CCP 100: Xi warns China will not be 'oppressed' in anniversary speech

China does not oppress other countries, said its President Xi Jinping at a speech marking the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party.

Mr Xi also warned against "bullies", saying they would "have their heads bashed against a great wall of steel", a statement seen as referencing the US.

His comments sparked applause from the 70,000 strong audience.

They come as China faces criticism over its crackdown in Hong Kong and alleged human rights abuses in Xinjiang.

Relations between US and China are also tense, especially over the issue of Taiwan. While democratic Taiwan sees itself as a sovereign state, Beijing views the island as a breakaway province.

US law requires it to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself, should Beijing use force to take the island back.

On Thursday Mr Xi said China maintains an "unshakeable commitment" to unification with Taiwan.

"No one should underestimate the resolve, the will and ability of the Chinese people to defend their national sovereignty and territorial integrity," he said.

Getty Images -Military aircraft flew in formation to mark the 100th anniversary

The ceremony on Thursday morning saw military jet fly-pasts, cannon salutes and patriotic songs played.

A carefully vetted crowd were in attendance in Beijing's Tiananmen Square, many of whom were not wearing masks.

Getty Images -People in the streets of Beijing waving at planes flying in formation to Tiananmen Square

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 on the same day.

What else did Xi say?

Mr Xi, who spoke for around an hour, reiterated the role of the party in modern China, saying that it has been central to the country's growth and that attempts to separate it from the people would "fail".

"Only socialism can save China, and only socialism with Chinese characteristics can develop China," he said.

He added that "we will never allow anyone to bully, oppress or subjugate China".

"Anyone who dares try to do that will have their heads bashed bloody against the Great Wall of Steel forged by over 1.4 billion Chinese people," he said.

China has repeatedly accused the US of trying to curb its growth - and these comments are also seen as a reference to Washington.

On Hong Kong and Macau - which he said both retain a "high degree of autonomy" - they should "accurately implement the principles of 'One Country, Two Systems'.

Getty Images -The celebrations at Tiananmen Square saw massive crowds

How did China prepare for this anniversary?

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which was founded in 1921, came to power 72 years ago after a long civil war.

In that time the country has undergone massive changes - but some of these milestones were conspicuously missing in the propaganda drive.

On Monday, an art performance titled The Great Journey was staged at the Bird's Nest stadium in Beijing, where performers put on extravagant set-pieces detailing the history of the party and country.

But significant events such the Cultural Revolution purges, the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, and the pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong were missing, reported AFP news agency.

Getty Images -The Great Journey showcased party history highlights, but some chapters were reportedly omitted 

Getty Images -A segment of Monday's show was dedicated to how China beat Covid-19

Since April, Chinese cinemas were ordered to screen propaganda films, known as "red films", at least twice a week.

A song, called 100%, that praised China's achievements and featured 100 rappers was also released.

"Red tourism" has also become popular, with travel companies such as Ctrip launching 100 unique routes for "red pilgrims".

Getty Images -Tourists have been thronging "red tourism" sites such as the Memorial of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China in Shanghai

But not all were pleased with the propaganda.

"Now when I turn on the TV at night, dozens of stations are airing dramas about revolutionary wars," a Beijing resident told BBC Chinese.

Why is the anniversary significant?

With celebrations focusing on the intertwining histories of the party and country, the CCP appears keen to make itself synonymous with China's rapid development, say experts.

The centenary is "clearly an important moment for the party and has been planned meticulously," Tom Rafferty from The Economist Intelligence Unit told the BBC.

"A consistent element in the official messaging has been the emphasis on the current period as representing a 'new era' distinct from the post-1978 reform period," he said, adding that this "underscores the ambitions of the current leadership".

What about Hong Kong?

Thursday also marks the 24th anniversary of the former British colony's handover to Chinese rule.

Though the city usually holds celebrations, in recent years it has seen anti-Beijing protests on the date - though a controversial national security law put in place last year has muted dissent.

Hong Kong police have denied permission for a rally, citing coronavirus restrictions, organisers said.