Long March spirit seen as guide for future

The Long March spirit of unity, resilience and unwavering advancement remains vital to China's modernization and offers experience for a world facing mounting uncertainty, experts say.

China commemorated the 90th anniversary of the victory of the Red Army's Long March on Thursday in Beijing. Addressing a gathering held to mark the anniversary, President Xi Jinping called for new achievements on the new Long March, recalling how the Red Army crossed more than 10 provinces from 1934 to 1936 and opened a new chapter in the Chinese revolution.

The Long March spirit embodies the power of loyalty, truth, justice and unity, Xi said, adding that the road of the Long March continues to extend.

"On our new journey, we are now committed to realizing the Second Centenary Goal of building China into a great modern socialist country in all respects and advancing the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization," he said.

The speech resonated with international observers, who see the Long March's principles as relevant beyond China.

Jon R. Taylor, chair of the Department of Political Science and Geography at the University of Texas at San Antonio, identified three key themes in Xi's address: history, unity and advancing.

Taylor said Xi emphasized remembering history to create a brighter future, uniting more closely around the CPC Central Committee and carrying forward the Red Army's cause to create new glories on a new Long March.

He called the Long March "a defining chapter" in China's history, essential to understanding the country today.

"The hardships, courage, and solidarity behind the Long March speak volumes about China's spirit of resilience," Taylor said.

"The Long March also underscores the nation's determination to overcome both domestic and international challenges and to press forward toward its goals. The legacy and sacrifices of the Red Army paved the way for the future of modern China," he said.

Prasad Wijesuriya, general secretary of the Sri Lanka-China Friendship Association, said the Long March spirit remains a driving force behind China's national rejuvenation and modernization. Its victory was not only a military feat but also a triumph of conviction, perseverance and unity under CPC leadership, he said.

Khalid Taimur Akram, executive director of the Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future in Islamabad, said Xi's speech recalled China's history and underscored that courage, unity and faith can help a nation overcome even the greatest challenges.

Xi's emphasis on learning from history while moving forward is a meaningful reminder that a nation's strength lies not only in its achievements but also in the unity, determination and hopes of its people, Akram said.

"The spirit of the Long March continues to inspire the values of perseverance, collective effort and national development," he said.

Continued relevance

Lawrence Loh, director of the Centre for Governance and Sustainability at the National University of Singapore Business School, said Xi "aptly articulated the continued relevance of the Long March spirit in spearheading sustained advancement of the country into the centenary of its founding".

Despite the Long March's different historical context, the need for national unity and good leadership remains constant, Loh said.

"Amid escalating global tensions and uncertainties, the world may draw lessons from the Long March ideals to constructively unite people for a better shared future," he added.

Woo Su-keun, president of the Korea-China Global Association, said the new Long March's global significance could be demonstrated by linking China's development with opportunities for the world.

"Strengthening one's own capacity while expanding cooperation with the world is the path that contributes to shared (global) prosperity," he said.

Yang Han in Hong Kong contributed to this story.