2004
July 28
The Yellow River Station, China's first Arctic scientific research station, was completed and put into operation in Ny Alesund on the Spitsbergen Islands, Norway. China officially became an Observer State of the Arctic Council on May 15, 2013.
September 16-19eptember
The 4th Plenary Session of the 16th CPC Central Committee was held. It adopted the Decision on Strengthening the Party's Governing Ability, approved Jiang Zemin's resignation as chairman of the CPC Central Military Commission and appointed Hu Jintao as chairman of the CPC Central Military Commission.