1997 in China

1997 in China was a landmark year defined by the historic retrocession of Hong Kong from British to Chinese sovereignty, a pivotal event that dominated national and international attention. The political calendar was further shaped by the 15th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party, which set the course for economic reform and leadership into the new century. While the economy continued its rapid expansion, the nation also grappled with the passing of its paramount leader, Deng Xiaoping, an event that marked the end of a transformative era in modern Chinese history.

Politics

The paramount political event was the Handover of Hong Kong on 1 July, which concluded 156 years of British colonial rule and established the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region under the principle of "one country, two systems". The ceremony, attended by President Jiang Zemin, Premier Li Peng, and Prince Charles, saw Chris Patten, the last Governor of Hong Kong, depart and Tung Chee-hwa installed as the first Chief Executive of Hong Kong. Domestically, the 15th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party, held in Beijing in September, formally enshrined Deng Xiaoping Theory into the Constitution of the Chinese Communist Party and elevated Zhu Rongji to the Politburo Standing Committee, positioning him to become Premier. The year began with the state funeral for Deng Xiaoping in February, a moment of profound national transition following his death. In foreign relations, President Jiang Zemin made a significant state visit to the United States, meeting President Bill Clinton at the White House.

Economy

The Chinese economy demonstrated robust growth, navigating the onset of the 1997 Asian financial crisis with relative stability due to its controlled capital account and substantial foreign exchange reserves. Key reforms advanced at the 15th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party emphasized the restructuring of state-owned enterprises and the development of a Socialist market economy. Major infrastructure projects progressed, including the Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River. The integration of Hong Kong bolstered financial markets, with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange maintaining its crucial role. Industrial output continued to surge in coastal provinces like Guangdong and Jiangsu, fueled by substantial foreign direct investment.

Society and culture

The handover inspired a wave of patriotic sentiment, symbolized by the composition and popularization of the song "The March of the Volunteers" in Hong Kong. The China Central Television (CCTV) broadcast the historic handover ceremony live to a national audience. In cinema, director Feng Xiaogang released his popular New Year film "The Dream Factory", while Zhang Yimou's film "Keep Cool" was also released. Literary circles noted the works of authors like Wang Anyi and Mo Yan. The year also saw increased public discussion on social issues such as laid-off workers from state-owned enterprises and rural migrant workers in cities following economic reforms.

Science and technology

The national 863 Program continued to drive research in high-technology fields. Progress was made in aerospace, with preparations advancing for the Shenzhou spacecraft project. In computing and telecommunications, the development of the TD-SCDMA standard for mobile communications gained momentum. Internet connectivity began a period of rapid, though still nascent, expansion among academic and urban institutions. The Chinese Academy of Sciences and universities like Tsinghua University and Peking University were central to research outputs in areas such as genomics and materials science.

Deaths

* 19 February: Deng Xiaoping, paramount leader and chief architect of China's reform and opening-up policies. * 10 April: Qian Xuesen, pioneering rocket scientist and a key figure in China's ballistic missile and space program. * 6 June: Deng Yingchao, revolutionary veteran, widow of Zhou Enlai, and former Chairperson of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. * 23 August: Wang Guangmei, former First Lady as the wife of former President Liu Shaoqi and a prominent political figure in her own right.

Category:1997 in China Category:1990s in China Category:Years of the 20th century in China