9. Nelson Mandela passes away

Former South African President and anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela passed away on December 5 at the age of 95, after his long battle with lung infection.

The legendary icon had led South Africa's decades-long struggle against apartheid in the country and spent 27 years in prison for his political activities.

After his release in 1990, Mandela dedicated himself to forging a peaceful end to white rule by negotiating with his captors.

He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 for his endeavors for the peaceful end of the apartheid regime, and for laying the foundation for a new democratic South Africa.

Mandela was inaugurated as South Africa's first black president in 1994 and left office in 1999.

He had also contributed to the establishment and development of China-South Africa relations.

Special Coverage

In memory of Nelson Mandela