China made a significant progress throughout the year 2010. The nation's economy stayed stabilized in the pressure from the western world and joined several international conferences about the climate change and North Korean nuclear issues.
Two tragical natural disasters happened in China during 2010. The first one was Yushu Earthquake which was a 6.9M earthquake occurred in Qinghai Province in early April. According to the state media, 2183 people were confirmed died. After the shock, People's Liberation Army sent over 3700 soldiers for the rescue operation and did a great job on saving the civilian who trapped in the ruins. Another disaster was Zhouqu Mudslide that occurred in southern Gansu Province during mid-August. This tragedy was caused by the heavy rains in the area and killed more than 1400 people. Both disasters were listed as National Mourning Day along with the Sichuan Earthquake in 2008.
China hosted two international events this year. The 2010 World Expo was held in Shanghai from May 1st to October 31st. During the expo, China showed the whole world about her unique way of city development, environmental protection and the vast Chinese culture under the theme "Better City, Better Life". About 190 countries and 50 international organizations participated in this Expo and it was a great success. Another event was the Guangzhou 2010 Asian Games in November. This game completely refreshed the face of Guangzhou and increased the reputation of Pearl River Delta.
The Chinese government signed a preferential trade agreement, named Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA), with the Taiwanese authority. This agreement aimed to reduce tariffs and commercial barriers between the two sides. It was known as the most significant agreement since the civil war split China in 1949.
Overall, China has made enormous changes throughout the first decade of 21st century. From joining WTO in 2001 and launching first manned spacecraft in 2003 to hosting Beijing 2008 Olympic and Shanghai 2010 World Expo, China, the oriental giant, has waken up and ready to become the next World Super Power. Hope China will continue her glory in the new decade.
