2002
The Communist Party of China held its 16th national congress.

2003
China successfully combated the SARS epidemic.

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

2005
CPC General Secretary Hu Jintao met with then Chairman of the Kuomintang, Lien Chan in Beijing. This was the first talks between a CPC leader and a KMT leader in 60 years.

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

2007
The Property Law went into effect, covering state, collective, and private properties.

2008
In May, an 8.0-magnitude earthquake hit southwest China, leaving at least 69,000 people dead. In August, the Summer Olympic Games opened in Beijing.

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

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

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