Chinese and Foreign Officers Discuss the Long March: Understanding the Spiritual Power of an Epic of Heroes

Recently, a dialogue between Chinese and foreign military officers held at the Yan'an Cadre Academy in China focused on the historical significance and contemporary value of the Long March. Foreign officers from the National Defense University and Chinese experts and scholars discussed together why this history of hardship and danger still resonates so widely today. The article reviews the arduous course of the Long March and cites the views of several foreign officers and international figures, noting that the Long March was not only an important military operation, but also embodied resilience, discipline, a spirit of sacrifice, and unity and cooperation. Participants also analyzed from strategic, organizational, and logistical perspectives why the Red Army was able to complete the Long March. The report also mentions that the spirit of the Long March is still given practical significance today. Participants believe that this spirit does not belong only to Chinese history, but also offers countries facing a complex international environment inspiration on unity, selfreliance, and breaking through difficulties.