Dalian

In 1899, as a result of the Treaty of Shimonoseki and subsequent negotiations, the Liaodong Peninsula, which includes Dalian, was leased to Russia by China. This created a significant Russian influence in the area, leading to the development of Dalian into an important port city. Russian engineers and architects were instrumental in laying the foundations for modern Dalian, with infrastructure and urban planning that continue to impact the city today.

The Siege of Port Arthur, which began in May 1904, marked a critical phase in the Russo-Japanese War. Port Arthur, now part of Lushun in the Dalian region, was a heavily fortified naval base established by the Russians. The Japanese army laid siege to the port, with intense fighting until its fall in January 1905. This battle was notable for the modern military technology used and high casualties, and it showcased Japan's rising military prowess. The siege ultimately led to a shift in naval superiority to Japan in the east.

In August 1945, Soviet forces entered and occupied Dalian towards the end of World War II. This came as part of a larger agreement at the Yalta Conference, as Soviet interests were secured in the region of Manchuria. The Soviet Union established temporary control over Dalian and its strategic port under the August 1945 agreement with the Chinese Nationalist government, who eventually resumed full control in 1950. This period significantly influenced the geopolitical landscape of post-war East Asia.

In 1984, Dalian was designated as an open coastal city by the Chinese government, marking a pivotal moment in its economic development. This status allowed Dalian to experience increased foreign investment and trade, accelerated industrial growth, and rapid modernization, which significantly transformed its urban landscape. Special economic policies and incentives were introduced to attract foreign investments which boosted the local economy and infrastructure.

The Dalian Software Park was established on July 1, 1996, as part of efforts to develop the city into a major hub for the software and IT service industries. This initiative attracted numerous multinational companies and boosted the local economy by creating thousands of high-tech jobs. Dalian Software Park became one of China's earliest and most significant software export zones, contributing to the city's reputation as a modern technological center.

The 2001 APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) summit was held in the city of Dalian, marking it as a significant site for international diplomatic engagements. This meeting brought together leaders from 21 member economies to discuss issues related to free trade, investment, and economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. Hosting the APEC summit reinforced Dalian's importance as a global city capable of hosting major international events and fostering economic dialogues.

In 2009, the city which historically had been known by several names, officially became Lushun, a part of Dalian city. The renaming was part of a larger administrative restructuring to reflect historical traditions while integrating the region into the modern administrative framework of the city. This renaming aimed to preserve the cultural and historical identity of the region, enhancing its appeal as a tourist destination while aligning with urban development plans.

A major oil spill occurred in Dalian, China, on July 16, 2010, when pipelines exploded at the Dalian Xingang Port. The spill released an estimated 1,500 tons of crude oil into the sea, creating one of China's worst environmental disasters. The catastrophe prompted government action to implement more stringent policies and safety improvements in port operations. Based on the initial response and subsequent cleanup efforts, significant improvements were made in emergency response strategies for future maritime incidents.

In May 2012, Dalian hosted the World Economic Forum's 'Summer Davos,' attracting global leaders in economics, business, and politics to the city. The successful hosting of this prestigious international conference helped elevate Dalian's profile as a center of global economic discourse. Discussions were centered around sustainable economic growth, innovation, and future trends, highlighting Dalian's strategic role as a meeting point for worldwide thought leaders.

On July 24, 2020, a new outbreak of COVID-19 was reported in Dalian, leading to widespread testing and quarantine measures to contain the virus. This resurgence was part of the broader global pandemic that affected many cities worldwide. Dalian's health authorities instituted city-wide campaigns to test millions of residents and implemented lockdown protocols to halt the spread. These measures underscored the stark realities of managing public health during a pandemic and Dalian's proactive response to the crisis.