2007 in China

Events from the year 2007 in China

Events

January

*January 1: CITIC, a state-owned investment enterprise of the Chinese government, buys Nations Energy Company, a Canadian petroleum extraction company, giving it a majority stake in KazMunayGas, the state-owned oil and gas company in Kazakhstan, for USD $1.91 billion. The deal is highly controversial because of the amount of control China now has over Kazakhstan's natural resources. Kazakh Oil Minister Baktykozha Izmukhambetov has criticized the deal since it was first considered in October 2006.

*January 11: 2007 Chinese anti-satellite missile test: The Second Artillery Battalion of the People's Liberation Army of China tests a missile destroying one of its own satellites 535 miles above Earth. [cite news | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/23/world/asia/23cnd-china.html?_r=1&hp&ex=1169614800&en=d9317a9a60f6aebb&ei=5094&partner=homepage&oref=slogin | title = China Confirms Test of Anti-Satellite Weapon | publisher = "New York Times" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*January 12: China and Russia veto a United States drafted United Nations Security Council Resolution that would have urged the government of Myanmar to stop human rights abuses and the repression of political opposition. [cite news | url=http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N12329088.htm | title = Selection of UN quotes after Myanmar measure vetoed | publisher = "Reuters Alertnet" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*January 12: The Chinese Foreign Ministry warns it has intelligence indicating East Turkestan Islamic Movement terrorists will launch an attack against China from Kyrgyzstan. Security personnel along the border between the two countries is increased. [cite news | url=http://www.rferl.org/featuresarticle/2007/1/28BAA744-5A99-4808-9786-1B13057289FC.html | title = China: Border Security Tightened Amid 'Terrorist Infiltration' Warning | publisher = "RFE/RL" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*January 18: The United States government reports that the People's Republic of China successfully tested a missile that destroyed an orbiting satellite of the Dong Fang Hong program. [cite news | url=http://edition.cnn.com/2007/TECH/space/01/18/china.missile/index.html | title = U.S. official: Chinese test missile obliterates satellite | publisher = "CNN" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*January 23: Qiu Xiaohua, former head of China's National Bureau of Statistics, is expelled from the Communist Party of China for corruption charges. [cite news | url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-01/23/content_5643241.htm | title = Sacked former top statistician Qiu Xiaohua expelled from Party | publisher = "Xinhua" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*January 26: UK retail giant Tesco opens its first own-brand supermarket branch in China, in the capital, Beijing. [cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/6300993.stm | title = Tesco opens own-brand China store | publisher = "BBC" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

February

*February 2: Chinese President Hu Jintao signs a series of economic deals with Sudan, which China has protected from UN sanctions. [cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6323017.stm | title = Chinese leader boosts Sudan ties | publisher = "BBC" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*February 3: The Spring Festival travel season in China begins, in which 156 million passengers will travel by train, and 2 billion bus trips are expected. [cite news | url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-02/03/content_5690247.htm | title = China strives for safety during Spring Festival | publisher = "Xinhua" | accessdate=2008-03-03] [cite news | url=http://english.people.com.cn/200702/05/eng20070205_347644.html | title = Accidents mar start of festival | publisher = "People's Daily" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*February 12: China's trade surplus increases by 67%, increasing pressure on the government to float the yuan. [cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/6353183.stm | title = China's trade surplus jumps 67% | publisher = "BBC" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*February 12: Four state-owned enterprises of the Republic of China (Taiwan)—Chunghwa Post, the Chinese Petroleum Corporation, the China Shipbuilding Corporation, and the Central Bank of China—change their names to remove "China" from their titles at the request of President Chen Shui-bian. The decision is condemned by the Pan-Blue Coalition, the United States and People's Republic of China as a move towards Taiwan independence.

*February 14: The foreign ministers of China, India and Russia meet in New Delhi, India to discuss greater cooperation between the three Asian countries on issues including terrorism, drug trafficking and Afghanistan. [cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6358693.stm | title = 'Big three' hold key Delhi talks | publisher = "BBC" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*February 15: The Foreign Minister of China, Li Zhaoxing, is visiting Japan hoping to improve bilateral relations between the nations. The Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao will visit Japan in April. [cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6363831.stm | title = Chinese minister arrives in Japan | publisher = "BBC" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*February 16: The G8 countries, plus Brazil, China, India, Mexico and South Africa, approve the 'Washington Declaration,' proposing a global Carbon emissions trading system to replace the Kyoto Protocol by 2009. [cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6364663.stm | title = Politicians sign new climate pact | publisher = "BBC" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*February 23: Vice President of the United States Dick Cheney expresses concern about China's military buildup in a speech to the Australian-American Leadership Dialogue in Sydney. [cite news | url=http://edition.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/02/22/cheney.australia/index.html | title = Cheney: Realistic over N. Korea deal | publisher = "CNN" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*February 27: Drought in southwestern China is threatening the drinking water supply of 1.5 million people.

