Published · Singapore

China Marks 90th Anniversary of Long March: Implications for Foreign Founders

A high-level meeting in Beijing commemorated the 90th anniversary of the Long March. For foreign founders, the event underscores China's political stability, but it does not alter company registration procedures. This article summarizes the key facts and explains what they mean for setting up a business in China.

Event Overview

On October 22, a grand meeting commemorating the 90th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' 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, President of the People's Republic of China, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivered an important speech. The event was attended by Xi Jinping, Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, Han Zheng, and others.

The meeting was reported by Xinhua News Agency and published on the official government website (www.gov.cn) on October 22, 2026. The source text includes the event announcement, a list of attendees, and standard website metadata such as ICP registration numbers and copyright notices.

What This Means for Foreign Founders

This is a commemorative political event, not a regulatory announcement. It does not introduce new policies affecting foreign investment, company registration, taxation, or compliance. For foreign founders, the key takeaway is that China's leadership remains stable and continues to emphasize long-term national development goals. Such stability can be reassuring for those considering market entry, but it does not change the practical steps required to register and operate a company in China.

Foreign founders should not expect any direct impact on the procedures for setting up a business, obtaining licenses, or meeting tax obligations. The event is part of China's political calendar and does not alter the legal or regulatory framework for foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs).

Company Registration in China: Key Steps

While the commemorative meeting does not affect registration, foreign founders still need to follow the standard procedures. Here is a concise overview of what to expect:

• Choose an entity type: The most common options for foreign investors are a wholly foreign-owned enterprise (WFOE), a joint venture (JV), or a representative office (RO). Each has different capital, liability, and operational requirements.
• Company name approval: Submit a proposed name to the local Administration for Industry and Commerce (AIC) for pre-approval.
• Registered capital: Determine the registered capital amount, which can be in RMB or foreign currency. Some industries have minimum capital requirements.
• Business scope: Clearly define the company's business activities, which must comply with the Negative List for foreign investment.
• Legal documents: Prepare and notarize incorporation documents, including the articles of association, investor identification, and proof of address.
• Registration and licenses: Obtain the business license from the AIC, then complete tax registration, bank account opening, and any industry-specific permits.
• Tax and compliance: Understand corporate income tax, value-added tax, and other obligations. Engage a local accountant to ensure compliance.

These steps are standard and have not been modified by the commemorative event. Foreign founders should consult local authorities or professional service providers for the most current requirements.

Political Stability and Business Environment

The attendance of top leadership at the commemorative meeting highlights the continuity of China's political system. For foreign founders, this continuity can reduce political risk perceptions. However, it is important to note that the event itself does not signal any new incentives or relaxations in foreign investment rules.

China's business environment for foreign investors is governed by laws such as the Foreign Investment Law and various regulations. The government has periodically updated these to streamline registration and improve transparency. Founders should rely on official sources, such as the Ministry of Commerce and local AIC websites, for the latest procedures.

Practical Considerations for Registration

When registering a company in China, foreign founders should pay attention to:

• Local variations: Registration requirements can vary by city or province. For example, free trade zones may offer simplified procedures.
• Document authentication: Foreign documents often need to be notarized and authenticated by a Chinese embassy or consulate.
• Timeline: The registration process can take several weeks to months, depending on the complexity and completeness of the application.
• Ongoing compliance: After registration, companies must file annual reports, maintain accounting records, and adhere to labor and tax laws.

These considerations are general and not derived from the commemorative event. They are included to provide context for foreign founders.

Conclusion

The 90th anniversary commemoration of the Long March is a significant political event in China, but it has no direct bearing on the procedures for foreign company registration. Foreign founders should continue to focus on the established legal and regulatory requirements. For personalized assistance, consider consulting with professionals who specialize in foreign investment.

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

For help registering and operating a company in China, foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535.