China’s leader Xi Jinping hands out medals amid party celebrations

Performers dressed as rescue workers gather around the Communist Party flag during a gala show ahead of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese Communist Party in Beijing (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Chinese president Xi Jinping has awarded loyal party members with medals and called for adherence to Marxism amid celebrations over the centenary of the ruling Communist Party.

Mr Xi’s speech at a ceremony on Tuesday follows a lavish celebration at Beijing’s Olympic stadium on Monday night, which emphasised China’s rise to economic and political prominence following reforms enacted more than 40 years ago.