*February 28: Strong wind blows a passenger train off the tracks near Turpan, Xinjiang, China, killing four and injuring 30 more. [cite news | url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2007-02/28/content_816203.htm | title = Four die after train derails in China | publisher = "China Daily" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

March

*March 1: A human case of bird flu is confirmed in China. [cite news | url=http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2007-03-01-asia-brid-flu_x.htm | title = China confirms human case of bird flu | publisher = "USA Today" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*March 2: The Communist Party of China expels nine senior officials and business leaders over a Shanghai corruption scandal related to misuse of Government pension funds. The nine people will also face criminal charges. [cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6410507.stm | title = Shanghai officials hit by scandal | publisher = "BBC" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*March 4: China raises its defense budget by 17.8 percent, while cutting the budget deficit to 1.1 percent of GDP. [cite news | url=http://www.reuters.com/article/bondsNews/idUSPEK27045720070304 | title = China to cut 2007 budget deficit to 1.1 pct of GDP | publisher = "Reuters" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*March 5: The 2007 National People's Congress opens at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China. In his report to the nation, Premier Wen Jiabao focuses on environmental concerns, narrowing the wealth gap, controlling housing prices, and "resolute opposition" to Taiwan independence. [cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6418225.stm | title = China's Wen pledges fairer growth | publisher = "BBC" | accessdate=2008-03-03] [cite news | url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2007-03/05/content_819489.htm | title = Government vows to rein in housing price | publisher = "China Daily" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*March 6: Foreign Minister of People's Republic of China Li Zhaoxing criticises President of the Republic of China Chen Shui-bian for making calls for Taiwan independence. [cite news | url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article1475250.ece | title = War of words after call for independence | publisher = "The Times" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*March 7: The People's Republic of China announces that its first probe to the Moon, Chang'e 1, will be launched later in 2007, with the eventual goal of landing a man on the moon by 2022. The probe is supposed to orbit the Moon at least three times. [cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6423323.stm | title = China confirms Moon probe in 2007 | publisher = "BBC" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*March 8: 2007 National People's Congress: The People's Republic of China launches a property law designed to better protect individual property rights. [cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6429317.stm | title = China announces new property law | publisher = "BBC" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*March 10: Twenty people die and 9 are missing after a flood in a coal mine in Fushun, a city near Shenyang in the province of Liaoning in China.

*March 12: 2007 National People's Congress: After announcements in February that China's trade surplus is near a record high, in an open press conference, People's Bank of China Governor Zhou Xiaochuan and Minister of Commerce Bo Xilai were both vocal in their criticism towards the United States in a proposed 27.5% tariff, with Bo calling it "destructive to bilateral trade". [cite news | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/13/business/13yuan.html?ref=worldbusiness | title = China’s Trade Surplus Nearly Ties Record | publisher = "The New York Times" | accessdate=2008-03-03] [cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/6441059.stm | title = China's trade surplus jumps ahead | publisher = "BBC" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*March 16: The Property Law of the People's Republic of China is adopted at the 2007 National People's Congress. [cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6456959.stm | title = China passes new law on property | publisher = "BBC" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*March 18: A gas explosion in a coal mine in Shanxi province in northern China traps 21 miners.

*March 18: Two cargo ships collide in the East China Sea. 23 crew members are missing.

*March 19: People's Bank of China Governor Zhou Xiaochuan starts talks with leadership of the Inter-American Development Bank to include the People's Republic of China as its newest member. This may signal erosion of Taiwan's status in the Latin American and Caribbean region.

*March 20: France signs an extradition treaty with the People's Republic of China but will only extradite people in death penalty cases when China agrees that the person will not receive a death penalty. [cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6472679.stm | title = France backs extradition to China | publisher = "BBC" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*March 26: President of the People's Republic of China Hu Jintao begins a three-day tour of Russia to promote trade and energy ties. [cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6494327.stm | title = Chinese leader starts Russia tour | publisher = "BBC" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*March 30: The United States Food and Drug Administration identifies the chemical melamine in tainted wheat-gluten shipped from China and used by Menu Foods and an unnamed second company to manufacture pet food.

April

*April 11: Premier of the People's Republic of China Wen Jiabao arrives in Japan for a summit visit that could help improve bilateral relations. He is the first Chinese Premier to visit Japan in almost seven years. [cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6543647.stm | title = Japan and China aim to thaw ties | publisher = "BBC" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*April 12: Premier of the People's Republic of China Wen Jiabao urges Japan to admit to their actions in World War II during a landmark address to the Diet of Japan. [cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6547199.stm | title = China PM seeks war reconciliation | publisher = "BBC" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*April 16: At least 33 coal miners are trapped in a mine in Baofeng county, Henan province, China. [cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6562351.stm | title = Explosion traps 33 Chinese miners | publisher = "BBC" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*April 18: The People's Republic of China begins a new service of high-speed trains capable of reaching speeds of 200km/h (124 mph). [cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6566591.stm | title = China launches high-speed trains | publisher = "BBC" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*April 18: Thirty-two steel workers are killed and two more injured in China after a ladle full of liquid steel failed, engulfing an adjacent room full of workers. [cite news | url=http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,21582208-2,00.html | title = Horror steel spill kills 32 factory workers | publisher = "News.com.au" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*April 20: India and the People's Republic of China resume talks to resolve border disputes. [cite news | url=http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20070009374 | title = India, China discuss boundary issue | publisher = "NDTV" | accessdate=2008-03-03] [cite news | url=http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,21595127-1702,00.html | title = India, China resume border talks | publisher = "Australian" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*April 25: China detains four United States citizens who were protesting for Tibetan independence and against the Beijing Olympics at the Mount Everest base camp. [cite news | url=http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,21619971-1702,00.html | title = China detains Americans at Everest protest | publisher = "News Limited" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*April 29: The People's Bank of China increases its deposit reserve ratio to prevent possible overheating of the economy. [cite news | url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-04/29/content_6045241.htm | title = China's central bank to raise deposit reserve ratio by 0.5% point | publisher = "Xinhua" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

May

*May 4: International delegates reach agreement at the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change on the despite some concerns raised by China.

