2002
The Communist Party of China held its 16th national congress from Nov 8 to 14. [In detail]

2003
The Chinese government successfully eliminated SARS within China's territory and safeguarded the life and health of its people. [In detail]

2004
The Constitution was amended to include the principle that "the state respects and guarantees human rights." [In detail]

2005
CPC General Secretary Hu Jintao met with then Chairman of the Kuomintang, Lien Chan for the first time in 60 years. [In detail]

2006
The Qinghai-Tibet Railway, the world's highest railroad, was put into operation. [In detail]

2007
The Property Law went into effect, covering state, collective, and private properties. [In detail]

2008
In May, an earthquake killed at least 69,000 people in SW China. [In detail] In August, the Olympic Games opened in Beijing. [In detail]

2009
China unveiled health-care reform guidelines to ensure fair and affordable health services for all 1.3 billion citizens. [In detail]

2010
The Shanghai Expo welcomed more than 70 million visitors, becoming the largest ever World's Fair. [In detail]

2011
China adopted the 12th Five-Year Plan, a strategic guideline made for the country's economic and social development from 2011 to 2015. [In detail]