Chinese Communist Party Celebrates its 100th Birthday
15:24 GMT 01.07.2021 (Updated: 16:24 GMT 05.03.2023)
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Although members of the Chinese Communist Party celebrate the anniversary of the party's foundation on 1 July, some historians suggest this might be inaccurate and that the party was actually founded on 23 July 1921, when the 1st National Congress of the CCP took place in Shanghai.
The second-largest political party in the world, with more than 90 million members, marks the 100th anniversary of its founding on 1 July. The party was founded by two pioneers of the communist movement in China - Li Dazhao, who, at the time, was Head Librarian and Professor at Peking University, and Chen Duxiu, philosopher and author.
In 2021, the number of CCP members very nearly reached 91 million, which represents about 6.4 percent of China’s 1.4 billion population. It is second in size only to India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party which has about 180 million members.
Large-scale festivities have been organised across the country, and the leadership has gathered at Tiananmen Square in Beijing for a meeting. More than 70,000 guests participated in the event.
© REUTERS / Carlos Garcia RawlinsParticipants of the grand parade are singing to mark the party's anniversary.
Participants of the grand parade are singing to mark the party's anniversary.
© REUTERS / Carlos Garcia RawlinsChinese president Xi Jinping applauding above huge portrait of chairman Mao.
Chinese president Xi Jinping applauding above huge portrait of chairman Mao.
© REUTERS / CNSphotoThe Chinese Communist Party first announced plans to hold grand celebrations to mark its 100th anniversary in March.
The Chinese Communist Party first announced plans to hold grand celebrations to mark its 100th anniversary in March.
© AFP 2023 / Greg BakerKids are watching grand parade as the second largest party in the world is getting ready to step into the next century of its activities.
Kids are watching grand parade as the second largest party in the world is getting ready to step into the next century of its activities.
© AP Photo / Mark SchiefelbeinChinese military helicopters are forming the number "100" in the sky.
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© AP Photo / Mark Schiefelbein
Chinese military helicopters are forming the number "100" in the sky.
© AP Photo / Ng Han GuanMilitary orchestra is setting the rhythm for the celebrations.
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© AP Photo / Ng Han Guan
Military orchestra is setting the rhythm for the celebrations.
© REUTERS / Thomas PeterChinese president Xi Jinping is addressing the nation on the party's 100th anniversary.
Chinese president Xi Jinping is addressing the nation on the party's 100th anniversary.
© AFP 2023 / Wang Zhao The emblem of the Communist Party of China is a stylised version of hammer and sickle.
The emblem of the Communist Party of China is a stylised version of hammer and sickle.
© REUTERS / Carlos Garcia RawlinsPeople are sending thousands of balloons into the sky to mark a century since the communist party was founded.
People are sending thousands of balloons into the sky to mark a century since the communist party was founded.
© REUTERS / Carlos Garcia RawlinsChinese military unites are marching during the grand parade.
Chinese military unites are marching during the grand parade.
© AFP 2023 / Wang ZhaoStudents waiving flags during the celebration of the CCP's 100th anniversary at the Tiananmen square.
Students waiving flags during the celebration of the CCP's 100th anniversary at the Tiananmen square.
© REUTERS / Tyrone SiuFishing boats near Hong Kong fly the Chinese flag.
Fishing boats near Hong Kong fly the Chinese flag.
© AFP 2023 / Wang ZhaoPeople are taking pictures at the grand celebration.
People are taking pictures at the grand celebration.
© AFP 2023 / Wang Zhao Military band's percussionists are standing still.
Military band's percussionists are standing still.
© REUTERS / Carlos Garcia RawlinsPeople arrived at the grand parade from many parts of China to whiteness one of the most glittering event of this year.
People arrived at the grand parade from many parts of China to whiteness one of the most glittering event of this year.
© REUTERS / Tingshu WangPeople are taking pictures of the military airshow.
People are taking pictures of the military airshow.
© AP Photo / Ng Han GuanThousands of red flags are streamed up in the sky.
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© AP Photo / Ng Han Guan
Thousands of red flags are streamed up in the sky.