*May 5: More than 20 countries including the People's Republic of China, the United States, France, Japan, Chile and South Korea agree to work together to end bottom sea trawling. [cite news | url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200705/s1915287.htm | title = Countries agree to end deep-sea bottom trawling | publisher = "ABC News Australia" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*May 9: "The Times" and Phoenix TV reports that Huang Ju, Executive Vice Premier of the People's Republic of China and a member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China, has died in Beijing. However, the State Council of the People's Republic of China denies these reports. [cite news | url=http://www.stratfor.com/memberships/27588 | title = China: A Rumored Death and Guangdong Under Pressure | publisher = "Stratfor" | accessdate=2008-03-03] [cite news | url=http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=126&art_id=nw20070510102241408C609778 | title = Secrecy shows off Chinese paranoia | publisher = "IOL" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*May 13: Two cargo ships collide in heavy fog near Dalian, China. 16 sailors are missing. [cite news | url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-05/13/content_6090912.htm | title = ROK vessel sinks off east China, 16 crewmen missing | publisher = "Xinhua" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*May 18: Rioting breaks out in Guangxi province, China, in protest at the government imposing fines for breaches of its strict one-child policy. [cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6677273.stm | title = China's child fines 'spark riot' | publisher = "BBC" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*May 26: At least 21 people die in western China in landslides caused by heavy rain. [cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6694319.stm | title = Western China landslides kill 21 | publisher = "BBC" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*May 27: China claims all gold and silver medals in the Table Tennis World Championships in Zagreb, Croatia. [cite news | url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/sports/2007-05/27/content_881116.htm | title = China sweeps in table tennis world championships | publisher = "Xinhua" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*May 29: Zheng Xiaoyu, former head of the China's State Food and Drug Administration, is sentenced to death for taking bribes to approve untested medicines as Chinese authorities introduce a recall system for unsafe food products. [cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6699441.stm | title = Death penalty for China official | publisher = "BBC" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

June

*June 1: The US Food and Drug Administration warns consumers to discard all toothpaste made in China after discovering diethylene glycol, a poison related to a chemical used in antifreeze. [cite news | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/02/health/01cnd-toothpaste.html?ex=1338436800&en=4a00c164001844ad&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss | title = Toothpaste Containing Poison Is Found in U.S. | publisher = "New York Times" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*June 3: A 6.4 magnitude earthquake strikes southern China near the Myanmar and Laos borders causing casualties. [cite news | url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200706/s1940932.htm | title = Strong quake in China, casualties reported | publisher = "ABC" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*June 4: China publishes its first National Action Plan on Climate Change, expected to cut national carbon emissions by up to 1.5 million metric tons annually by 2010. [cite news | url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-06/04/content_6196302.htm | title = China issues national plan to address climate change | publisher = "Xinhua" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*June 6: Dozens of people are trapped in a collapsed hall in Leshan in the southwestern province of Sichuan in China. [cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6725377.stm | title = 20 injured in China hall collapse | publisher = "BBC" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*June 8: Chinese police rescue 31 workers kept as slaves at a brickworks in Linfen in Shanxi province run by the son of a local official of the Communist Party of China. [cite news | url=http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,21871210-1702,00.html | title = Chinese slaves rescued from brickworks | publisher = "News Limited" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*June 16: The Chinese Ministry of Labour and Social Security undertakes an investigation into claims that up to 1,000 minors worked as slave labour in central China. [cite news | url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200706/s1953213.htm | title = China promises action on slave labour claims | publisher = "ABC News Australia" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*June 19: A preliminary study by the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency indicates that China's greenhouse gas emissions have overtaken those of the United States for the first time, exceeding those of any other country. [cite news | url=http://www.mnp.nl/en/service/pressreleases/2007/20070619Chinanowno1inCO2emissionsUSAinsecondposition.html | title = China now no. 1 in CO2 emissions; USA in second position | publisher = "NEAA" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*June 28: UNESCO designates 22 new World Heritage Sites, including Sydney Opera House, Canada's Rideau Canal, Japan's Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine, Turkmenistan's Parthian Fortresses of Nisa, India's Red Fort complexes, the Lope-Okanda Landscape of Gabon, the Richtersveld desert of South Africa, the rock carvings of Twyfelfontein in Namibia, the fortified tower houses of Guangdong Province in the People's Republic of China, Teide National Park in the Canary Islands, Spain, ancient beech forests of Central Europe, Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bordeaux and the Port de la Lune in France, the Old Town of Corfu in Greece, the Palace of Galerius in Gamzigrad-Romuliana in Serbia. [cite news | url=http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/Page/document/v5/content/subscribe?user_URL=http://www.theglobeandmail.com%2Fservlet%2Fstory%2FRTGAM.20070628.wunesco0628%2FBNStory%2FFront&ord=59235813&brand=theglobeandmail&force_login=true | title = UNESCO redesignates Auschwitz death camp | publisher = "The Globe and Mail" | accessdate=2008-03-03] [cite news | url=http://whc.unesco.org/en/news/365 | title = Twenty-two new sites inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, and one deleted during Committee meeting in Christchurch | publisher = "UNESCO" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*June 30: Hong Kong celebrates the tenth anniversary of the handover from the United Kingdom to the People's Republic of China. [cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6256298.stm | title = HK marks first decade with China | publisher = "BBC" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

