Politics quiz: How well do you remember the highs and lows of 2019?

2019 was a bumpy year not only for the Queen but also for most politicians around the world. CGTN summarized several of the major political events that happened throughout the year. Take the quiz to see how much you know.

January

1. Macedonia changed its name to the Republic of North Macedonia because it has a name dispute with ______?

A. Italy

B. Turkey

C. Bulgaria

D. Greece

Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev reacts after Macedonia's parliament passed an amendment to the constitution to rename the European country the Republic of North Macedonia, January 11, 2019. /VCG Photo

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On January 11, Macedonia's parliament passed an amendment to the constitution to rename the European country the Republic of North Macedonia, in line with an agreement with neighboring Greece to put an end to a 27-year-old dispute. The country officially changed its name to the Republic of North Macedonia in February.

After it officially changed its name to the Republic of North Macedonia, the country signed the NATO accession accord on February 6 and is expected to join NATO in early 2020.

Correct answer: D

Macedonia signs NATO accession accord

2. How many votes did UK Prime Minister Theresa May's first 'Brexit' bill get defeated by?

A. 230

B. 149

C. 58

D. 124

British newspaper front pages, January 16, 2019 /CGTN Compilation

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UK Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal which sets out the terms of Britain's exit from the EU on 29 March suffered a crushing defeat in Parliament. MPs voted by 432 votes to 202 to reject the deal. The 230-vote difference is the largest defeat for a sitting government in UK history.

Correct answer: A

UK PM May seeks to end Brexit stalemate after winning confidence vote

February

3. Where did the second Trump-Kim summit take place?

A. Sweden

B. Singapore

C. Republic of Korea

D. Vietnam

U.S. President Donald Trump (L) and DPRK leader Kim Jong Un sit down before their one-on-one chat during the second U.S.-DPRK summit at the Metropole Hotel in Hanoi, Vietnam, February 27, 2019. /VCG Photo

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The second meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) leader Kim Jong Un was held in Hanoi, Vietnam on February 27-28. The summit ended abruptly without an agreement being reached as the White House later announced that "there would be nothing to sign."

Experts believed that the major sticking point between the two sides lies in whether sanctions relief or denuclearization should come first since the signing of the joint statement. The DPRK expects a "phased," simultaneous, and "step-by-step" approach while the U.S. prefers a complete and verifiable denuclearization before it lifts sanctions and grants security guarantees to the DPRK.

Correct answer: D

Analysis: What the Hanoi result means for the world

March

4. Kazakhstan changed the name of its capital "Astana" into "Nur-Sultan" to honor which Kazakh leader?

A. Kassym-Jomart Kemelyevich Tokayev

B. Nursultan Nazarbayev

C. Dariga Nazarbayeva

D. Maulen Ashimbayev

Nur Otan Party Chairman Maulen Ashimbayev, Kazakhstan's President Nursultan Nazarbayev (C), and the chairman of the Senate of the Parliament of Kazakhstan, Kassym Jomart Tokayev (R) stand for the Kazakh national anthem at the 18th Congress of the Nur Otan Democratic People's Party at the Palace of Independence, February 27, 2019. /VCG Photo

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On March 19, Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev announced his shocking resignation in a televised address after three decades in power. The country's capital Astana was renamed Nur-Sultan the following day in his honor. Kassym-Jomart Kemelyevich Tokayev was appointed as acting president and later elected as president of Kazakhstan in a snap election on June 9, 2019 with 71% of the popular vote.

Correct answer: B

Kazakhstan renames capital 'Nur-Sultan' after ex-president

Tokayev wins Kazakhstan's presidential election

5. What presidential proclamation related to Israel did U.S. President Donald Trump sign in March this year that shocked the world?

A. The U.S. recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel

B. The U.S. decided to move its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem

C. The U.S. decided to deploy troops to the Golan Heights

D. The U.S. recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights

U.S. President Donald Trump holds a proclamation recognizing Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights as he meets Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on March 25, 2019. /VCG Photo

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U.S. President Donald Trump signed a presidential proclamation on March 25, officially recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. The directive made the U.S. the first country, other than Israel, to recognize Israeli rather than Syrian sovereignty over the Golan Heights region.

