This year marks the 90th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese Workers` and Peasants` Red Army in the historic Long March. Delivering a pivotal keynote address at a commemorative gathering in Beijing on October 22, General Secretary Xi Jinping elucidated the core determinants behind the Long March victory through "Four Reliances" and called for carrying forward the great Long March spirit and embarking on the journey of a "New Long March" through "Five Musts," drawing extensive international attention.

The international community has evaluated that: "The Red Army`s Long March is a monumental chapter in the history of the Communist Party of China (CPC)," "The spirit of the Long March continues to propel China`s social development and forward progress," and "The Long March sets an inspiring precedent for addressing the profound challenges confronting today`s world." Thürmer Gyula, Chairman of the Hungarian Workers` Party, remarked that the historic victory of the Long March was achieved under the correct leadership of the CPC; today, China is dedicated to high-quality development and advancing hand in hand with all nations. Kiangi, Director General of the Tanzania Film Board, observed that the spirit of the Long March possesses enduring relevance, offering profound inspiration to developing countries exploring their own development paths.

Between October 1934 and October 1936, under the leadership of the CPC, the Red Army traversed more than ten provinces, covered 25,000 li (12,500 kilometers), broke through the encirclement and blockades of hundreds of thousands of enemy troops, and triumphantly accomplished the strategic northward relocation to resist Japanese aggression. In Red Star Over China, American journalist Edgar Snow wrote that it was "an Odyssey unequaled in modern history."

The purpose of commemorating history is to draw wisdom and strength for ongoing struggles. The great Long March spirit embodies the profound strength of loyalty, truth, justice, and solidarity, which has inspired the CPC to unite and lead the Chinese people in securing victory after victory. Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a new era, the first centenary goal has been realized, and China is now forging ahead to achieve the second centenary goal.

The "Five Musts" underscored by General Secretary Xi Jinping—unswervingly upholding the Party`s ideals and convictions; resolutely advancing high-quality development and meeting the people`s growing expectations for a better life; daring to carry out great struggles with many contemporary historical features; rapidly building the people`s armed forces into world-class troops; and upholding the Party`s leadership while strengthening Party building—provide strategic guidance for marching on the New Long March and offer enduring inspiration to an uncertain world.

The victory of the Long March is a triumph of ideals and convictions. From eliminating extreme poverty to promoting high-quality development and common prosperity, the CPC consistently dedicates itself to the well-being of the people and the rejuvenation of the nation. Berhu Demisse, Senior Advisor at the Policy Studies Institute of Ethiopia, noted that the core essence of the Long March spirit transcends borders, ideologies, and eras, representing a universal virtue of all humanity.

Development is the master key to resolving all issues. This year marks the opening year of China`s 15th Five-Year Plan, and the "third-quarter report" of China`s economic performance demonstrates steady and resilient operation. China is resolutely driving high-quality development, injecting momentum into the global economy. Roy Davy, former Chairman of the New Zealand-China Friendship Society, stated that the Red Army maintained its direction of progress even under the harshest conditions, embodying strategic wisdom that offers deep inspiration to countries forging their independent development trajectories.

The journey toward ideals is never smooth. The world today is undergoing accelerated transformations unseen in a century, with uncertainties rising sharply. From countering tariff and trade wars to achieving high-standard technological self-reliance, the CPC and the Chinese people have demonstrated courage and competence in struggle. José Luis Centella, President of the Communist Party of Spain, wrote that the Long March offers contemporary global governance its most valuable lesson in confronting uncertainty: maintaining strategic direction without succumbing to strategic rigidity; pursuing long-term goals while adjusting methods in line with evolving realities; and demonstrating resilience in setbacks while seeking cooperation amid divergence.

The history of the Long March has never faded; its path continues to widen and extend forward. As the world`s second-largest economy and a responsible major country, China is creating new glories along the path of the New Long March, which not only benefits the Chinese people but also injects stabilizing energy into a turbulent world. Sergey Tavrovsky, Vice Chairman of the Russian-Chinese Friendship Association, believes that China`s success on the path of the New Long March and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation carry profound significance not only for the Chinese people, but for the entire world.

Source: Shwarna, Touhid, Suborna | China Media Group (CMG)