July

*July 4: A tornado kills 14 people and injures at least 146 near Tianchang, Anhui Province, in eastern China. [cite news | url=http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSPEK1791920070704 | title = Tornado kills 14, injures 146 in eastern China | publisher = "Reuters" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*July 5: Twenty-five people died and 33 are injured in an explosion in a karaoke bar in Tianshifu in northeast China. [cite news | url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/07/05/1970840.htm | title = 25 dead, 33 injured in Chinese karaoke bar explosion | publisher = "ABC News Australia" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*July 6: An investigation concludes that an explosion in Tianshifu, China that killed 25 was caused by improperly stored explosives. [cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6539617.stm | title = TNT blamed for Chinese karaoke bar explosion that killed 25 | publisher = "Wikinews" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*July 7: The New Seven Wonders of the World are announced. These are The Great Wall of China, Petra in Jordan, the Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil, Machu Picchu in Peru, Mexico's Chichen Itza Mayan site, the Colosseum in Rome and the Taj Mahal in India. [cite news | url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/07/08/1972797.htm | title = Opera House snubbed as new Wonders unveiled | publisher = "ABC News Australia" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*July 7: Live Earth gets underway with concerts in Australia, the United States, Germany, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Japan and China. [cite news | url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/music/global-extravaganza-underway/2007/07/07/1183351498368.html?s_cid=rss_smh | title = Sydney kicks off Live Earth series | publisher = "Sydney Morning Herald" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*July 10: China executes the former head of the State Food and Drug Association Zheng Xiaoyu for corruption. [cite news | url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19686498/ | title = China executes ex-head of food and drug agency | publisher = "MSNBC" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*July 11: The People's Republic of China bans diethylene glycol as an ingredient in toothpaste. [cite news | url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUKPEK9287220070712 | title = China bans chemical in toothpaste after recalls | publisher = "Reuters" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*July 16: China punishes 95 officials for allowing workers and children to labour in slave-like conditions in brick kilns. [cite news | url=http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSPEK5313620070716?feedType=RSS | title = China punishes 95 officials after brickwork slavery | publisher = "Reuters" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*July 17: Delegates arrive in Beijing for the resumption of six party talks on Wednesday involving North Korea, South Korea, China, Russia, Japan and the United States to discuss the second phase of a deal on North Korean nuclear disarmament. [cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6902062.stm | title = US upbeat ahead of N Korea talks | publisher = "BBC" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*July 18: As China struggles to deal with flooding in the provinces of Sichuan, Guizhou, Anhui, Hubei, and Jiangsu, the city of Chongqing is hit with the largest rainstorm in the city's meteorological records, killing 32. 12 people are reported missing. The city's transportation network has been shut down completely. [cite news | url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2007-07/18/content_5438852.htm | title = Rainstorms kill 32 in Chongqing | publisher = "China Daily" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*July 20: China shuts down a chemical plant associated with deaths in Panama from tainted medicine and two petfood plants associated with the deaths of pets in the United States.

*July 21: The death toll of recent floods in China rises to 40. [cite news | url=http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSPEK20233320070721 | title = Rains, floods wreak havoc in China | publisher = "Reuters" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*July 22: More than 100 people die in floods and landslides in China. [cite news | url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/07/22/1984918.htm | title = Hundreds killed by flooding in China | publisher = "ABC News Australia" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*July 23: Storms continue in China with floods and landslides with 150 deaths occurring last week in the country due to storms. [cite news | url=http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSPEK20233320070723?feedType=RSS | title = No end in sight to floods in China | publisher = "Reuters" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*July 29: A human rights group claims that four Roman Catholic priests are in detention in China.

*July 30: Deaths in China from floods, lightning and landslides during the summer approach 700. [cite news | url=http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSPEK28461320070730?feedType=RSS | title = China summer storm deaths approach 700 | publisher = "Reuters" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*July 30: Sixty-nine miners are trapped in a flooded coal mine in Henan province in central China. [cite news | url=http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/07/29/china.mine.reut/ | title = Flood traps 69 Chinese miners | publisher = "CNN" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*July 31: Flood alerts are issued for Hubei province in China as the swollen Yangtze River puts the Three Gorges Dam to the test. Another 27 people have died and Beijing's airport was closed on Monday night due to heavy rain. [cite news | url=http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSPEK28461320070731 | title = China floods put Three Gorges Dam to the test | publisher = "Reuters" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

August

*August 5: Thirty-four rail workers building a tunnel in Hubei province China are trapped 200 metres underground following a landslide. [cite news | url=http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,22192164-401,00.html | title = Tunnel collapse traps workers | publisher = "News Limited" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*August 7: Chinese police arrest six protesters calling for a free Tibet by unfurling banners on the Great Wall of China.

