Epic journey offers lessons for global change

This year marks the 90th anniversary of the Long March's victory, a moment that calls for deep reflection. Can the powerful symbolism of the Long March inspire us to rethink our current needs, evaluate our resilience and chart a course for future progress? I believe it can — and must. There are both historical and practical reasons for this.

The anniversary of the Long March's victory carries powerful messages, both within China and internationally. The term "Long March" has come to symbolize strength, resilience and vision. Its transformative effect is evident wherever the concept is invoked, resonating with people in China and around the world.

For the Chinese people, the Long March symbolizes the profound and necessary transformation of Chinese society, highlighting the sweeping changes that grew out of this pivotal experience.

This message is important for the world as well. Deep social transformations rarely happen as a result of a single event. They often require prolonged and sometimes painful processes. Unlike revolutions, which involve sudden and violent upheavals in the existing order, most transformations are deeper and long-lasting.

In Europe, about half a century ago, the idea of a "long march" became fashionable. The youth leaders of that era, while struggling for change, coined the phrase "long march through the institutions". It reflected an understanding that change will not result from mechanistic notions of revolution, but from a mass movement requiring effective leadership and deeper changes in the consciousness of the people.

Similarly, the changes necessary today require determined and persistent efforts, as well as a good understanding of the desired goals.

This anniversary of the Long March offers an opportunity to reflect on the many dimensions of the journey. It is equally important to consider how the concept of the Long March applies to the social transformation the world needs today. The world faces serious uncertainties, including wars and their humanitarian consequences, climate change and its environmental impact, as well as economic volatility and supply chain disruptions. The message of the Chinese Long March can guide us in understanding what resilience means today and charting a path toward the future.

There are various international initiatives that could, if properly developed, steer the world toward necessary transformation. China's four global initiatives exemplify a long-term vision and invite global dialogue on these transformations. The urgency for an international discussion on these initiatives is growing.

At the same time, the practical steps toward the future have to be inspired by the idea of a global long march. This is a thought that comes to mind on many occasions, including in the discussions on the current cooperation between China and the European Union. The two sides recently held their second trade and investment consultations in Beijing.

The meeting produced good results, regarding the pressing issues such as trade in hybrid vehicles, market access for medical devices, and rare earths and permanent magnets. These discussions have set the stage for further progress, enhancing the positive atmosphere and expectations for future cooperation.

Every long march consists of a number of steps, both small and large. History will tell whether the current progress between the EU and China represents small or large steps. However, it is undeniable that progress is being made. Both sides acknowledge that cooperation is necessary and agree that further dialogue is crucial. Now is the time to accelerate the pace of the long march of cooperation between the EU and China. Companies from both sides should identify additional areas of mutual interest and expand their cooperation within a coordinated global vision. Together, the EU and China can be a vital force for positive global change.

With decades of experience in cooperation, the EU and China are well-positioned to shape the future of the world in unprecedented ways. If the two sides seize this opportunity, the practical progress they achieve would honor the legacy of China's Long March and contribute to a new, global long march toward a more prosperous world.

The author is a former president of Slovenia.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

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