'Foreign powers will get their heads bashed if attempt to bully China', President delivers defiant speech at CPC 100

Kicking off the celebration of 100 years of the Communist Party of China (CPC 100), President Xi Jinping today warned that foreign powers will get their heads bashed if they attempt to bully or influence the country. He delivered a defiant speech at an event marking the centenary of the ruling Communist Party on Thursday.

 

 

Xi also said Beijing would not allow sanctimonious preaching, in remarks widely seen as directed at the US. It comes as China faces criticism over alleged human rights abuses and its crackdown in Hong Kong. Relations between the US and China have worsened in recent times over trade, espionage and the pandemic and the issue of Taiwan is also a major source of tension. While democratic Taiwan sees itself as a sovereign state, Beijing views the island as a breakaway province.

 

 

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

 

 

 

Xi Jinping, modern China's most powerful leader since Mao Zedong, wore a light grey suit which appeared to be identical to the one worn by the Communist Party founder in the famous portrait that adorns one side of Tiananmen Square. The 100th anniversary celebrations 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. 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.

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