-- China normalizes all-round relations with the Soviet Union in May.
-- China sustains severe political turmoil during May and June. As Deng Xiaoping says on June 9, "the outbreak of this incident has given us much food for thought, impelling us to reflect soberly on the past and the future." He calls for steady progress but also emphasizes that the country should push ahead on reforms and opening up and correct errors.
-- During the 4th session of the 13th CPC Central Committee during June 23 and 24, Jiang Zemin is elected general secretary of the CPC Central Committee. He is elected Chairman of the Central Military Commission in November, after Deng Xiaoping resigns from the post. Jiang thus takes the helm of the third generation leadership of the PRC.