2011 Photos of the Year: China (37 images)

A Chinese man takes a rest during an outdoor celebration in the lead-up to July 1, the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party (CPC) in Beijing on June 28, 2011. Flourishing well in a one-party system, the CPC membership exceeds 80 million, making it the largest political party in the world. Speaking on a visit to Britain, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao called on Monday for freedom and real democracy in China, despite clamping down on dissent this year. UPI/Stephen Shaver

A Chinese monk practices Kong Fu with a Chinese martial arts tourist at the Shaolin Temple Wushu (martial arts) Training Center in Denfeng City, Henan Province November 13, 2011. Shaolin monks have been practicing Kung Fu for over 1,500 years. Chinese Shaolin Kung Fu was invented and taught to monks to improve their health and so they could defend themselves. UPI/Stephen Shaver

A Chinese knock-off of the 'Smart' car passes a super-stretched Hummer limousine parked on a street in Beijing on August 1, 2011. Despite China' being the largest and fastest growing automobile market in the world, its domestic car industry makes up only a small fraction of car sales across the country. UPI/Stephen Shaver

Soldiers from China's People's Liberation Army 'Guard of Honor' train at their barracks in Beijing on July 21, 2011. China's military is growing in a secretive way, raising the risk of conflict due to "misunderstanding and miscalculation," according to a report by the U.S. Department of Defense. UPI/Stephen Shaver