*August 8: China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region celebrates its 60th Anniversary. Chinese Vice-President Zeng Qinghong visits its capital, Hohhot, and participates in a series of large celebration events. [cite news | url=http://www.cctv.com/english/20070809/101419.shtml | title = Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region celebrates its 60th anniversary | publisher = "CCTV International" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*August 8: China sends investigators to investigate illegally-built government offices in 30 provinces. [cite news | url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/08/08/1999844.htm?section=justin | title = China probes illegally-built government offices | publisher = "ABC" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*August 9: China temporarily bans exports from two toy manufacturers whose products were banned or recalled in the United States and other countries. [cite news | url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/09/AR2007080901005.html | title = China Pours Money Into Drug, Food Safety | publisher = "Washington Post" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*August 13: Flooding caused by Tropical Storm Pabuk causes widespread flooding in Guandong Province in southern China affecting up to 1.2 million people. [cite news | url=http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSPEK25453520070813?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews | title = Rain floods southern China | publisher = "Reuters" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*August 14: A bridge under construction completely collapses in Fenghuang County, Hunan Province, China, killing at least 47 people. 21 workers are injured, 13 are still missing. [cite news | url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2007-08/17/content_6032581.htm | title = Death toll rises to 47 from China bridge collapse | publisher = "ChinaDaily" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*August 14: A fire breaks out at the Shanghai World Financial Center in China. [cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6946556.stm | title = Fire blazes at new Shanghai tower | publisher = "BBC" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*August 14: Mattel recalls over 18 million toys made in China that may potentially be harmful to children. [cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/6946425.stm | title = Mattel recalls millions more toys | publisher = "BBC" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*August 14: The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation of Central Asian countries comprising the People's Republic of China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan meets in the Kyrgyz capital of Bishkek to discuss security issues. [cite news | url=http://in.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idINIndia-28967620070814 | title = With U.S. in mind, China heads to Central Asia summit | publisher = "Reuters" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*August 14: China establishes a minimum living standard system to cover all rural residents in 2007. The system is designed to pull poor villagers out of poverty. [cite news | url=http://en.chinagate.com.cn/news/2007-08/14/content_8676858.htm | title = China to Establish Minimum Rural Living Standard | publisher = "Xinhua News Agency" | accessdate=2008-06-13]

*August 15: China will send officials to the United States to discuss food and product safety following a spate of recalls in recent months. [cite news | url=http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSWAT00800520070815?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews | title = Chinese officials to visit U.S. for safety talks | publisher = "Reuters" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*August 16: The leaders of Russia, China and Iran use the forum of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation to warn the United States not to become too heavily involved in Central Asia. [cite news | url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/08/17/europe/EU-GEN-Kyrgyzstan-Security-Summit.php | title = Russia, China, Iran issue veiled warning to U.S. to stay away from Central Asia | publisher = "IHT" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*August 16: The Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Almaz Atambayev and the President of the People's Republic of China Hu Jintao meet to discuss Kyrgyz participation in a Turkmenistan-China gas pipeline. [cite news | url=http://www.rferl.org/featuresarticle/2007/08/BE005FDD-03FD-4664-BDD5-1BE88A80E394.html | title = Chinese, Kyrgyz Leaders Discuss Turkmen Gas Pipeline | publisher = "Radio Free Europe" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*August 17: Russia, China and four Central Asian members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation conduct war games in the southern Ural Mountains area of Russia with Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, proposing that they be held regularly. [cite news | url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/08/18/stories/2007081856391400.htm | title = Russia, China display their firepower | publisher = "The Hindu" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*August 17: 172 coal miners are trapped in a flooded mine in Shandong province in eastern China. [cite news | url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/08/18/2008538.htm | title = 172 trapped in flooded Chinese mine | publisher = "ABC News Australia" | accessdate=2008-03-03] [cite news | url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2007-08/18/content_6032617.htm | title = 172 missing after surface water floods coal mine in east China | publisher = "ChinaDaily" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*August 17: 2007 Pacific typhoon season: Southeast China and Taiwan prepare for typhoon Sepat. [cite news | url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-08/17/content_6547212.htm | title = SE China braces for super typhoon Sepat | publisher = "Xinhua" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*August 18: The death toll of a bridge collapse in Fenghuang, China rises to 64. [cite news | url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/08/19/asia/AS-GEN-China-Bridge-Collapse.php | title = Death toll in China bridge collapse climbs to 64 | publisher = "IHT" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*August 18: Rescuers race to reach over 180 coal miners trapped in two flooded mines in Shandong province in China. [cite news | url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/08/18/2008675.htm | title = Race to save 180 trapped Chinese miners | publisher = "ABC News Australia" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*August 19: Typhoon Sepat spawns a tornado that kills nine people in Zhejiang Province, China. More than a million people have been evacuated as a result of the typhoon.

*August 20: A China Airlines Boeing 737 airplane explodes less than a minute after all passengers and crew are evacuated shortly after landing at Naha, Japan. [cite news | url=http://en.wikinews.org/wiki/Chinese_airliner_catches_fire_at_Japanese_airport | title = China Airlines plane catches fire at Japanese airport | publisher = "Wikinews" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*August 22: Typhoon Sepat has killed at least 36 people in southeast China in the past week.

