech called for promoting high-quality development, advancing the "Five-Sphere Integrated Plan" and the "Four-Pronged Comprehensive Strategy," and achieving qualitative improvement in the economy with reasonable quantitative growth. He also emphasized common prosperity,统筹 development and security, and building a world-class military. For foreign businesses, this signals that China's policy priorities include innovation, sustainability, and risk management. Sectors aligned with these goals—such as green technology, advanced manufacturing, and digital services—may find supportive policies. However, increased focus on national security also means stricter scrutiny in areas like data protection and cross-border data flows. Foreign founders should ensure compliance with cybersecurity and data localization requirements.

Practical Implications for Company Registration and Operations

While the anniversary event is not a direct policy announcement, its themes reinforce existing trends. Here are practical steps for foreign founders:

• Choose the right legal structure: Foreign investors typically establish a Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise (WFOE) or a Joint Venture (JV). The latter may be required in restricted sectors. Consult the latest Negative List for Foreign Investment to determine your sector's openness.
• Understand the registration process: Company registration involves multiple steps, including name approval, business license application, and post-registration filings (e.g., tax, customs, foreign exchange). Local authorities may have specific requirements, so working with a professional service provider can streamline the process.
• Plan for long-term compliance: China's regulatory environment is dynamic. Regular audits, tax filings, and labor law compliance are essential. The emphasis on "development and security" suggests that data security and anti-espionage laws will be enforced rigorously. Ensure your data handling practices meet China's Cybersecurity Law and Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL).
• Leverage local support: Many cities offer incentives for foreign investment in encouraged industries. Engage with local investment promotion agencies to explore available benefits, such as tax breaks or rent subsidies.
• Build a local team: Hiring local talent who understand both Chinese business culture and your home market can be invaluable. Consider using employer of record (EOR) services initially if you are not ready to set up a legal entity.

Conclusion

The 90th anniversary of the Long March serves as a reminder of China's focus on resilience, self-reliance, and long-term planning. Foreign founders can draw parallels: success in China requires perseverance, adaptability, and a commitment to understanding local realities. By aligning your business strategy with China's development priorities and ensuring robust compliance, you can navigate the "new long march" of building a sustainable enterprise in China.

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

For personalized assistance with company registration and ongoing operations in China, foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535.