Published by ChinaMNC · Zhangye

What a High-Level Beijing Commemoration Signals for Foreign Founders Building in China

A 90th-anniversary commemoration of the Long March in Beijing offered a window into the messages China's leadership emphasizes. Here is what foreign founders should take from it, and what it does not change about registering and operating a company in China.

A High-Level Event, and Why It Matters to Founders

On October 22, a commemorative gathering marking the 90th anniversary of the Chinese Red Army's Long March was held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, state president, and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivered an important speech. Senior leaders including Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, and Han Zheng attended; Zhao Leji presided.

For foreign founders, this is not an event about business registration, tax, or corporate governance. It is a political ceremony. But the language used at such events often frames the priorities that shape policy direction in the years ahead. Reading it carefully, rather than over-reading it, is the practical approach.

What the Speech Actually Said

According to the official report, Xi described the Long March as running from October 1934 to October 1936, covering more than ten provinces and 25,000 li, and said it declared the failure of attempts to eliminate the Party and the Red Army. He stressed that remembering history serves to draw wisdom and strength for moving forward.

He identified several sources of the Long March's success: correct Party leadership, firm revolutionary will and ideals, independence and fact-based decision-making, and the support of the people. On the last point, he said that if the Party stays rooted in the people and maintains close ties with them, its cause will succeed.

Xi also said the Long March spirit demonstrates the power of loyalty, truth, justice, and unity, and remains a valuable source of motivation. He noted that since the 90th anniversary of the victory, the Party has led successive "new long marches" across revolution, construction, and reform, and 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 had been achieved on schedule, and that the country is now working toward the second centenary goal of building a great modern socialist country and advancing national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization.

The "Five Musts" and What They Signal

The speech set out what it called "five musts" for carrying forward the Long March spirit on the new journey. Summarized from the official text:

• Stay committed to the Party's ideals, beliefs, and purpose, implement the thought on socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era, and rely on the people.
• Advance high-quality development to meet growing public needs, coordinate the "Five-Sphere Integrated Plan" and the "Four-Pronged Comprehensive Strategy," pursue both qualitative improvement and reasonable quantitative growth of the economy, and promote common prosperity.
• Carry out a great struggle with many new historical features, better coordinate development and security, and address difficulties, risks, and challenges.
• Build the people's military into a world-class force on schedule for the centenary goal of the People's Liberation Army, with high-quality progress in national defense and military modernization.
• Uphold Party leadership and strengthen Party building, with sustained full and rigorous self-governance.

Zhao Leji, who presided, described the speech as political, thoughtful, and instructive, and called for it to be studied and implemented.

Reading the Signals as a Founder

For a foreign founder, the most relevant phrases are "high-quality development," "coordination of development and security," and "common prosperity." These are established formulations, and they appear here in a commemorative rather than a regulatory context. They suggest continuity rather than a new policy shift.

The emphasis on development and security coordination is worth noting because it is the framing under which data, cybersecurity, and cross-border compliance issues are typically discussed in China. Founders should treat it as a reminder that compliance planning belongs in the business plan from the start, not after launch.

The "Five-Sphere Integrated Plan" and "Four-Pronged Comprehensive Strategy" are long-standing national frameworks. Their mention here does not create new obligations for companies. Likewise, the reference to common prosperity is a broad social goal, not a specific rule affecting foreign-invested enterprises.

What the Event Does Not Tell You

It is important to be clear about limits. This article contains no announcement about foreign investment rules, company law, tax incentives, visas, free trade zones, or registration procedures. No new benefits, guarantees, or timelines for businesses were stated. Anyone claiming that this event changes market entry requirements is going beyond the source.

Company registration and operations in China continue to be governed by the relevant laws and by the competent authorities, including the market regulation system and local counterparts. Founders should rely on those official channels and on professional advisers for entity setup, capital, tax registration, and licensing questions.

Practical Takeaways for Founders

Three modest takeaways follow from the text. First, policy messaging in China tends to be consistent and long-range; plan your China strategy around durable frameworks rather than headlines. Second, the pairing of development and security means compliance functions deserve early investment. Third, official ceremonies are useful for understanding tone, not for making operational decisions.

The gathering was attended by around 3,000 people, including central and Beijing officials, representatives of democratic parties and the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, non-party figures, veterans' representatives, military personnel, and residents of the capital, according to the report.

Where to Get Help

Foreign founders who want to register and operate a company in China can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp or WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535 for practical support with entity registration and ongoing operations. A short conversation can clarify which questions apply to your situation.

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