BEIJING, China (CNN) -- China launched its Olympic torch relay in a controlled ceremony in front of invited guests at Tiananmen Square on Monday, starting a historic trek that was praised by the country's leaders and condemned by critics who are waiting to protest along the route.

The torch will be taken on a 130-day journey around the world in what is said to be the longest torch relay in Olympic history.

At Monday's ceremony, a Chinese leader called the torch a symbol of "peace, friendship and progress."

But this same torch has become a lightning rod for protests as some pro-Tibetan groups have scheduled demonstrations in London, Paris, San Francisco and other cities.

The heavily-guarded ceremony at Tiananmen Square was reserved for several thousand invited guests. Security forces surrounded the red carpeted area in the public square.

Anti-government, pro-Tibet protests have raged in the weeks leading up to this ceremony.

Last week's ceremony in ancient Olympia, Greece -- in which the Olympic flame was lit -- was interrupted by protesters, and Greek police arrested people along the first miles of the torch relay. Read all about history of the Olympic torch

But the demonstrations were peaceful, and police reported no injuries or scuffles.

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At one point, a Tibetan woman covered herself with red paint and lay on the ground, forcing the torchbearer to weave around her as other protesters shouted "Flame of shame."

Students for a Free Tibet, a Tibetan exile group, said its protesters would challenge police as the flame moves through 23 cities on five continents before returning to China, where it will be taken throughout the nation.

But no sign of protests could be seen Monday in Tiananmen Square at a ceremony -- held 130 days before the Olympics begin in Beijing on August 8 -- that featured speeches, dances and smiling displays of the torch under the rain of confetti.

"The flame brings the best wishes of the people of the world for a better future and the vision of the modern Olympics movement that is peace, friendship and progress," said Chinese Vice President Xi Jin Ping

The torch is scheduled to go next to Almaty, Kazakhstan. E-mail to a friend

CNN's John Vause contributed to this report.

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