2013: The Year in China (88 images)

Chinese soldiers perform honor guard duties during Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's state visit in Beijing on May 6, 2013. China is hosting the leaders of Palestine and Israel this week in a sign of its desire for a larger role in the Middle East. China said it is willing to set up a meeting between the two countries, which have been deadlocked in talks for four years. UPI/Stephen shaver

A Chinese soldier stands watch in front of Tiananmen Square's North Rostrum, adorned with a giant portrait of the late Chinese helmsman Mao Zedong, in Beijing on May 20, 2013. UPI/Stephen Shaver

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R) and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang attend a welcoming ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on May 8, 2013. China is hosting the leaders of Palestine and Israel this week in a sign of its desire for a larger role in the Middle East peace process. China said it is willing to set up a meeting between the two countries, which have been deadlocked in talks for four years. UPI/Stephen shaver

Chinese leave a hospital protected by face masks as the spread of a new strain of bird flu dominates news headlines in Beijing on April 22, 2013. The number of H7N9 bird flu cases in China jumped this week to 102, including 20 deaths, the World Health Organization announced. UPI/Stephen shaver