What's Happening?
China is commemorating the 90th anniversary of the victory of the Long March, a pivotal event for the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Chinese revolution. The Long March, which occurred from 1934 to 1936, involved the Red Army traversing thousands
of kilometers, enduring extreme hardships, and ultimately preserving revolutionary forces. This historic journey is viewed as a milestone in China's pursuit of national independence and liberation, laying the groundwork for the eventual success of the Chinese revolution. As part of the commemoration, China is emphasizing the enduring spirit of the Long March and its relevance to the nation's current drive toward modernization. The Zunyi Meeting in January 1935 is highlighted as a decisive turning point during the Long March, establishing Mao Zedong's leadership and correcting the Party's strategic direction. The CPC draws lessons from the Long March, including the importance of strong leadership, internal unity, and the ability to adapt strategy to changing circumstances, as demonstrated by maneuvers like crossing the Chishui River four times. The event is also presented as a process of testing ideas and overcoming dogmatism, stressing the need to integrate Marxist principles with China's specific realities and traditional culture. This approach continues to inform China's development strategy, particularly in areas like new quality productive forces, which prioritize innovation and emerging industries for high-quality growth. The commemoration also underscores the crucial relationship between the Party, the Red Army, and the ordinary people, citing historical examples of mutual support and perseverance.
Why It's Important?
The commemoration of the Long March's 90th anniversary is significant as it serves to reinforce the ideological foundations and historical legitimacy of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in its current pursuit of national rejuvenation and modernization. By drawing parallels between the historical Long March and contemporary challenges, the CPC aims to galvanize public support and internal unity for its long-term strategic goals. This narrative is particularly crucial in the context of China's drive for technological self-reliance, economic development, and global influence. The emphasis on 'seeking truth from facts' and adapting strategy to specific realities provides a historical justification for current policies, including investments in advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy. For the U.S. and its allies, understanding this historical framing is vital for interpreting China's strategic decisions, as it underscores a deep-seated commitment to overcoming adversity and achieving national strength. The Long March spirit, as invoked today, signals China's determination to navigate external pressures and internal challenges, potentially influencing its approach to international relations, trade, and technological competition. It also highlights the CPC's reliance on historical narratives to maintain social cohesion and political stability, which are critical for its continued governance.
What's Next?
Following the commemoration, China is expected to continue leveraging the 'Long March spirit' to promote its national development agenda, particularly in areas of scientific and technological innovation, economic self-reliance, and social cohesion. The narrative will likely be integrated into public discourse and policy initiatives, reinforcing the idea that current challenges are part of a 'new Long March' toward national rejuvenation. This could translate into sustained government support for strategic industries, increased emphasis on domestic innovation to overcome technological bottlenecks, and continued efforts to strengthen the bond between the Party and the populace through programs like rural revitalization. Internationally, China may project an image of resilience and determination, signaling its resolve to pursue its modernization goals despite external pressures. The commemoration also sets the stage for future policy announcements and long-term plans, such as the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), which will likely be framed within this historical context of perseverance and strategic vision. The CPC will likely use this historical narrative to justify its leadership and mobilize the population for future endeavors, both domestic and international.
Beyond the Headlines
The invocation of the Long March goes beyond mere historical remembrance; it serves as a powerful cultural and political tool for the CPC to shape national identity and legitimize its rule. The narrative of enduring hardship and achieving victory against overwhelming odds is deeply embedded in the Chinese psyche, fostering a sense of collective purpose and resilience. This historical parallel allows the CPC to frame contemporary challenges, such as technological competition with the U.S. or economic slowdowns, as modern-day 'battles' that require the same spirit of sacrifice and unity. Ethically, this narrative can be used to demand conformity and suppress dissent, as individual interests are subsumed under the larger goal of national rejuvenation. Legally, it reinforces the Party's authority as the sole legitimate leader capable of guiding the nation through these 'new Long Marches.' Culturally, it perpetuates a heroic myth that binds the past to the present, influencing educational curricula, media portrayals, and public discourse. The long-term implication is the continued consolidation of the CPC's power and its ability to mobilize the population for ambitious national projects, potentially leading to a more assertive and unified China on the global stage, driven by a deep-seated historical mission.
