In this year of special significance both to the history of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and to the international academic community studying its development, it is a great honor to share some reflections on the global resonance of the Long March spirit via China Today. This year marks the 105th anniversary of the founding of the CPC and the 90th anniversary of the victory of the Long March of the Chinese Workers’ and Peasants’ Red Army. These two historic milestones not only remind us of the defining moments in the CPC’s past, but also continue to project profound meaning into the present and illuminate humanity’s vision for a shared future.
As one of the most epoch-making chapters in 20th-century political history, the Long March was far more than a military campaign or strategic retreat. At its core, it was a great undertaking defined by steadfast ideals and convictions, strict organizational discipline, and unwavering political resolve under the harshest possible conditions. Therefore, commemorating the Long March is not merely an act of remembrance, but a reaffirmation of the fundamental values that the CPC has upheld since its founding. The “Together on the Long March” program initiated by China International Communications Group (CICG) provides a valuable opportunity to further explore the contemporary relevance of the Long March spirit and to share its story with the international community. It enables us to examine the enduring significance of this historic feat and to demonstrate how its wisdom continues to inspire humanity in a new era of development.
The Long March demonstrated with compelling force that even in circumstances that appeared insurmountable, a political organization could still maintain its strategic direction. The spirit it embodied was rooted in perseverance, political determination, and long-term vision. The organizational qualities forged during the Long March have been carried forward and further developed in Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, continuing the CPC’s long-standing commitment to placing the people’s well-being at the center of all policies and safeguarding national sovereignty and dignity as an unwavering principle. This continuity in political theory and practice shows that the Long March is not merely a chapter of the past, but a living source of inspiration for contemporary political action.
It is equally important to point out that the victory of the Long March was made possible by the extraordinary unity and iron discipline demonstrated by the Party’s political and military organizations at all levels. This powerful cohesion in the face of extreme adversity offers important lessons to the world in terms of Party building and organizational governance. In his speech marking the 105th anniversary of the founding of the CPC on July 1 this year, General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized that internal unity and strict discipline have always been the Party’s fundamental pillars in navigating difficult times.
The Long March already proved that unity is not simply an organizational principle; it is a prerequisite for political survival and for advancing long-term historical goals. It is also important to remember that the CPC was not born as a governing party. Before attaining its current position, it endured some of the darkest and most perilous periods in its history, confronting existential threats while demonstrating an extraordinary ability to preserve its political character and carry on the historical mission. The Long March symbolizes precisely those years of struggle, sacrifice, and perseverance. Today, it has become a universal example of resilience and strategic resolve in times of adversity.
For communist parties and political organizations around the world that are navigating complex transformations while striving to preserve their political identity, it offers an important point of reference.
Today, as we commemorate the 90th anniversary of the victory of the Long March, this historic monument reminds us how a political organization can transform adversity into historical strength, and how it can remain true to its founding mission while adapting to the demands of the times.
The spirit of the Long March continues to illuminate the path toward building a global community with a shared future for humanity based on cooperation, mutual respect, mutual benefit, and common development. Therefore, commemorating the Long March means reaffirming the enduring vitality of a legacy that combines strategic vision, commitment to the people, and the defense of sovereignty. It means recognizing that the history of the CPC has been forged through its capacity to overcome difficulties and through its unwavering adherence to fundamental principles even during the most uncertain and testing times. Above all, it is an invitation for all of us to reflect on how the Long March spirit can continue to be a source of powerful inspiration to the building of a global community with a shared future for humanity.
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José Luis Centella is president of the Communist Party of Spain.
