Bringing you the news for 30 years

It's not often that the birth of a newspaper makes news around the world.

But China Daily did. And so it was on June 1, 1981 that the first edition rolled off the presses to the accompaniment of what seemed a global media drumbeat.

There was good reason: The steadily-growing stream of tourists, businessmen, consultants and "foreign experts" making their way to the country found themselves almost isolated from the outside world - and didn't know much of what was happening in the country, either.

In today's plugged-in world, it might be difficult to comprehend that news in English was then at such a premium.

One commentator wrote in a US paper: "An American tourist who visited China earlier this year (before the launch of China Daily) would have been dependent on week-old copies of Time, short-wave radio, the telex or overseas calls to learn what was happening in the outside world

"Since June 1, though, a tourist can start the day with wire news, including the latest in world sports coverage, a crossword puzzle, bridge lessons, the Dow Jones Index, movie listings all in English."

China Daily might have started for as prosaic a reason as keeping foreigners in the country apprised of news in the country and around the world.

But soon, the mission was clear: Going beyond mere information to presenting and explaining China to the world - and vice versa.

Design was blessed with fortuity when the birth of the paper coincided with reform and opening up - which perhaps resulted in the biggest economic and social transformation in history.

We have not looked back since.

What started as an eight-page broadsheet - in itself bucking the trend of the then four-page Chinese newspapers, and using bigger pictures - China Daily is now a multimedia platform with a 24-page flagship newspaper.

The journey has been eventful with continuous growth the constant.

Along the way, we added more offerings such as the 21st Century stable of publications catering to young Chinese learning English.

We now have editions in the United States, Europe and Asia. And we were pioneers in embracing technology as well as the first newspaper in the country to go online. The paper is now available on all mobile platforms, including iPhone and iPad.

In the process, we have made China much more accessible to the rest of the world - facts and foibles, warts and all. With news updates on our website, the newspaper lends context and perspective, and explains how the big stories impact China and the world. In particular, we take pride in presenting balanced and nuanced coverage of national and international news.

China Daily is a regular staple for international media, and is the most-quoted source for news, comment and opinion on China.

Today, as we mark our 30th anniversary, we reflect on the eventful three decades in this commemorative issue. Of course, it is a daunting task to embark on such a mission; but we gladly took it upon ourselves to celebrate both China and China Daily.

The theme is simple: 30 issues which have had the most bearing on the changing face of China - and how China Daily featured them. They range from the economy to health; from education to migrant workers; from the auto industry to changing trends in music and art. We also mark special events such as the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, the return of Hong Kong to China, and the 2010 Shanghai Expo. Senior colleagues in the paper, and some who have moved on, provide personal insights into the topics.

All of this, of course, would not have been possible without you, the reader. You have been unstinting in your support, and liberal with your criticism. We welcome your response and thank you for it.

I want to thank advertisers for your support.

And by no means the last, all my colleagues, past and present - from the pioneers who braved the odds to give shape to the paper to those who have contributed, in ways big and small, to help it thrive.

On a personal note, I feel particularly proud, for I started as a rookie reporter soon after the launch, and have seen it grow to what it is today.

And we continue to make the news.

INSIDE THE ANNIVERSARY SECTION: A LOOK AT 30 FACETS OF CHANGING CHINA OVER THE PAST THREE DECADES AND HOW WE COVERED THEM PLUS CHINA DAILY COLUMNISTS PROVIDE PERSONAL INSIGHTS INTO THE ECONOMY, HEALTH, HOUSING, EDUCATION, TRADE, FASHION, THE ARTS & MORE

(China Daily 06/01/2011 page1)