The decree, signed at the start of a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was believed to be another "gift" to Israel as well as a boost for Netanyahu ahead of the closely contested April 9 Israeli elections after the U.S. recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and moved its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Correct answer: D

Why does Trump recognize Golan Heights as Israeli territory?

International community concerned at Trump's Golan Heights statement

April

6. Which of the following description about the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF) is wrong?

A. It was one of the most important international events hosted by China in 2019

B. The theme of the forum was "Belt and Road cooperation shaping a brighter shared future"

C. Twenty-nine national leaders and more than 1,600 participants attended the event

D. The forum called for free trade, innovation and high-quality Belt and Road cooperation

Chinese President Xi Jinping, his wife Peng Liyuan and guests of the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation attend a banquet in Beijing, April 26, 2019. /Xinhua Photo

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The Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF) was held from April 25 to 27 in Beijing, capital of China. This year's forum follows the theme "Belt and Road cooperation shaping a brighter shared future." Leaders of 40 countries and international organizations attended the Forum.

The BRF is one of the most important international events hosted by China in 2019. A total of 283 items of practical outcomes were achieved during the preparatory process and cooperation agreements worth more than 64 billion U.S. dollars were signed at a CEO conference during the forum.

Correct answer: C

2nd BRF ends with 283 results, consensus on high-quality cooperation

The BRI and BRF in four minutes

7. What is the name of the era of Japan's new Emperor Naruhito's reign?

A. Heisei

B. Meiji

C. Reiwa

D. Showa

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga announces the new era name, "Reiwa," during a press conference in Tokyo, April 1, 2019. /VCG Photo

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On April 30, Akihito formally abdicated as Japan's Emperor after a 30-year reign, becoming the first Japanese monarch in some 200 years to abdicate. Akihito's eldest son Naruhito, also the Crown Prince, succeeded him on the Chrysanthemum Throne on May 1, marking the start of a new imperial era, the Reiwa.

The name consists of two characters: "Rei," which can have meanings related to "order" but also "auspicious," and "Wa," usually translated as "peace" or "harmony."

Correct answer: C

Emperor Naruhito vows to fulfill responsibility as Japan ushers in Reiwa era

May

8. UK Prime Minister Theresa May resigned after her Brexit bill was rejected by the British Parliament ____ times?

A. two

B. three

C. five

D. numerous

British Prime Minister Theresa May ‍cries after delivering a statement in London, Britain, May 24, 2019. /Reuters Photo

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UK Prime Minister Theresa May announced her resignation on May 24 amid the failure of negotiations over the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union. Her Brexit bill was rejected by the parliament three times before formally stepping down as leader of the Conservative Party on June 7. Her resignation proves that June is truly the end of May.

Boris Johnson, former mayor of London, succeeded May as Conservative leader and Prime Minister in July after winning a convincing victory over Jeremy Hunt in the Conservative party leadership race.

Correct answer: B

Britain's Theresa May to step down on June 7

June

9. What is the official description China uses for its current relationship with Russia?

A. A comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination

B. A comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era

C. A comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation

D. All-weather strategic cooperative partnership

Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) shakes hands with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin while posing for photos ahead of their talks in Moscow, Russia, June 5, 2019. /Xinhua Photo

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China and Russia agreed on June 5 to upgrade their relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era. The decision was made at a meeting between visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Russia as well as "the best time for China-Russian relations," according to President Xi. Apart from the long-lasting friendship between the two countries, close relations also exist between the two leaders. The Chinese president once described Putin as his "best friend" and "confidant" while Putin called Xi a "reliable partner and good friend."

