As 2017 comes to an end, CGTN has put together a twelve-episode special series, "News Map 2017", to review the monthly events of the past year. From Dec. 18 to 29, review the most stirring events, relive the most touching stories, and remember the most powerful faces of 2017.

Below are some of the most consequential headlines from May 2017. 

A growth rate of 5.5 percent – that's what the IMF forecast for the Asia Pacific region in 2017. The Regional Economic Outlook for Asia and the Pacific estimated that growth for the region would increase this year, up from the 5.3 percent in 2016. Experts also said growth would remain strong at 5.4 percent in 2018, as the region continues to be a leader of global growth. Growth in China and Japan were revised upward for 2017, compared to the findings of the October 2016 World Economic Outlook. 

The first trip overseas for the US President was Saudi Arabia. A historic 110-billion-US-dollar arms deal was signed by the two countries, and the agreement will triple in value over the next 10 years. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia will invest 40 billion US dollars in US infrastructure. The US president also dined with the leaders of Arab and Islamic countries, vowing to hammer the last nail in the coffin of terrorism. 

May 22 will always be known as one of the darkest days in the history of Manchester as a concert hall became a scene of chaos and despair. 22 people died, and 59 others were injured when an explosion rocked Manchester Arena at around 10:35 p.m. during a concert from US singer Ariana Grande. Witnesses described a "huge bomb-like bang" in the foyer area, and scenes of panic ensued as young fans fled the venue. The event was considered to be an Islamist terrorist attack. The bomber, Salman Abedi, was believed to act alone and killed himself in the attack.