Zhao Ziyang Biography

Appointed Vice Prime Minister

First Special Economic Zones are established in Shenzhen. Special Economic Zones in Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Shantou (Guangdong), Xiamen (Fujian), and the entire province of Hainan

Special Economic Zones in Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Shantou (Guangdong), Xiamen (Fujian), and the entire province of Hainan

First Special Economic Zones are established in Shenzhen

Hua Guofeng is replaced by Zhao Ziyang (an ally of Deng Xiaoping) as premier of Communist China. Appointed Prime Minister of China

The 5th National Peoples Congress adopts a new constitution for China

Chinas population surpasses 1 billion people

The US agrees ro export high technolgy items to China

Coastal cities are completely opened to foreign investment

China joins the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) External Link

Russia & China sign a $1.2 billion trade agreement

Russia & China sign a $1.2 billion trade agreement

Urban workers pay & bonuses will be linked to job performance

Signs an agreement with Margaret Thatcher for Hong Kong to be returned by 1997

Secret ballots are introduced to elect members to the National Peoples Congress. For the 1st time in 30 yrs there are more candidates than seats in Central Committee. Advocates dispersal of power at the Thirteenth Party Congress

Pro-democracy demonstrations by students in Beijing

Secret ballots are introduced to elect members to the National Peoples Congress. For the 1st time in 30 yrs there are more candidates than seats in Central Committee

Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) comes to China. Introduction of Western-style fast-food to China

Appointed Party Leader of the Communist Party

Appointed Party Secretary of the Communist Party

Dismissed from office