Thousands of people gathered at the historic Tiananmen Square in Beijing to mark the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Sitting in striking formation, they listened to President Xi Jinping deliver a speech underscoring the goal of “building a great modern socialist country.”

“It is certain that with the firm leadership of the Party and the great unity of the Chinese people of all ethnic groups, we will achieve the goal of building a great modern socialist country in all respects and fulfill the Chinese Dream of great national rejuvenation,” Xi said.

China’s political leaders, including former president Hu Jintao and ex-premier Wen Jiabao, attended the anniversary on Thursday morning. An estimated 70,000 party members also attended the event, which included the firing of cannons, a flag-raising ceremony, and flyovers by fighter jets and helicopters.

In his 60-minute speech, Xi paid tribute to former Communist leaders — including Mao Zedong, Zhou Enlai, and Deng Xiaoping — and referred to the Chinese people as “true heroes.”

Xi also said the country must “accelerate the modernization of national defense and the armed forces.” He added that China will “never allow foreign bullying, oppression, or subjugation.”

The CPC was founded in 1921 in Shanghai by some 50 party members, leading to the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. Currently, there are over 95 million Chinese Communist Party members, Xi said during his speech.

Xi stated the party will uphold its values and is “determined to make great achievements” for the country and its people.

“The Chinese dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation will surely be realized,” he said.

(Header image: A snapshot from the celebrations to mark the centenary of the Communist Party of China at Tiananmen Square in Beijing, July 1, 2021. Xinhua)