*August 27: Southeast Asian nations will seek $2 billion to build a rail link from Kunming in China to Singapore. [cite news | url=http://in.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idINIndia-29168320070827 | title = SE Asia to seek $2 bln for transnational railway | publisher = "Reuters" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*August 29: Baiji, a river dolphin recently declared functional extinct, is witnessed in Anhui, China. [cite news | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/30/world/asia/30china.html | title = Rare Dolphin Seen in China, Experts Say | publisher = "New York Times" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*August 30: Cao Gangchuan, the Defense Minister of People's Republic of China and Masahiko Komura, Defense Minister of Japan. meet and agree to strengthen exchanges. [cite news | url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2007-08/30/content_6068898.htm | title = China, Japan to enhance military exchanges | publisher = "Xinhua" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

eptember

*September 1: New laws come into effect giving China more control over the selection of the Dalai Lama. [cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6973605.stm | title = New Chinese rules on Dalai Lama | publisher = "BBC" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*September 2: The spokewoman of the Chinese Foreign Ministry announces that China will report military expenditures to the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms. [cite news | url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-09/02/content_6648982.htm | title = FM Spokeswoman on China's Participation in the UN Military Transparency Mechanism | publisher = "Xinhua" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*September 3: China charges human rights activist Yang Chunlin, who gathered 10,000 signatures to an open letter opposing the Beijing Olympics on human rights grounds, with attempting to subvert state power. [cite news | url=http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5g_RtPY6KpCIgVsr5aFVxmZezgZwQ | title = China arrests activist who hit out at Olympics: rights group | publisher = "Google" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*September 3: The "Financial Times" reports that China's military successfully hacked into The Pentagon's computer network. [cite news | url=http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,22361116-2,00.html | title = China 'hacked into Pentagon computers' | publisher = "Reuters" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*September 3: Four cargo ships carrying methanol sink on the Hanjiang River, the source of the water supply for Wuhan, China, with environmental authorities monitoring water quality. [cite news | url=http://www.shanghaidaily.com/sp/article/2007/200709/20070903/article_329741.htm | title = Ship fires threaten Wuhan water | publisher = "Shanghai Daily" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*September 3: Sun Zhengcai, the Chinese Minister for Agriculture, states that China will clamp down on foods tainted with illegal and excessive chemicals. [cite news | url=http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSPEK26840620070903?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews | title = China vows to clean up toxins amid food scares | publisher = "Reuters" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*September 6: Wikipedia's English site is again blocked in the People's Republic of China, possibly due to upcoming Communist Party Congress. [cite news | url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,136879-c,sites/article.html | title = Wikipedia Blocked in China Again | publisher = "PC World" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*September 6: The President of China Hu Jintao and Prime Minister of Australia John Howard agree to six deals including an agreement whereby China will purchase A$35 billion worth of liquefied natural gas from Woodside Petroleum. [cite news | url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/09/06/2025691.htm | title = Aust, China sign $35b gas deal | publisher = "ABC News Australia" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*September 6: China and Australia agree to hold yearly security meetings. [cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6981007.stm | title = Bush and Hu hold 'friendly' talks | publisher = "BBC" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*September 6: The President of the United States George W. Bush meets with the President of China Hu Jintao with Bush accepting an invitation to attend the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. [cite news | url=http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/09/06/asia/bush.php | title = Bush tells Hu he'll go to 2008 Olympics | publisher = "IHT" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*September 7: Christopher R. Hill, United States Assistant Secretary of State says that North Korea has invited experts from the US, China and Russia to inspect nuclear sites to be disabled. [cite news | url=http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=a4_nr875KEVQ&refer=home | title = North Korea Invites Experts to Inspect Nuclear Sites | publisher = "Bloomberg" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*September 12: Thousands of ex-soldiers are rioting in the People's Republic of China in the cities of Baotou, Wuhan, and Baoji, breaking into cars, destroying classrooms, and setting fires. The riot is the largest protest since the 1989 Tiananmen Square protest. [cite news | url=http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1660997,00.html | title = Thousands of Soldiers Riot in China | publisher = "TIME" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*September 15: Zhao Yan, a Chinese journalist working for the "New York Times", is released from jail in China after serving a three year sentence for "leaking state secrets". [cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6996128.stm | title = China frees NY Times researcher | publisher = "BBC" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*September 18: China confirms a bird flu outbreak in Guangzhou.

