Vice Prime Minister
Appointed Vice Prime Minister
Role range: 1979-1980
Historical biography archive · Updated 2026-11-03
Zhao Ziyang Biography and Timeline
Follow Zhao Ziyang through 21 dated historical records for China.
Zhao Ziyang, historical timeline
A chronological timeline drawn from matching World History Database records.
21Distinct records
1 of 1Page
1979–1989Years on this page
1979
1980
Economy of China
First Special Economic Zones are established in Shenzhen
Role range: 1980-1989
Prime Minister of China
Hua Guofeng is replaced by Zhao Ziyang (an ally of Deng Xiaoping) as premier of Communist China. Appointed Prime Minister of China
Role range: 1980-1989
Economy of China
First Special Economic Zones are established in Shenzhen. Special Economic Zones in Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Shantou (Guangdong), Xiamen (Fujian), and the entire province of Hainan
Role range: 1980-1989
Special Economic Zones
Special Economic Zones in Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Shantou (Guangdong), Xiamen (Fujian), and the entire province of Hainan
Role range: 1980-1989
1982
Constitution of China
The 5th National Peoples Congress adopts a new constitution for China
Role range: 1980-1989
Population
Chinas population surpasses 1 billion people
Role range: 1980-1989
1983
International Agreement
The US agrees ro export high technolgy items to China
Role range: 1980-1989
1984
Economy of China
Russia & China sign a $1.2 billion trade agreement
Role range: 1987-1989
Trade Agreement
Russia & China sign a $1.2 billion trade agreement
Role range: 1987-1989
Economy of China
Urban workers pay & bonuses will be linked to job performance
Role range: 1987-1989
Rule of Hong Kong
Signs an agreement with Margaret Thatcher for Hong Kong to be returned by 1997
Role range: 1987-1989
Economy of China
Coastal cities are completely opened to foreign investment
Role range: 1980-1989
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
China joins the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) External Link
Role range: 1980-1989
1986
Constitution of China
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
Role range: 1980-1989
Demonstrations
Pro-democracy demonstrations by students in Beijing
Role range: 1980-1989
Election
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
Role range: 1980-1989
1987
Party Leader
Appointed Party Leader of the Communist Party
Party Secretary
Appointed Party Secretary of the Communist Party
Role range: 1987-1989
Economy of China
Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) comes to China. Introduction of Western-style fast-food to China
Role range: 1980-1989
1989
Dismissal
Dismissed from office
Role range: 1980-1989
Records, sources and methodology
These dates and descriptions come from the historical_events database. Exact duplicate records have been collapsed. Names are grouped by the country, Name 2 and Name 1 fields; records with missing Name 2 cannot be reliably assigned to an individual biography. Check the underlying sources before formal citation.