The 1960s

1960: Almost all research is focused on the development of nuclear technology.

1960: With availability of gasoline and electricity in the 1960s, farmers begin to use tube wells for irrigation in Northern China.

1960: Increasing use of tube wells for irrigation in Northern China will lead to groundwater depletion in the 1990s.

1960, July: Khrushchev recalls Soviet advisors and technical experts in China. Open conflict between China and USSR.

1961 - 1965: Increase in production and import of agricultural inputs (fertilizers, machinery, pesticides)

1961 - 1965: Readjustment and recovery: "Agriculture First" policy. Food situation improves.

1962: Border conflict with India over areas in the Himalaya.

1962 - 1972: In the 1960s China's population growth peaks. Between 1962 and 1972 some 300 million babies are born.

1962 - 1972: High population growth (average of 26.7 million birth per year) in the late 1960 increases pressure on natural resources.

1964, January: China and France establish diplomatic relations. Taiwan's embassy in Paris is closed.

1964, October: Test of first nuclear bomb in China.

1965: Tibet becomes autonomous region.

1966: The "Little Red Book". Climax of Mao-cult.

1966 - 1976: During Cultural Revolution China's jurisdiction essentially ceases to operate.

1966 - 1968: Destruction of "The Four Olds": Old ideas, old culture, old customs, old habits.

1966 - 1976: 10 years of turmoil at schools and universities seriously harm China's intellectual elites.

1966 - 1976: Mao's political concept of a "permanent cultural revolution" paralyzes his political enemies.

1966 - 1976: Between "Cultural Revolution" and Mao's death stagnation in agriculture and industry.

1966 - 1976: During the Cultural Revolusion, religious practice is condemned as feudalistic.

1966 - 1976: The Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution - a decade lost in anarchy and chaos.

1967: Test of first nuclear fusion device in China

1968: The Space Flight Medical Research Centre is founded in preparation for manned space flights (led by Tsien Hsueshen).

1969: Mao Zedong anoints Lin Biao as his heir apparent.

1969, March: Clash with Soviet troops at Damansky Island (Zhen Bao) of the Ussuri river (Wusuli Jiang).

1969, October: First line of Beijing's subway is completed.