Published by ChinaMNC · Wenling
What a Major State Ceremony Tells Foreign Founders About China’s Policy Direction
A high-level commemoration in Beijing underscores continuity in China’s leadership and long-term policy priorities—signals foreign founders should weigh when planning market entry or expansion.
What a Major State Ceremony Tells Foreign Founders About China’s Policy Direction
On 22 October, Beijing held a high-level commemoration of the 90th anniversary of the Chinese Red Army’s Long March. The event took place at the Great Hall of the People and was attended by senior leaders, including Xi Jinping, who delivered a keynote address. For foreign founders evaluating China as a market or operating base, such official occasions are worth watching: they often restate the principles that guide policy and regulatory priorities.
This article summarises the factual content of the official report and translates it into practical observations for foreign entrepreneurs. It does not offer legal or tax advice.
Leadership continuity and strategic direction
The ceremony was attended by Xi Jinping, Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Han Zheng. Zhao Leji presided over the meeting. The presence of the core leadership and the structure of the event reinforce the importance the leadership attaches to historical commemoration and to setting a forward-looking agenda.
In his speech, Xi emphasised that remembering history is essential to shaping the future. He called on the 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 generations. For foreign investors, these remarks signal that the current leadership’s priorities—unity, continuity and long-term planning—remain central to the policy environment.
Key themes from the speech
The official account of Xi’s speech highlighted several themes that can inform how foreign founders think about China’s governance and economic strategy.
- Party leadership: Xi stressed that the Long March victory was made possible by correct Party leadership and by the establishment of Mao Zedong’s core position. This emphasis on centralised leadership suggests that policy direction will continue to be set from the top, with an emphasis on stability and discipline.
- Faith and determination: He noted that revolutionary ideals and convictions can generate immense power to overcome difficulties. In practical terms, this can translate into a policy environment that values persistence, long-term commitment and resilience—qualities foreign founders often need when entering a complex market.
- Independence and pragmatism: Xi said the victory relied on independence and on applying Marxist principles in light of China’s specific realities. This points to a continued focus on adapting policies to local conditions, which can affect how regulations are implemented across regions and sectors.
- Reliance on the people: He underlined that the support of the masses is the source of strength for the Party and the military. For businesses, this suggests that consumer welfare, employment and social stability are likely to remain important considerations in policymaking.
The Long March spirit and its modern relevance
Xi described the Long March as a feat that demonstrated the power of loyalty, truth, justice and unity. He called the Long March spirit an important part of the Party’s spiritual heritage and a valuable source of motivation for overcoming difficulties. While the context is historical, the underlying message—perseverance, unity and a sense of purpose—can be seen as part of the broader narrative that informs China’s approach to development challenges.
For foreign founders, such narratives are a reminder that China’s policy communication often draws on historical experience to build consensus and mobilise effort. Understanding this context can help in anticipating how regulations and campaigns may be framed and implemented.
From history to current goals: modernisation and high-quality development
The speech connected the Long March to contemporary objectives. 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. He stated that since the 18th Party Congress, socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a new era. He said the first centenary goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects has been achieved on schedule, and that the country is now working towards the second centenary goal of building a great modern socialist country, advancing national rejuvenation through a Chinese path to modernisation.
For foreign founders, these statements reaffirm the long-term policy focus on modernisation, which encompasses economic upgrading, social development and institutional improvement. This can create opportunities in sectors aligned with national priorities, such as advanced manufacturing, technology, green development and high-quality services.
Five requirements for the “new long march”
Xi outlined five requirements for carrying forward the Long March spirit and embarking on the new long march. These are framed as principles for the Party and the country, but they also indicate policy areas that may see continued emphasis.
- Uphold the Party’s ideals, convictions and purpose: This includes comprehensively implementing the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and relying on the people to create new achievements.
- Promote high-quality development: This involves meeting people’s growing needs for a better life, advancing the Five-Sphere Integrated Plan and the Four-Pronged Comprehensive Strategy, achieving effective qualitative improvement and reasonable quantitative growth in the economy, and promoting common prosperity for all.
- Carry out the great struggle with many new historical features: This includes better coordinating development and security, and overcoming difficulties, risks and challenges with a spirit of historical initiative.
- Accelerate the building of a world-class military: This includes upholding the Party’s absolute leadership over the military and achieving the centenary goal of the People’s Liberation Army on schedule.
- Uphold Party leadership and strengthen Party building: This includes advancing full and rigorous Party self-governance and ensuring the Party remains the strong leadership core for socialism with Chinese characteristics.
For foreign founders, these points suggest that policy will continue to prioritise high-quality development, security, and Party leadership. In practice, this may mean that compliance with regulations, alignment with national development goals, and attention to risk management will remain important for businesses operating in China.
What this means for foreign founders
Official ceremonies like this one are not direct statements of business policy. However, they can provide context for the overall direction of the country. The themes of continuity, centralised leadership, high-quality development, and coordinated development and security are consistent with the regulatory environment that foreign companies encounter.
When registering or operating a company in China, foreign founders should stay informed about national priorities and how they are implemented at the local level. This can help in choosing the right business scope, structuring investments, and planning for compliance. While the ceremony itself does not change any laws or regulations, it reinforces the importance of understanding China’s policy framework.
ChinaMNC works with foreign founders to navigate company registration and ongoing operations in China. For assistance, you can contact us 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.