Putin awarded Xi the highest order of Russia, known as the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle the First-Called during Xi's visit to Russia in July, 2017. In return, Xi presented the Friendship Medal of the People's Republic of China (PRC), the highest state honor for foreigners, to Putin last June in Beijing. Putin is also the first foreign national who has been rewarded since the establishment of China's honors system.

Correct answer: B

Xi and Putin, the helmsmen of China-Russia friend 'ship'

10. Which of the following countries is not a member of the Group of 20 (G20)?

A. Argentina

B. India

C. Singapore

D. Republic of Korea (ROK)

World leaders pose for a group photo when attending the 14th G20 summit held in Osaka, Japan, June 28, 2019. /Xinhua Photo

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The Group of 20 (G20) leaders met in Osaka, Japan on June 28‐29 to address the major issues relating to the fair and sustainable development of the globe. Membership of the G20 consists of 19 individual countries plus the European Union. Collectively, the G20 economies account for around 90 percent of the gross world product, 80 percent of world trade, two-thirds of the world population and approximately half of the world land area.

Correct answer: C

Graphics: Key achievements of G20 Osaka summit

July

11. What is the limit of uranium hexafluoride (UF6) Iran agreed to have according to the nuclear deal?

A. 100 kg

B. 200 kg

C. 300 kg

D. 400 kg

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani (R) listens to the head of Iran's nuclear technology organization Ali Akbar Salehi during "Nuclear Technology Day" in Tehran, April 9, 2019. /VCG photo

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Iran said on July 1 that it had exceeded the relevant limit of 300 kg of uranium hexafluoride (UF6), breaching the limit of its enriched uranium stockpile set in a 2015 deal with major powers. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) verified Iran's statement shortly after Tehran announced it had crossed the limit in retaliation to new U.S. sanctions.

The limit was set in a historical deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) struck by Iran and six world powers namely France, Germany, the UK, China, the U.S. and Russia on July 14, 2015. However, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Washington was withdrawing from the deal on May 8, 2018 and reimposed tough economic sanctions on Tehran.

Enriching uranium to a low level of 3.6 percent fissile material is the first step in a process that could eventually allow Iran to amass enough highly-enriched uranium to build a nuclear warhead.

Correct answer: C

Explainer: What is the Iran nuclear deal?

August

12. When did the U.S. formally withdraw the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty?

A. December 8, 1987

B. December 4, 2018

C. February 2, 2019

D. August 2, 2019

Former U.S. president Ronald Reagan (R) shakes hands with former Soviet Union leader Mikhail Gorbachev after signing the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty at the White House, Washington, U.S., December 8, 1987. /AP Photo

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The U.S. concluded a full withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty on August 2, six months after it formally launched the procedure of leaving the treaty on February 2, accusing Moscow of repeatedly violating its terms – a charge Russia denies.

Experts believed that the real purpose of the U.S. withdrawal is to seek unilateral military and strategic advantages. On the same day, Moscow announced the formal end of the nuclear arms deal at the initiative of the U.S. side.

The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty was signed by then U.S. president Ronald Reagan and former Soviet Union leader Mikhail Gorbachev in 1987, to eliminate all of their nuclear and conventional ground-based ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges of 500 to 5,500 kilometers.

Correct answer: D

China opposes U.S. withdrawal from the INF nuclear treaty

13. What did India do in August that flamed a territorial dispute on Kashmir that has dragged on for over seven decades with Pakistan?

A. Revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir

B. Declared sovereignty over the territory

C. Announced the region as a Hindu state

D. Expelled Pakistanis from the region

A man holds a sign and shouts slogans during a protest after the government scrapped the special status for Kashmir, in New Delhi, India, August 5, 2019. /VCG Photo

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On August 5, the Indian government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi ended the special autonomous status of Jammu and Kashmir by revoking Article 370 of the Indian constitution, the most far-reaching move in nearly seven decades on the Himalayan region, which is divided between India and Pakistan but claimed by both in full.