*September 18: 2007 Pacific typhoon season: Hundreds of thousands of people are evacuated from Shanghai, China as Typhoon Wipha approaches. [cite news | url=http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,22438525-2,00.html | title = Shanghai empties as storm approaches | publisher = "News Limited" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*September 18: The son of Philippine House Speaker Jose De Venecia, Jr., Jose "Joey" De Venecia III, disclosed in a Senate inquiry that First Gentleman Mike Arroyo is the "mystery man" behind the controversial $ 329-million broadband contract with ZTE Corp. in China. [cite news | url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=89399 | title = Mike Arroyo is mystery man | publisher = "Inquirer" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*September 19: Typhoon Wipha (Goring) makes landfall in eastern China before weakening to a Category 2 typhoon as it heads inland. [cite news | url=http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSPEK17790220070919?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews | title = Weakened typhoon Wipha drenches eastern China | publisher = "Reuters" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*September 27: China, one of Myanmar's few allies, calls for restraint for the first time. [cite news | url=http://www.reuters.com/article/asiaCrisis/idUSSP301270 | title = Latest developments in Myanmar protests | publisher = "Reuters" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*September 28: South African Nobel Peace Prize laureate Desmond Tutu urges China to intervene in the ongoing protests in Myanmar, or he would "join a campaign to boycott the Beijing Olympics" next year. [cite news | url=http://www.dn.se/DNet/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=148&a=698244 | title = Desmond Tutu vädjar till Burmas ledare | publisher = "Dagens Nyheter" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*September 30: John Bolton, the former United States Ambassador to the United Nations, says the government of China is the key to political change in Myanmar, not United Nations envoy Ibrahim Gambari who has met the military junta. [cite news | url=http://www.forbes.com/afxnewslimited/feeds/afx/2007/09/30/afx4170460.html | title = China is key to Myanmar, not UN envoy - Bolton | publisher = "Forbes" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

October

*October 2: 2007 Summer Special Olympics opens in Shanghai, China. [cite news | url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB119135123063546677.html | title = Special Olympics Open in China, Reflecting a Host of Attitude Shifts | publisher = "Wall Street Journal" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*October 2: At least 27 people are killed when a bus catches fire in Chongqing, southwest China. [cite news | url=http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,22523381-401,00.html | title = Highway bus fire kills at least 27, rescue workers say | publisher = "News Limited" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*October 4: North Korea and South Korea agree to seek talks with the People's Republic of China and the United States to reach a permanent peace agreement to formally end the Korean War. [cite news | url=http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSSEO15784020071004?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews | title = Koreas seek formal end to Korean War | publisher = "Reuters" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*October 6: Typhoon Krosa later heads for the People's Republic of China, where 730,000 people are evacuated from Zhejiang and Fujian provinces. [cite news | url=http://www.voanews.com/english/archive/2007-10/2007-10-06-voa23.cfm?CFID=204867935&CFTOKEN=45525499 | title = After Pounding Taiwan, Typhoon Krosa Approaches Coast of China | publisher = "VOA" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*October 7: Typhoon Krosa moves towards China's southern Zhejiang and northern Fujian provinces. [cite news | url=http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/10/07/china.typhoon.ap/index.html | title = 1.4 million in China flee deadly storm | publisher = "CNN" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*October 10: Tibetan exiles storm the embassy of the People's Republic of China in New Delhi to protest the lack of religious freedom in China. [cite news | url=http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/10/10/india.tibetan.protesters.ap/index.html | title = Tibetan protesters infiltrate Chinese embassy in New Delhi | publisher = "CNN" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*October 15: The 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China opens in Beijing, China, marking the beginning of a 7-day conclave of China's top leadership. General Secretary Hu Jintao delivers the work report for the past five years, and sets the party's direction in the coming five years. Hu also said in the keynote speech that the Communist Party has "fallen short of the people's expectations". [cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7044418.stm | title = China communists 'falling short' | publisher = "BBC" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*October 21: A fire in an illegal shoe factory kills at least 34 people in Putian in Fujian province, China. [cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7055794.stm | title = China workshop blaze 'kills 34' | publisher = "BBC" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*October 21: Three of the Peoples Republic of China's top politicians, namely, Vice-President Zeng Qinghong, anti-corruption chief Wu Guanzheng, and Luo Gan, are dropped from the Communist Party of China's Central Committee. Also retiring are Vice-Premier Wu Yi, Vice-Premier Zeng Peiyan, and Defence Minister Cao Gangchuan. Hu's "Scientific Development Concept" is enshrined in the Party Constitution. [cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7054919.stm | title = China's vice-president loses post | publisher = "BBC" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*October 22: Four new members join the Politburo Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China, China's "de facto" top power organ. They are Xi Jinping, Li Keqiang, He Guoqiang and Zhou Yongkang. President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao retain their seats. [cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7055739.stm | title = Chinese party unveils new leaders | publisher = "BBC" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*October 24: China launches its first lunar orbiter, Chang'e 1, on an exploration mission to the moon. [cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7059356.stm | title = China launches first Moon orbiter | publisher = "BBC" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*October 25: Yang Jiechi, the foreign minister of China, meets with Pranab Mukherjee, the Foreign Minister of India, to discuss India's aspirations to become a Permanent Member of the United Nations Security Council. [cite news | url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/10/25/asia/AS-GEN-China-India.php | title = China offers tepid backing for India bid for UN council seat | publisher = "IHT" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*October 29:
**The Central Committee of the Communist Party of China announces that new Politburo Standing Committee member Li Keqiang has left his post as party secretary of Liaoning and is succeeded by Liaoning Governor Zhang Wenyue. [cite news | url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-10/29/content_6971301.htm | title = China's Liaoning Province gets new Party chief | publisher = "Xinhua" | accessdate=2008-03-03]
**The Chinese government announces that it has arrested 774 people as part of a crackdown on the production of tainted drugs, food and agricultural products. [cite news | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/30/business/worldbusiness/30yuan.html?ex=1351396800&en=a33605c26d7ce4d3&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss | title = 774 Arrests in China Over Safety | publisher = "NYT" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

