Long March a legacy of loyalty, truth, justice and unity

As China commemorates the 90th anniversary of the victory of the Red Army's Long March, President Xi Jinping emphasized on Thursday that the enduring spirit of the journey demonstrates the power of loyalty, truth, justice and unity.

The Long March remains a precious treasure and a powerful driving force inspiring the Chinese people to overcome difficulties and forge ahead courageously.

These principles were crucial to the victory of the Long March and remain foundational in transforming the country into a powerhouse and advancing national rejuvenation today. The struggles during those pivotal years continue to inspire new achievements on the new Long March journey.

Loyalty forms the political bedrock of the Long March spirit and has enabled the Communist Party of China to withstand numerous tests. During the Long March, amid bloodshed and sacrifice, Red Army soldiers held steadfast to their aspirations and unwavering conviction.

They maintained a firm political stance, adhered to strict discipline, and upheld the authority and unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee, demonstrating pure loyalty to the Party.

Today, soldiers continue to embody this loyalty, sacrificing personal comforts to guard the nation's borders. For instance, Xia Dajian of the People's Liberation Army Ground Force, inspired by the PLA's earthquake rescue efforts in his hometown in 2014, fulfilled his childhood dream by enlisting that year. Stationed for over a decade in the Xizang autonomous region, he has endured harsh natural conditions and completed many critical missions.

Across the country, many soldiers like Xia translate their loyalty into action, safeguarding the peace of the motherland and its people.

The power of truth was central to the Long March spirit and crucial for the Red Army to seize the initiative and advance. In the early days of the journey, amid the heavy sacrifices of crossing the Xiangjiang River and uncertainty about the path forward, the Party gained a deep understanding of China's revolutionary path.

This led to a departure from dogmatism, enabling pragmatic solutions to strategic and combat challenges. Guided by the Party's correct line, the Central Red Army skillfully navigated numerous obstacles, such as crossing the Chishui and Jinsha rivers, and ultimately turned the tide in its favor.

History has proved that only by integrating the basic tenets of Marxism with China's specific realities and adhering to the principle of seeking truth from facts can we transform theory into a powerful tool for overcoming challenges. In the new era, the Party and the country face fresh tests — development transformation, technological breakthroughs, deepening reform and risk prevention — without existing templates. By upholding truth and seeking facts, we can understand the times and seize development opportunities. The new development stage, philosophy, and paradigm, along with the concept that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets", represent breakthrough achievements under the Party's leadership, highlighting the vitality of Marxism in China.

Justice is the moral foundation of the Long March spirit and was fundamental in winning the people's support. The Long March aimed to liberate the nation and its people, and the Red Army's pro-people nature consistently earned their backing.

From the Red Army soldiers who cut their only blanket in half and shared it with a villager along the Long March route to the heartfelt pledge at Yihai Lake between General Liu Bocheng and a once-wary Yi chieftain who became his sworn brother after gaining a true understanding of the Red Army, the Red Army proved through concrete deeds that it was a force for the people.

In the new era, upholding justice means putting people first and fostering their prosperity. Between 2013 and 2020, nearly 100 million rural residents were lifted out of absolute poverty.

By the end of 2025, China had established the world's largest social security and healthcare networks, covering over 1.33 billion people with basic medical insurance.

Heartwarming stories are unfolding across many cities. In Shanghai's Baoshan district, projects provide over 4,500 affordable, well-equipped beds for grassroots workers, including construction workers, domestic employees, medical staff, and couriers.

The Long March spirit exemplifies how unity is crucial for overcoming challenges and achieving victory.

The arduous journey, marked by rivers, snow-capped mountains, and vast marshlands, tested the resolve of the soldiers with extreme scarcity and harsh conditions.

Facing life-and-death trials, they shared hardships and entrusted their lives to one another.

The unwavering resistance to division and steadfast support for the Party's centralized leadership forged a cohesive, disciplined fighting force.

Notably, the Red Army always respected the customs and habits of ethnic minorities along the route, fostering unity and solidarity among all groups. This formidable synergy and collective spirit enabled the Red Army to overcome numerous challenges and successfully complete the Long March.

This enduring power of unity continues to thrive today. It is evident in achievements such as winning the battle against poverty, building a moderately prosperous society on schedule and surpassing an economic output of 140 trillion yuan ($21.41 trillion).

From the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope exploring the cosmos, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge spanning vast waters, and a stream of innovations in artificial intelligence, biotechnology and quantum technology — each remarkable leap is a testament to the Chinese people's collective effort and unity under the Party's leadership.

The author is a researcher at the Research Center for Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, the PLA National Defense University.

The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

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