2017 News Map: An April to Remember

World
Europe

The year of 2017 is coming to an end. To review the monthly events of the past year, CGTN presents a twelve-episode special series “News Map 2017”.

From Dec. 18 to 29, review the most stirring events, relive the most touching stories, and remember the most powerful faces of 2017 with CGTN.

Today is about the headlines of April.

China-US Relations

April 7 marked Chinese President Xi Jinping’s first visit to the US since Donald Trump took office to strengthen bilateral ties.

President Xi met his US counterpart Donald Trump for the first time in Mar-a-lago, a casual visit resembling a big step for the new type of big power relations.

April 07,2017: Chinese President Xi and US President Trump walk down the lawn in Mar-a-Lago Resort. / Xinhua Photo‍

In their talks, the two leaders agreed on the importance of cooperation. President Xi mentioned that “There are a thousand reasons for two countries to work together” and established a four-dialogue mechanism between the two sides.

Xiongan New District

The CPC Central Committee and the State Council announced to set up the Xiongan New District in Hebei Province on April 1, covering Xiongxian, Rongcheng, and Anxin counties and their surrounding areas.

This area has profound historic significance in easing the non-capital function of Beijing and exploring the new development mode of populated areas.

April 1, 2017: Xiongxian County, north China's Hebei Province. / Xinhua Photo

Brexit in progress

The European parliament overwhelmingly voted in favor of a tough negotiating stance towards the British government during Brexit negotiations on April 5.

The resolution refused calls by Theresa May's government to hold talks on Britain's exit and negotiations about its future trade arrangement with the EU in parallel, and instead backed "phased negotiations" for the divorce proceedings.

Union Flags and European Union flags fly near the Elizabeth Tower, housing the Big Ben Bell, in Parliament Square in central London, Britain, September 9, 2017. / Reuters Photo

US missile attack on Syria

The United States attacked a Syrian airbase with a barrage of cruise missiles on April 7.

US military records show US Navy destroyers in the eastern Mediterranean fired more than 50 Tomahawks at several targets in Al-Shayrat airbase. The chemical attack killed 72 people, including 20 children.

The move was in response to a chemical attack against residents in Syria's northern Idlib Province, reportedly launched from Al-Shayrat airbase earlier in the month.

The USS Porter, in the Mediterranean Sea, fires a Tomahawk missile April 7. The US Defense Department said it was a part of missile strike against Syria. / Reuters Photo

Fighting ISIL in Afghanistan

The US drops a GBU-43, also known as the "Mother of All Bombs" on ISIL tunnels in eastern Afghanistan, with Trump describing it as "a very successful mission"

Turkey referendum

25-million Turks voted "YES" in a referendum on April 16 to replace the country's parliamentary system with a presidential one. As a result, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was granted sweeping new powers.

Destination Space

China successfully launches its first cargo spacecraft, the Tianzhou-1, another step towards putting a space station into orbit in 2022.