Ninety years after its historic conclusion, the Red Army’s Long March remains an enduring symbol of courage, perseverance, unity and determination. As China commemorates the 90th anniversary of the victory of the Long March in 2026, the extraordinary journey continues to resonate beyond its historical setting, offering lessons in leadership, national development, collective strength and international cooperation.

Undertaken between October 1934 and October 1936, the Long March was one of the most consequential episodes in modern Chinese history. The Red Army, the predecessor of today’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA), embarked on an arduous strategic withdrawal amid fierce military confrontations during China’s revolutionary struggle. What began as a desperate effort to survive eventually became a defining chapter in the country’s political transformation and revolutionary history.

More than a military operation, the Long March represented an extraordinary demonstration of human endurance, strategic adaptability and the power of collective determination. Its legacy continues to influence China’s national outlook and development philosophy, while offering broader insights into overcoming adversity through unity and perseverance.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Long March was the indispensable role played by ordinary people. The Red Army’s survival depended not merely on military discipline and strategic decisions but also on the trust, generosity and cooperation of communities encountered along its route.

In October 1934, when more than 86,000 Red Army soldiers prepared to cross the river at Yudu in Jiangxi Province, local residents reportedly contributed wooden doors, bed frames and even coffins to construct temporary pontoon bridges. Their sacrifices helped make possible a critical crossing at the beginning of the historic expedition.

Another defining moment occurred in May 1935 in the mountainous region of Sichuan, where the Red Army entered territory inhabited by the Yi ethnic community. Historical mistrust and cultural differences presented formidable obstacles to its advance.

Rather than relying solely on military strength, Red Army commander Liu Bocheng sought to establish mutual confidence with Yi leader Xiaoyedan. At Yihai Lake, the two pledged brotherhood according to Yi customs, symbolically using lake water instead of wine. The agreement facilitated the army’s passage and became an enduring example of........

© Daily Times