Article 370 of the Constitution of India outlined the region's special autonomous status and granted it the rights to its own constitution, a separate flag and freedom to make laws. Clause 7 of this document declared, "nothing in this Instrument shall be deemed to commit in any way to acceptance of any future constitution of India." This has laid the foundation for the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.

Correct answer: A

India revokes Kashmir's special status: Background

September

14. Which of the following countries established (or resumed) diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of China (PRC) in 2019? (Pick two answers)

A. Kiribati

B. The Solomon Islands

C. El Salvador

D. The Republic of Panama

Related news:

All the countries listed above are countries that newly cut their "diplomatic ties" with Taiwan and establish ties with the People's Republic of China, but only Kiribati and the Solomon Islands restored or established diplomatic ties with the PRC in 2019.

On September 21, 2019, China and the Solomon Islands signed a communique in Beijing, officially established diplomatic relations. A week later, the Republic of Kiribati announced that it severed "diplomatic relations" with Taiwan, and restored diplomatic ties relations with China.

Correct answer: A & B

China, Kiribati restore diplomatic ties

15. Why did U.S. President Donald Trump cancel peace talks with the Afghan Taliban in September?

A. People of the U.S. did not want to end the war.

B. His consulting team advised him to do so.

C. The Taliban didn't follow the ceasefire commitment.

D. That's Trump's "art of the deal," you should get used to it.

Taliban negotiators walk together during the second day of the Intra Afghan Dialogue talks in Doha, Qatar, July 8, 2019. /VCG Photo

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Trump canceled an unprecedented meeting between the Taliban and himself at the Camp David presidential retreat outside Washington in retaliation for the alleged killing of a U.S. soldier by the Taliban in a Kabul bomb blast, deeming the talks "dead."

Calls to end the war existed since 2001 and have been mounting in the past 18 years. Hopes of ending America's longest war rose when negotiators on both sides struck a draft peace deal.

The U.S. side takes ceasefire as a pre-condition for the continuing of the negotiations, so it seems the direct cause of Trump's decision. However, analysts believe that apart from that, the U.S. and the Taliban also failed to reach consensus on other major issues such as timetable for U.S. withdrawal, direct negotiation with Afghan government, no hostile acts against the U.S. from Afghan soil.

Correct answer: C

Trump says Afghanistan peace talks with Taliban 'dead'

October

16. Which of the following description is wrong about the celebrations held on the National Day of the People's Republic of China (PRC)?

A. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the PRC.

B. China held its largest ever military parade with 59 formations including 15,000 troops, more than 160 aircraft and 580 active weapon systems.

C. Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered an eight-minute speech, highlighting China's achievements over the past 70 years and the country's unity and continued prosperity.

D. Leaders from 49 countries and international organizations were invited to attend the celebrations.

China celebrates the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in Beijing, China. /VCG Photo

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China held a grand celebration with a largest ever military parade on October 1, the National Day, to mark the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in 1949. Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered an eight-minute speech, highlighting China's achievements over the past 70 years and the country's unity and continued prosperity. China did not invite foreign leaders, but foreign ambassadors based in Beijing attended the grand event.

Over 15,000 troops, 160 aircraft and 580 active weapon systems attended the military parade in 59 formations and more than 100,000 people took part in a mass parade afterward.

Correct answer: D

Highlights from China's National Day celebrations

17. Which of the following descriptions is wrong about Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi?

A. He was killed by American soldiers during a U.S. military raid

B. He is the former leader of Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)

C. A reward of 25 million U.S. dollars was offered for him

D. Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurashi is his successor after his death

The leader of ISIL Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is shown in a propaganda video, July 5, 2014 /VCG Photo

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Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the notorious leader of ISIL, was confirmed dead in a special operations raid carried out by the U.S. military in Syria on October 27. The elusive leader reportedly detonated a suicide vest, killing himself and three of his children after U.S. special forces operators trapped him in a dead-end tunnel in Syria.

Footage of U.S. military raid was released a few days later. ISIL confirmed the death of Al-Baghdadi in an audio message and named Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurashi as its new leader a week after the U.S. announcement.

