Daily US Times: Chinese president Xi Jinping said at a speech marking the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party that his country does not oppress other countries and also warned against “bullies”, saying they would “have their heads bashed against a great wall of steel”, a statement seen as referencing the United States.
Mr Xi’s anniversary comments sparked applause from the 70,000 strong audience.
They come as China faces criticism over its alleged human rights abuses in Xinjiang and crackdown in Hong Kong.
Relations between China and the US are also tense, especially over the issue of Taiwan. While democratic Taiwan sees itself as a sovereign state, but China views the island as a breakaway province.
US law requires it to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself, should China use force to take the island back.
Mr Xi said on Thursday that China maintains an “unshakeable commitment” to unification with Taiwan.
He said: “No one should underestimate the resolve, the will and ability of the Chinese people to defend their national sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
The ceremony on Thursday morning saw cannon salute, military jet fly-pasts and patriotic songs played.
A carefully vetted crowd attended in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, many of whom were not wearing masks.
In recent weeks, the country has seen a media blitz promoting a party-approved version of China’s history.
Hong Kong is also marking its handover anniversary on the same day.
Mr Xi 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”.
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