China celebrated its centennial rule by the Communist Party with about 70,000 people at Beijing’s iconic Tiananmen Square. The event was invitation-only.
President Xi Jinping told the crowd that “no one should underestimate the Chinese people’s determination, and strong ability to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
In an hourlong address, he pledged to build up China’s military, committed to the “reunification” of Taiwan, and said social stability would be ensured in Hong Kong while protecting China’s sovereignty, according to news outlets.
Xi Jinping also told the crowd the Communist Party is bringing China to global prominence and warned that foreign forces attempting to bully the nation will “get their heads bashed.”
The celebration included a military flyover, parade, and concert.