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What a Tax Bureau Exhibition on the Long March Signals for Foreign Founders in China

China's tax authority recently held an exhibition on the 90th anniversary of the Long March, highlighting the history of 'red taxation.' Here's what foreign founders should know about the context and practical takeaways for operating in China.

A Historical Exhibition with Modern Relevance

Foreign founders registering or operating a company in China may not expect to encounter an exhibition about the Long March, but a recent event by the State Taxation Administration (STA) offers useful context on how China's tax system views its own history. According to the STA website, the agency recently hosted a special tax exhibition commemorating the 90th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army's Long March. The exhibition opened on October 19, 2026, with STA Party Secretary and Commissioner Hu Jinglin and other senior officials in Beijing attending.

While the event is primarily commemorative, it underscores the continuity and ideological framing of China's tax administration. For foreign founders, understanding this backdrop can help in anticipating how tax policy is communicated and implemented.

What the Exhibition Showcased

The exhibition, themed "Carry Forward the Long March Spirit, Inherit the Red Tax Soul," displayed historical materials including images of tax authority sites, documents, proclamations, tax tickets, and seals. It focused on three periods: red tax practices in the Soviet areas before the Long March, explorations during the strategic transfer, and the rebuilding of the tax system in the Shaan-Gan-Ning Border Region after the Long March victory. According to the source, the exhibition vividly reflects the Communist Party of China's revolutionary tax propositions, tax organization building, and institutional development during that era.

For foreign founders, this historical narrative may seem distant, but it signals that the STA places strong emphasis on its institutional heritage and on aligning tax work with broader national goals. This can inform how you approach compliance and engagement with tax authorities.

Leadership Emphasis and Implications

After touring the exhibition, Commissioner Hu Jinglin emphasized that the Long March victory is a monumental milestone in the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, and the great Long March spirit is a powerful driving force. He noted that red taxation accompanied the start and development of China's revolutionary cause, and the red tax spirit forged during the Long March is valuable spiritual wealth for tax officials in the new era. He called on tax cadres to fully implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, deeply understand the decisive significance of the "Two Establishments," and resolutely achieve the "Two Upholds." He also urged them to study the history of the Red Army's Long March and red taxation, carry forward the great Long March spirit, inherit red genes, cultivate a people-oriented approach, and strive to write a new chapter in high-quality tax practice for Chinese modernization.

For foreign founders, these statements may appear ideological, but they reflect the guiding principles that shape tax administration. The emphasis on "high-quality development" and "Chinese modernization" aligns with broader policy directions that affect business operations, including tax incentives and regulatory priorities.

Practical Takeaways for Foreign Founders

While the exhibition itself does not introduce new tax rules, it offers several insights for foreign founders:

• Stability and continuity: The STA's focus on history suggests a desire to project stability and continuity in tax administration. Foreign founders can expect a consistent approach to tax collection and enforcement, grounded in institutional tradition.
• Ideological alignment: Tax officials are encouraged to align with national goals. This means that tax policies may be communicated with reference to broader national strategies, such as Chinese modernization. Being aware of this can help you interpret policy announcements.
• Compliance culture: The emphasis on "red tax spirit" and "people-oriented" service indicates a push for tax officials to serve taxpayers while maintaining rigor. Foreign founders should maintain robust compliance and engage professionally with tax authorities.
• Historical context: Understanding the historical roots of China's tax system can provide context for current practices, such as the importance of formal documentation and seals, which were highlighted in the exhibition.

These points are not legal requirements but rather contextual factors that can inform your business strategy.

Exhibition Details and Future Viewings

The exhibition was organized by the STA's Party Committee and China Tax Press and will run for one month. According to the source, subsequent organized visits will be arranged for Party members and cadres from various departments of the STA. While foreign founders are unlikely to attend, the event's messaging may trickle down through official communications and training.

How ChinaMNC Can Help

Navigating China's tax system requires more than historical awareness; it demands practical expertise. ChinaMNC specializes in helping foreign founders register and operate companies in China, from entity setup to ongoing compliance. If you have questions about tax registration, incentives, or reporting obligations, our team can provide guidance tailored to your situation.

For assistance, contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp or WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535. We're here to help you establish and grow your business in China with confidence.

This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.