Beijing: Chinese President Xi Jinping marked the 100th anniversary of the founding of the ruling Communist Party by stating that the “era of China being bullied is gone forever”.
In comments seen as a reference to the US, Jinping said China does not oppress other countries. He also warned against anyone “oppressing China”, saying they would “have their heads bashed… against a great wall of steel”.
A vetted crowd of about 70,000 are in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square.
Many of them are not wearing masks.
Drawing a line from the subjugation of the Opium Wars to the struggle to establish a socialist revolution in China, Xi said the party has brought about “national rejuvenation” lifting tens of millions from poverty and “altered the landscape of world development.”
Xi, wearing a ‘Mao-style’ jacket, added the “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation has entered an irreversible historical course” and vowed to continue to build a “world-class” military to defend national interests.
China has repeatedly accused the US of trying to curb its growth – and these comments are also seen as a reference to Washington.
The ceremonies on Thursday morning also saw military jet fly-pasts, cannon salutes and patriotic songs played.
The country has seen a media blitz in recent weeks promoting a party-approved version of China’s history.
Hong Kong is also marking its handover anniversary.
