-- First aircraft carrier commissioned

In September, China's first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, was delivered to the People's Liberation Army Navy and put into commission after years of refitting and sea trials. Last month, the country successfully conducted flight landing exercises on the aircraft carrier, where the home-grown J-15 fighter jet made its debut in a landing and take-off exercise.

-- New CPC leadership and new targets

The CPC convened its 18th National Congress between November 8 and 14, when the Party's new leadership was elected, including Xi Jinping, who was elected general secretary of the CPC Central Committee. The congress also set new targets for the country such as efforts to complete the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects.

-- Full coverage of pension scheme

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security announced in November that China's urban and rural pension insurance systems covered 459 million people at the end of October and that as many as 125 million elderly people receive monthly pensions. The State Council had previously decided to make pension insurance available for everyone in urban and rural areas.

-- New CPC leadership rejects extravagance, bureaucracy

The newly-elected leadership of China's ruling party has pledged to reject extravagance and reduce bureaucratic visits and meetings, in a bid to win the people's trust and support.

In a meeting of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee on December 4, members vowed to shorten meetings and documents, reject bureaucratism in domestic and overseas visits, reduce road closures for official activities and support more practical content in news reports. The leaders also promised to take the lead in putting these requirements into practice.