Xi warns China will not be 'oppressed' in anniversary speech

Chinese President Xi Jinping has said China does not oppress other countries, at a speech marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of the ruling Communist Party. In comments seen as a reference to the US, Mr Xi also warned against anyone "oppressing China", saying they would "have their heads bashed... against a great wall of steel".

The vetted crowd of 70,000 erupted in cheers in Beijing's Tiananmen Square. Many of them were not wearing masks.

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 on the same day.

What were the key highlights of Xi's speech?

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.

He also mentioned Taiwan, noting that China maintains an "unshakeable commitment" to unification with the island.

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

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'.

How has China prepared 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.

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

Meanwhile, 100 television dramas celebrating the anniversary have been scheduled to broadcast throughout the year.

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".

Several sites across the country deemed historically significant for the party, including former revolutionary base Yan'an city, have reported spikes in tourists.

But not all are 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.

"Every day, it's all about building a party and building a nation - do you have any other choice?"