Published by ChinaMNC · Minyue
What China's Long March 90th Anniversary Means for Foreign Founders
Foreign founders operating in China can draw practical lessons from the government's commemoration of the Long March's 90th anniversary, emphasizing resilience, adaptation, and long-term commitment.
Understanding the Context
On October 22, 2026, China held a major commemorative event 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 keynote address at the Great Hall of the People, emphasizing themes of perseverance, unity, and strategic adaptation. While the event is domestic and historical in nature, foreign founders building businesses in China can glean practical insights from the principles highlighted—especially those related to navigating long-term challenges and aligning with national development goals.
Key Takeaways from the Anniversary Address
Xi Jinping's speech underscored that remembering history serves to inspire future progress. For foreign entrepreneurs, this translates into understanding China's policy continuity and the importance of aligning business strategies with the country's broader modernization objectives. The address stressed several pillars that resonate with business operations:
- Resilience and determination: The Long March involved overcoming severe obstacles through unwavering commitment. Similarly, foreign founders should prepare for regulatory and market challenges with a long-term perspective.
- Adaptation to local realities: The speech highlighted the importance of integrating universal principles with China's specific conditions. This mirrors the need for foreign companies to localize strategies, respect local regulations, and adapt to consumer behavior.
- Reliance on broad support: The victory was attributed to strong connections with the people. For businesses, building robust relationships with local partners, employees, and communities is essential for sustainable growth.
- Independent innovation: Emphasizing self-reliance and truth-seeking, the address indirectly supports China's push for technological autonomy—a factor foreign founders should consider when planning R&D and IP strategies.
Implications for Company Registration and Operation
While the commemoration does not introduce new business regulations, it reinforces the ideological framework that shapes China's policy environment. Foreign founders should note the following practical points:
1. Policy Alignment and Compliance
The speech reiterated the commitment to high-quality development and common prosperity. Foreign-invested enterprises are encouraged to align with these goals, which may influence sector-specific incentives or regulatory scrutiny. Staying informed about national priorities—such as innovation, green development, and social responsibility—can help in structuring a compliant and favorable business setup.
2. Long-Term Commitment
The concept of a "new long march" toward socialist modernization signals that China's development path is ongoing and stable. Foreign founders should view market entry as a long-term endeavor, requiring patience and persistent engagement with local authorities and stakeholders.
3. Risk Management and Security
Xi's emphasis on balancing development and security suggests that foreign companies should prioritize compliance, data security, and supply chain resilience. Understanding China's legal framework for foreign investment, including the Foreign Investment Law and negative lists, remains crucial.
4. Talent and Team Building
The address highlighted unity and collective effort. For foreign founders, investing in local talent and fostering a cohesive team culture can mirror this principle, aiding in navigating cultural nuances and operational hurdles.
Actionable Steps for Foreign Founders
To translate these insights into practice, consider the following steps when registering or operating a company in China:
- Conduct thorough market research: Understand how your business aligns with China's development priorities, such as the 14th Five-Year Plan and sector-specific policies.
- Engage professional advisors: Work with local legal and tax experts to ensure compliance with registration procedures, capital requirements, and ongoing reporting obligations.
- Build local partnerships: Collaborate with Chinese firms or establish joint ventures where beneficial, leveraging local knowledge and networks.
- Implement robust compliance systems: Address data protection, anti-corruption, and labor laws from the outset to mitigate risks.
- Adopt a long-term perspective: Plan for sustained investment in relationships, brand building, and adaptation to regulatory changes.
Foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535 for help registering and operating a company in China.
This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.