November

*November 7: The U.S. dollar stumbles to new lows after Cheng Siwei, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, calls for China to shift more of its $1.43 trillion of currency reserves into "stronger currencies", such as the euro. [cite news | url=http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/dollar-slumps-top-china-official/story.aspx?guid=%7B49785919%2D0D1E%2D4E6A%2DBF51%2DD1DD1D2A874E%7D | title = Dollar off lows, but still under pressure | publisher = "MarketWatch" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*November 8: At least 29 miners are killed in a gas leak in a colliery in China's Guizhou province. [cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7086284.stm | title = Gas leak kills 29 Chinese miners | publisher = "BBC" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*November 9: The People's Republic of China suspends the export of toys covered in a toxic chemical 1,4-butanediol that have been recalled in both the United States and China. [cite news | url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/11/10/asia/AS-GEN-China-Toys-Date-Rape-Drug.php | title = China suspends exports of drug-tainted toys | publisher = "IHT" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*November 24: An explosion at a petrol station kills four people and hurts at least 30 in Shanghai, China. [cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7111110.stm | title = Chinese petrol blast kills four | publisher = "BBC" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*November 26: The People's Republic of China signs a deal to buy 160 Airbus aircraft in a deal worth $US17 billion during a visit by the President of France Nicolas Sarkozy.

December

*December 1: In another regional leadership reshuffle following the 17th Party Congress in the People's Republic of China, Minister of Commerce Bo Xilai is appointed the CPC Chongqing Committee Secretary, replacing Wang Yang, who is now Party Secretary in Guangdong. Zhang Dejiang resigns from his posts in Guangdong. [cite news | url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-12/01/content_7182522.htm | title = China shifts Guangdong, Chongqing Party heads | publisher = "Xinhua" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*December 6: The death toll rises to 104 in a northern China coal mine gas blast. [cite news | url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2007-12/07/content_6306777.htm | title = Death toll hits 104 in Shanxi coal mine blast | publisher = "China Daily" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*December 6: France begins construction on the third unit of the Flamanville Nuclear Power Plant, which will be the world's second European Pressurized Reactor following a week after a record breaking deal with China for new nuclear power. [cite news | url=http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/newNuclear/Construction_of_Flamanville_EPR_begins-041207.shtml | title = Construction of Flamanville EPR begins | publisher = "World Nuclear News" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

*December 8: A second human case of H5N1 bird flu is confirmed in eastern China. [cite news | url=http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90778/90858/6317365.html | title = 2nd human case of bird flu in E China confirmed | publisher = "People's Daily" | accessdate=2008-03-03]

Deaths

*January 5: Chih Ree Sun, 83, physicist and poet, kidney and lung cancer.
*January 15: Bo Yibo, 98, politician known for urging crackdown on Tiananmen Square protests of 1989.
*February 8: Ismail Semed, Muslim Uighur separatist, execution by firing squad.
*March 18: Jim Fung, 62, martial artist and businessman, nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
*March 23: Mao Anqing, 83, author and son of Mao Zedong.
*April 20: Michael Fu Tieshan, 75, Patriotic Catholic Association bishop of Beijing, cancer.
*May 13: Chen Xiaoxu, 41, actress (Lin Daiyu in "Dream of the Red Mansion"), later becoming a Buddhist nun, breast cancer.
*May 25: Sun Yuanliang, 103, General with the Kuomintang, exiled in Taiwan.
*June 2: Huang Ju, 68, Vice Premier, Politburo Standing Committee member, former Mayor of Shanghai.
*June 9: Elias Wen, 110, Protopresbyter (senior clergy) of the Russian Orthodox Church.
*June 18: Tung Hua Lin, 96, engineer, designed China's first twin-engine aircraft, heart failure.
*June 23: Hou Yaowen, 59, xiangsheng (cross-talk) actor, heart attack.
*July 10: Zheng Xiaoyu, 62, official, former head of the State Food and Drug Administration, executed.
*July 17: Cheng Shifa, 86, painter, cartoonist and calligrapher.
*August 11: Zhang Shuhong, 50, company co-owner involved in Fisher-Price toy recall, suicide by hanging.
*September 5: Duan Yihe, 61, congress member who arranged the murder of his mistress, execution.
*September 9: Han Dingxiang, 71, Roman Catholic archbishop detained for loyalty to the Vatican.
*October 4: Chen Chi-li, 64, gangster, killer of dissident journalist Henry Liu, pancreatic cancer.
*October 7: Sisi Chen, 68, actress, pancreatic cancer.
*October 23: Lim Goh Tong, 90, billionaire, founder of the Genting Group.
*October 28: Bao Zunxin, 70, intellectual and jailed Tiananmen Square democracy activist, brain hemorrhage.
*November 12: Ying Hope, 84, politician.
*December 11: Nicholas Kao Se Tseien, 110, supercentenarian, world's oldest Catholic priest.
*December 21: Ken Lee, 75, owner and co-founder of Bing Lee superstores, cancer.
*December 28: Sun Daolin, 86, actor.

References