Published by ChinaMNC · Wuxi
China Marks 77th Anniversary: Policy Signals for Foreign Founders Operating in China
A ChinaMNC briefing on the 77th anniversary reception in Beijing, translating official remarks on economic resilience, the 15th Five-Year Plan and opening-up into practical context for foreign founders setting up or running a company in China.
What Happened
On the evening of 30 September, a reception marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China was held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, according to Xinhua. President Xi Jinping attended and delivered an important speech. Premier Li Qiang presided over the reception, and Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Han Zheng were among those present. Around 800 Chinese and foreign guests attended.
The banquet hall displayed the national emblem above the stage, with the years "1949–2026" set against red flags. The national anthem was played as the reception opened.
Why It Matters for Foreign Founders
Anniversary speeches of this kind are not operational rulebooks, but they do set the tone for the policy year ahead. For foreign founders registering a company in China or managing an existing entity, the remarks point to the themes likely to shape regulation, incentives and enforcement: economic stability, reform and opening-up, the balance between development and security, and the rollout of the 15th Five-Year Plan.
ChinaMNC's reading is that founders should treat these signals as context for planning, not as guarantees. Nothing in the speech creates new rights, tax treatment or approvals for foreign-invested enterprises.
Key Points From the Speech
Economic Resilience and the 15th Five-Year Plan
Xi said that since the start of the year, the party and the country have worked to formulate and implement the 15th Five-Year Plan and to advance work across all areas. He described the economy as withstanding pressure while moving toward new and better-quality growth, and as showing strong resilience and vitality.
He called for maintaining the general principle of seeking progress while keeping performance stable, applying the new development philosophy fully and accurately, accelerating the creation of a new development pattern, further deepening reform and opening-up, and better coordinating development and security. He also stressed sustaining the economy's positive trajectory, safeguarding and improving people's livelihoods, and achieving a good start to the 15th Five-Year Plan.
Practical takeaway: Foreign founders should expect continued emphasis on high-quality growth, industrial upgrading and coordinated risk management. Compliance functions covering data, cybersecurity, environmental standards and labor will remain relevant to day-to-day operations.
Reform and Opening-Up
The speech reaffirmed deepening reform and opening-up as part of the economic agenda. The source text does not announce specific new measures for foreign investment, nor does it name market-access sectors or timelines.
Practical takeaway: Founders should verify sector-specific rules with the relevant authorities or professional advisers rather than relying on general statements. Registration, licensing and foreign exchange procedures continue to follow published regulations.
Hong Kong, Macao and Cross-Strait Relations
Xi said the policy of "one country, two systems," under which Hong Kong people govern Hong Kong and Macao people govern Macao with a high degree of autonomy, will be upheld. He expressed support for Hong Kong and Macao better integrating into and serving the country's overall development, and maintaining long-term prosperity and stability.
On cross-strait relations, he called for deepening exchanges and cooperation, opposing "Taiwan independence" separatist forces and external interference, and promoting the peaceful development of relations and national reunification.
Practical takeaway: Founders with entities or supply chains in Hong Kong or Macao should continue to monitor how integration measures are implemented in practice. Cross-strait commercial arrangements remain subject to the applicable rules in each jurisdiction.
Foreign Policy and Global Initiatives
Xi reiterated an independent foreign policy of peace, called for implementing the four global initiatives, and for building a community with a shared future for mankind, aiming to inject greater certainty and positive energy into a turbulent world.
Practical takeaway: The source offers no new commitments on visas, trade facilitation or foreign-invested enterprise treatment. Founders should rely on official channels for immigration and trade matters.
Signals Relevant to Company Setup and Operations
- Stability first: The emphasis on steady economic progress suggests continuity in administrative practice rather than abrupt shifts.
- Quality-oriented growth: Language on "new and better" development aligns with ongoing attention to upgrading and compliance.
- Reform and opening-up: A recurring theme, but the source gives no sector-specific liberalization details.
- Development and security together: Founders should maintain robust internal controls, especially on data and cross-border flows.
- Regional integration: Hong Kong and Macao are framed as part of the national development picture, relevant to founders structuring regional operations.
What Founders Should Do Next
Treat the speech as a directional signal, not a compliance checklist. Before registering a company in China or expanding operations, confirm your sector's requirements with the competent authorities, keep documentation current, and build internal processes that can adapt to policy updates. Watch for the formal publication of 15th Five-Year Plan details and any implementing rules that follow.
Contact ChinaMNC
Foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535 for help registering and operating a company in China.
This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.