China celebrates Communist Party's 100th anniversary. See pictures

With grand shows, song and dance, display of military power and fly-pasts by military jets, China's ruling Communist Party is celebrating 100 years of its founding in a grand ceremony.

The event on Thursday saw thousands gathered at Tiananmen Square for the official celebrations. Reports said that the crowd was carefully vetted by the Chinese officials.

President Xi Jinping, addressing the ceremony, said only socialism can save China. He added that the Communist Party has been central to China's growth story and that attempts to separate it from the people would "fail".

The Chinese Communist Party, which was founded in 1921, came to power 72 years ago after a long civil war. In that time the country has undergone massive changes.

The government had launched a massive propaganda blitz in the run-up to the celebrations. Since April, Chinese cinemas were ordered to screen propaganda films, known as "red films", at least twice a week.

At least 100 television dramas celebrating the anniversary have been scheduled to broadcast throughout the year.

A song, called 100%, that praised China's achievements and featured 100 rappers was also released.