February 10

The People’s Daily published editorials and reports introducing the hard-working and production-centered practices of the Dazhai brigade of Xiyang County, Shanxi Province. After that, the movement of “Learn from Dazhai in Agriculture” was launched nationwide.

May 15–June 17

The CPC Central Committee held a work conference, which discussed the building of the Third-Line Region (provinces and autonomous regions in China’s central and western areas). In the summer of 1965, the construction of the Third-Line Region was put into practice. From the 1980s, the country has made comprehensive adjustments and transformation in the building of the Third-Line Region.

June–August

The Central Military Commission, while following the Guo Xingfu teaching methods and conducting military training of the masses, held contests of military skills in 18 military regions. Mao Zedong, together with other Party and state leaders inspected the performances of military training.

August 17

The CPC Central Committee and the State Council approved and distributed the Report on the For Trial Implementation Establishment of  Industrial and Transport Trusts presented by the Leading Party members group of the National Economy Commission, giving consent to setting up 12 trusts nationwide on a trial basis.

October 2

To celebrate the 15th anniversary of the founding of the PRC, a large-scale dance epic—The East Is Red was officially performed in the Great Hall of the People.

October 16

China successfully exploded its first atomic bomb. The Chinese government issued a statement declaring that China would never at any time or under any circumstances be the first to use nuclear weapons. China’s nuclear weapons would be used only for self-defense.

December 20–January 5, 1965

The 1st Session of the 4th CPPCC National Committee was held. The Session elected Mao Zedong honorary chairman and Zhou Enlai chairman of the Committee.

December 21–January 4, 1965

The 1st Session of  the 3rd NPC was held. At his Report on the Work of the Government, Zhou Enlai stated that we must make China a socialist power with modern agriculture, industry, national defense, and science and technology in a short period of time. Liu Shaoqi was elected chairman of the PRC, and Zhu De, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee; Zhou Enlai was appointed as premier of the State Council.

From: Chronicle of the People's Republic of China (October 1949 — September 2019) ,edited by The Institute of Party History and Literature of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, PP61-63