Hongqi

Hongqi, meaning “Red Flag” in Chinese, is a term used for more than one notable entity in China, most prominently a luxury automobile marque and a political theory journal of the Chinese Communist Party. The name has broader cultural resonance in references to state power and national imagery.

Hongqi (car marque) is the premium automotive brand of FAW Group, established in 1958 to produce top-tier state limousines for Chinese leaders. The first notable model, often associated with the program, included early prototypes such as the CA72 and the CA770 family, which helped define the brand’s image as a symbol of official prestige. After decades of limited civilian production, Hongqi was relaunched as a mass-market premium brand in the 21st century. The modern Hongqi lineup features sedans and sport utility vehicles marketed under the H-series and HS-series naming, along with electric models such as the E-HS9. The L-series has been used in some flagship or ceremonial contexts. The brand is based inChangchun and is a subsidiary of FAW Group. Hongqi’s market focus is primarily China, with efforts to expand to selected international markets through partnerships and import programs, emphasizing luxury, technology, and national branding as a distinctive identity.

Hongqi (journal) refers to the Red Flag journal, the Chinese Communist Party’s theoretical periodical. Established in 1958, it serves as a platform for publishing political theory, policy analyses, and essays by CCP leaders and scholars. It is produced under the party apparatus and has historically played a role in disseminating party doctrine and ideological debate, with editions in Chinese and occasional translations or summaries for broader audiences.

The two uses share a common name but represent distinct domains: automotive branding and political theory.