Apr

Shenguang 2 super laser is developed. The laser is able to emit power many times that of the aggregate of global power grids in a spark of one billionth of a second and release extreme pressure and high temperatures to trigger fusion reaction. With its successful development, China plants itself on the world forefront of high power lasers and laser fusion studies. For the moment, the general technological performance of Shenguang 2 is ranked among the world's top five laser developments.

15 Premier Zhu Rongji begins a visit to Turkey. When meeting with Zhu, Turkish Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit pledges to enhance anti-terrorist cooperation with China. He says that his government will further restrict the East Turkistan terrorist forces in the country and will not give any support to their terrorist activities.

27-May 3 Vice President Hu Jintao makes an official visit to the United States, where he holds talks with U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney and meets with U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld.

29 The Information Office of the State Council issues China's Labor and Social Security White Paper, which states that after years of exploration and practice, a labor and social security system in conformity with the socialist market economic system has been basically formed in the country.