1993   Jiang Zemin is elected President of the People's Republic of China.

1997   The United Kingdom transfers sovereignty of Hong Kong to the People's Republic of China.

1999   The People's Republic of China launches the first Shenzhou spacecraft.

2001   The People's Republic of China is admitted to the World Trade Organization.

2001   The People's Republic of China is granted permanent normal trade status with the United States.

2003   Hu Jintao defeats Jiang Zemin to become the President of the People's Republic of China,