Correct answer: A

In The Spotlight: Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, incarnation of ISIL?

November

18. Why did Chile cancel its hosting of the APEC summit?

A. The construction of the venue did not finish on time.

B. It had to deal with the social unrest started in early October.

C. The government did not have enough budget to host the summit.

D. It chose to host the COP25 climate summit instead.

Foreign Minister Teodoro Ribera arrives at the press conference to announce Chile will not host the APEC Leaders' Meeting and the COP25 climate meeting, Chile, October 30, 2019. /VCG Photo

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Chile announced the cancellation of its hosting of the APEC trade summit in November and the COP25 climate summit in December due to the social unrest triggered by the rise of subway fare. Days after Chile pulled out as host of both APEC and climate summit, Spain confirmed to take over the host of the climate talks from December 2-13 in Spain's capital Madrid.

Correct answer: B

19. What is the most pressing task for Hong Kong amid the months-long chaos?

A. Ending the chaos and restoring order

B. Improving the economy

C. Investigating the cause of the chaos

D. Doing nothing but wait

Related news:

The long-lasting violent activities and protests in China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) have plagued the financial hub since June. Chief Executive of HKSAR Carrie Lam appealed to the public repeatedly that the most urgent task for Hong Kong right now is to end the chaos and restore order.

Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterated the point in November, adding that radical violent activities in Hong Kong seriously trample rule of law and the social order, seriously disturb Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, and seriously challenge the bottom line of the "One Country, Two Systems" principle.

The protests were triggered when the HKSAR government tabled the Fugitive Offenders and Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2019 (also known as the fugitive bill), which aimed to fix the legal loophole and enable Hong Kong and Taiwan to transfer fugitive suspects at the Legislative Council (LegCo) for discussion. Protests have been ongoing since then despite the government later announcing the suspension of the amendments.

Correct answer: A

Carrie Lam says HKSAR's immediate priority is to end violence

December

20. Who won the UK general election held in December?

A. Boris Johnson

B. Jeremy Corbyn

C. Jo Swinson

D. Nicola Sturgeon

Credit: Ben Stansall/Pool Photo via AP

Related news:

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson won a huge majority in the UK general election held on December 12. With the Conservative Party winning 365 out of 650 seats in the House of Commons, Johnson would be better able to fulfill his campaign promise of delivering Brexit before the end of January 2020.

Opposite Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn said Labour had a "very disappointing night" after hearing the results and he would not fight a future election. Liberal Democrat leader Jo Swinson lost her seat in Scotland. She resigned as leader shortly afterwards, with the Liberal Democrats bitterly disappointed their anti-Brexit position didn't lead to more votes.

Correct answer: A

Boris Johnson hails 'historic' Conservative victory in UK election

21. What are the articles of impeachment that U.S. House of Representatives approved against U.S. President Donald Trump? (pick two answers)

A. Abuse of power

B. Lying under oath

C. Bribery

D. Obstruction of Congress

The U.S. House of Representatives starts the impeachment votes against U.S. President Donald Trump, December 18, 2019. /Reuters Photo

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On December 18, the U.S. Democrat-led House of Representatives approved both articles of impeachment against U.S. President Donald Trump, making him the third president in U.S. history to be formally impeached and face trial in the Senate.

By a 230 to 197 vote, the U.S. House passed the first article that accused President Trump of abuse of power. They also approved the second article of impeachment that charges the Republican president with obstructing Congress by refusing to cooperate with the impeachment investigation.

It all starts with a whistle-blower complaint filed by an unidentified intelligence official in mid-August, which revealed a July phone conversation in which President Trump urged Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, to investigate alleged corruption on the part of former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced the start of a formal impeachment inquiry in September, and the first public hearings began in the House of Representatives in mid-November. The two articles of impeachment against Trump were disclosed in early December and the vote to the articles began a week later. Trump will now stand trial in the Senate, where his fellow Republicans hold a solid majority and are expected to exonerate him.

Correct answer: A & D