Xi marks Long March anniversary with revival call
Bastillepost · 3 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
A ceremony commemorating the 90th anniversary of the Chinese Workers’ and Peasants’ Red Army’s Long March victory was held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on October 22. Xi Jinping attended, led a moment of silence for revolutionary martyrs and delivered a speech reviewing the Long March’s history, explaining why he said victory was achieved, and urging the country to carry forward the Long March spirit on a “new Long March.” He tied that message to the goal of building China into a modern socialist power and to the broader project of national rejuvenation. Senior leaders including Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Vice-President Han Zheng were also present, along with about 3,000 attendees.
Key Points
- The anniversary meeting was held on the morning of October 22 at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, with around 3,000 officials, military representatives and public delegates attending.
- Xi Jinping, who is also state president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, stood with participants in silence to honor Long March martyrs before speaking.
- Xi said the Long March from October 1934 to October 1936 crossed more than ten provinces, covered 25,000 li and involved more than 600 battles.
- In his speech, Xi said Long March victory rested on correct Party leadership, revolutionary resolve, independence and realism, and support from the people.
- Xi said the new journey requires balancing development and security, building a world-class military, and ensuring the “ship of national rejuvenation” advances steadily through rough waters.
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong readers, the speech offers a clear signal of the political themes Beijing is continuing to emphasize: Party leadership, national unity, security and military strengthening. Those priorities shape the wider policy environment in which Hong Kong operates, especially as the central leadership links historical memory to the current push for national rejuvenation and the second centenary goal.