Published by ChinaMNC · Heyang

What China's Long March Anniversary Speech Means for Foreign Founders: A Practical Guide to Persistence and Strategy

A speech by Xi Jinping commemorating the 90th anniversary of the Long March offers foreign founders lessons in leadership, resilience, and local adaptation for building companies in China. This guide extracts actionable insights from the official text without adding new claims.

Why a Historic Speech Matters to Foreign Founders

On October 22, 2026, China's leadership delivered a major address marking 90 years since the end of the Red Army's Long March (1934–1936). While the speech recounts revolutionary history, its themes—persistence, correct leadership, adaptation to local conditions, and winning public support—resonate with the challenges foreign founders face when establishing and operating a company in China. This article distills only the facts and principles from the official source and frames them as practical guidance for your China market entry strategy.

Key Takeaways from the Speech for Business Builders

The speech, published on the Weinan government website, emphasizes that the Long March's success was not accidental but stemmed from several decisive factors. These same factors can inform how you navigate China's regulatory environment, build local teams, and sustain your venture through difficulties.

1. Correct Leadership and Local Decision-Making

The speech highlights that the Long March succeeded because of the Party's correct leadership, particularly after the 1935 Zunyi Meeting, which established Mao Zedong's leadership and began a new phase of independently solving China's revolutionary problems. For foreign founders, this underscores the importance of empowered local leadership. Rather than relying solely on headquarters directives, successful China operations often require giving your local management team the authority to make decisions that fit the Chinese market's realities.

2. Resilience Through Adversity

The Red Army faced extraordinary hardships—crossing nearly 100 rivers, climbing snow-capped mountains, traversing grasslands, and engaging in over 600 battles. The speech stresses that unwavering revolutionary faith enabled them to survive and ultimately triumph. Foreign founders in China will encounter regulatory hurdles, cultural differences, and market volatility. Building a resilient organization with a clear sense of purpose can help your team persevere through challenging phases.

3. Independent and Pragmatic Problem-Solving

A central message is that the Party learned to break free from dogmatism and apply Marxist principles to China's specific conditions, leading to flexible and practical strategies. In business terms, this means avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach. Foreign founders should adapt their business models to local regulations, consumer behavior, and competitive dynamics rather than importing strategies wholesale from other markets.

4. Winning Local Support

The speech repeatedly notes that the Red Army earned public trust by respecting local people, distributing land and grain, and treating civilians well. For foreign founders, this translates into building strong relationships with local stakeholders—employees, partners, government officials, and communities. Demonstrating genuine commitment to China's development and complying with local laws can foster goodwill and long-term success.

Applying the Long March Spirit to Your China Strategy

The speech identifies several components of the "Great Long March Spirit," including placing national interests above all, steadfast belief in a just cause, willingness to sacrifice, independent and pragmatic thinking, discipline and unity, and reliance on the people. While these are political concepts, they can be reframed as business principles:

• Purpose and Vision: A clear mission helps your team stay motivated during difficult times.
• Pragmatism: Base decisions on actual market conditions, not assumptions.
• Discipline and Unity: Maintain strong internal governance and team cohesion.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build trust with local partners and authorities by being a responsible corporate citizen.

Practical Steps for Foreign Founders

Based on the speech's themes, consider these practical steps when registering or operating a company in China:

Empower Your Local Team

The speech's emphasis on independent problem-solving suggests that foreign founders should delegate decision-making to local managers who understand the market and can respond quickly to regulatory changes.

Prepare for a Long Journey

The Long March lasted two years and covered 25,000 li. Similarly, building a successful business in China is a marathon, not a sprint. Plan for sustained effort and allocate resources for the long term.

Stay Informed and Compliant

Just as the Red Army adapted its tactics, foreign founders must stay updated on China's evolving business laws and policies. Regularly consult official sources and legal experts to ensure compliance.

Engage with the Community

The speech highlights the importance of public support. Foreign founders can contribute to local communities through responsible business practices, which may enhance their reputation and acceptance.

Conclusion: Persistence Pays Off

The 90th anniversary speech is a reminder that great achievements require perseverance, adaptability, and strong leadership. Foreign founders in China can draw inspiration from these historical lessons as they navigate the complexities of the Chinese market. By combining local empowerment, pragmatic strategy, and community engagement, you can build a resilient and successful 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.