China

On October 1, 1949, Mao Zedong proclaimed the establishment of the People's Republic of China from Tiananmen Square, marking the end of the Chinese Civil War and the beginning of communist rule in China. This was a pivotal moment in Chinese history, transforming China into a Marxist-Leninist state. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) aimed to reconstruct the nation following years of civil strife, invasion, and war. A series of social and economic reforms were introduced, including land reforms and the nationalization of industry. This event marked the beginning of the CCP's continuous governance of China.

The Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution, commonly known as the Cultural Revolution, began in China on May 16, 1966, initiated by Mao Zedong. This social and political movement aimed to preserve Chinese communism by purging remnants of capitalist and traditional elements from society, leading to major upheavals. It targeted intellectuals, educators, and supposed bourgeois elements, creating widespread chaos and severe disruptions across the country. Educational institutions were closed, and 'Red Guards' mobilized. The Cultural Revolution is considered one of the darkest periods in China's modern history, causing extensive cultural destruction and loss of life.

On October 25, 1971, the United Nations General Assembly passed Resolution 2758, which recognized the People's Republic of China as 'the only legitimate representative of China to the United Nations' and expelled the representatives of Chiang Kai-shek. This resolution led to the People’s Republic of China taking a seat as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, significantly increasing its global influence. The switch was part of a broader trend of international recognition shifting from Taiwan to the People's Republic of China, contributing greatly to China's reintegration into the global diplomatic community.

On June 4, 1989, Chinese troops and security police stormed Tiananmen Square in Beijing, violently suppressing a two-month-long student-led demonstration for political reform and freedom of speech. The Chinese government declared martial law, leading to a massive crackdown where thousands of protesters were believed to have been killed or imprisoned. This event drew international condemnation and highlighted the repressive measures of the Chinese government, casting a long shadow over China's human rights record. It remains a sensitive topic within China, and comprehensive information about the incident is often censored.

On December 11, 2001, China officially became a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) after 15 years of negotiations. Joining the WTO marked a significant milestone in China’s economic reform and opening up to the global market. It obliged China to adhere to international trade rules and significantly reduce tariffs and barriers to trade. This membership facilitated China's rapid economic growth, making it one of the world's largest exporters and importers. China's WTO accession has had profound impacts on global supply chains, international trade relations, and its domestic policies.

The 2008 Summer Olympics were held in Beijing, China, starting on August 8. This event was the first Olympics hosted by China and marked a major milestone for the country, showcasing its development and modernization. The Chinese government invested heavily in infrastructure and stadiums, including the iconic Bird's Nest stadium. The Games were seen as a symbol of China's emergence as a global power and received praise for the spectacular opening ceremony and successful events. However, these Games also faced criticism concerning human rights issues and press freedom in China.

On November 12, 2013, the Third Plenary Session of the 18th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China was held. This meeting resulted in a significant set of reform plans, aimed at economic reform and modernization of the Chinese economy. The Session focused on increasing the role of market forces and reducing government intervention, marking a shift in China's economic policy direction. Notable reforms included the relaxation of the one-child policy, land reforms, and changes in the financial sector, promoting more sustainable and balanced economic growth within China.

On September 28, 2014, a pro-democracy protest erupted in Hong Kong, known as the Umbrella Movement. Thousands of students and activists filled the streets to demand open elections and democratic reform. The name 'Umbrella Movement' emerged as protesters used umbrellas to shield themselves from pepper spray and tear gas used by the police. The movement called for the retraction of restrictive electoral policy changes which effectively limited the public's ability to nominate candidates for the Chief Executive election. This protest highlighted the ongoing tensions between Hong Kong's desire for democratic freedoms and China's governance.

On October 1, 2019, China celebrated the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Massive celebrations were held across the country, featuring a grand military parade in Beijing showcasing China's military hardware and developments, including new missile technology. This event was not only a commemoration of the establishment of the PRC but also a display of China's achievements under the Communist Party's leadership. Despite domestic and international challenges, such as trade tensions with the U.S., the celebrations emphasized national unity and progress.

On February 23, 2020, Chinese authorities announced drastic measures to control the spread of COVID-19, as new cases were reported outside Hubei province, the initial epicenter. This included lockdowns and travel restrictions, especially in cities like Wuhan. The COVID-19 pandemic, which originated in Wuhan in late 2019, posed significant challenges to China, highlighting issues with early containment and response. The stringent measures then taken showcased China's approach to managing the pandemic, which involved mass testing, strict quarantines, and later, mass vaccination campaigns. These efforts were globally observed as both a benchmark and a point of critique in pandemic responses.