In July 2026, the international communication project entitled, “Together on the Long March: 90th Anniversary of an Epic Journey” brought Chinese and foreign journalists to Shaanxi Province’s Yan’an City. Organized by the China International Communications Group (CICG), the Shaanxi section of the project gathered more than 30 experts and reporters from China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the Netherlands.
Chang Bo, president of CICG, led a research tour to retrace a section of the Long March route in Yan’an on July 22, 2026. At the beginning of the Long March Historical Trail of Gelao Post Station in Shimen Town, Ganquan County, he gave a speech in which he reflected on the contemporary relevance of the Long March Spirit and discussed the exploration of China’s path to modernization.
Chang Bo, president of CICG, shares his reflections of the significance of the Long March for today with the media group at the starting point of the Long March Historical Trail of Gelao Post Station in Shaanxi Province’s Ganquan County, on July 22, 2026.
Chang noted that this year marks the 90th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese Workers’ and Peasants’ Red Army’s Long March. Ninety-two years ago, the Red Army set out from Jiangxi Province in southeast China, marching for 367 days across 12,500 km before reaching Yan’an in northwest China. Crossing countless mountains and rivers, the Long March remains one of humanity’s most extraordinary achievements and a landmark in military and political history. Through this arduous journey, the Communist Party of China (CPC) emerged as the leading force of the Chinese revolution, while the people’s army it forged grew into an indomitable force.
Chang said the reason that the CICG launched the project was to bring both Chinese and foreign journalists together to retrace the footsteps of the revolutionary generation, experience the Long March Spirit firsthand, and document the transformations which are taking place in towns and villages all along the historic route. He hopes the program can present a fuller picture of China, the CPC, and the Chinese people to the world, while contributing to global peace and development.
Chang Bo gives an interview to a Guyanese journalist.
During the tour, Chang also gave an in-depth interview to two journalists from Guyana, discussing the shared histories of national struggle and the relevance of the Long March Spirit to the modernization drive today.
He noted that both China and Guyana are developing countries that belong to the Global South, and reaffirmed China’s commitment to standing alongside fellow developing nations. Chang recalled that more than 50 years ago, the support of Third World countries played an important role in helping China regain its lawful seat at the United Nations. With developing countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America accounting for 85 percent of the world’s population, he said, they share a common history of striving for national independence, a longstanding tradition of mutual respect, and a shared goal of pursuing modernization paths suited to their own national realities. The success of these efforts, he emphasized, is closely tied to the progress of humanity as a whole.
He also highlighted that since its founding in 1949, the CICG has upheld an internationalist spirit under the leadership of the CPC and remained committed to promoting exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations. Looking ahead, he said CICG will continue to strengthen cooperation with partners across the Global South and contribute to advancing the common values of humanity and building a community with a shared future for humanity.
Chang Bo (second from right in front) leads the research team along the Long March Historical Trail of Gelao Post Station in Shaanxi Province’s Ganquan County.
Chang reviewed the Long March Spirit pointed out by Chinese President Xi Jinping during his speech at a ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Long March on October 21, 2016.
“A great journey, the Long March was built on ideals and beliefs.” To advance China’s path to modernization, Chang said that we must always uphold the CPC’s original aspiration and founding mission of seeking happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenation for the Chinese nation, while also promoting the progress of human development as an important pursuit.
“A great journey, the Long March was a test of truth.” Through the arduous trials endured on the Long March, the goals of the Party grew stronger and clearer. At present, China continues to follow the guidance of Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, the Theory of Three Represents, and the Scientific Outlook on Development, while taking Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as its guiding principle in striving for new achievements on the Long March of the new era.
“A great journey, the Long March saw the awakening of the people.” During the 125,000 km march, the Red Army inspired tremendous public enthusiasm for national independence and the liberation of the Chinese people. This strength drawn from the people remains the firmest foundation for overcoming difficulties and challenges.
“A great journey, the Long March ushered in a new era.” Following the Long March, the Chinese revolution presented a brand-new image. Today, in carrying forward the spirit of the Long March, Chang noted that we must move beyond reliance on outdated development models, continue opening new paths for development, and work with people around the world to advance global development toward a future that is fairer and more inclusive.
A media group organized by CICG visits the Long March Historical Trail of Gelao Post Station in Shaanxi Province’s Ganquan County on July 22, 2026.
