1991
Through a friend's introduction, Zhao Xiaolan met Senator Mitch McConnell, and the two began dating.
2016-06
During Zhao Xiaolan's visit to China, her husband McConnell suffered cardiac arrest in the United States and was rushed to the hospital, but Zhao Xiaolan still completed her meeting with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng.
2015-09-25
Chinese President Xi Jinping met US congressional leaders during his visit to the United States, with Senate Majority Leader McConnell ranking first.
2015
Fumao Group ordered a cargo ship at a state-owned shipyard in Qingdao, with a loan provided by the Export-Import Bank of China. This is the first cooperation between financial institutions on both sides of the strait to participate in ship financing.
2011-10
The Senate voted on a bill to reform currency oversight, which aims to punish China for manipulating the RMB. McConnell voted against it.
2011-01-19
Elaine Chao and her father, James S.C. Chao, were invited to President Obama's state dinner for Chinese President Hu Jintao, reflecting their dual roles as representatives of American politics and Chinese business.
2009-05
Zhao Xiaolan's sister, Zhao Anji, serves as an independent director of China State Shipbuilding Corporation, marking the entry of a Zhao family member into the internal governance of a Chinese state-owned listed shipbuilding company.
2008
In the name of commemorating his late wife, Zhao Xicheng gave assets worth 5 million to 25 million US dollars to Zhao Xiaolan and McConnell, greatly increasing the McConnell couple's wealth.
2007
McConnell was elected Senate Republican leader and held the position long-term.
2003
McConnell was elected Senate Republican whip, becoming the second-highest-ranking Republican in the Senate.
2002
Fumao Group has begun ordering the construction of a large number of big bulk carriers at Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipyard, and the Zhao family's cooperation with China's state-owned shipbuilding system has entered a new stage.
2001-01
Elaine Chao was appointed Secretary of Labor by President George W. Bush, becoming the first Asian American woman to serve in a presidential cabinet.
2000-09-19
The U.S. Senate voted on granting China permanent normal trade relations status, with McConnell casting a "yes" vote, paving the way for China's accession to the WTO.
1993-02-06
Zhao Xiaolan and Mitch McConnell held their wedding at a small chapel on Capitol Hill in Washington, on a date that coincided with President Reagan's birthday.
1992
In a Senate vote on whether to continue granting China most-favored-nation status, McConnell once again cast a dissenting vote, supporting the maintenance of trade policy towards China.
1991
Zhao Xiaolan has steadily risen within the federal government and has been appointed Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
1989-08
Two months after the June Fourth Incident, James Chao met Jiang Zemin in Zhongnanhai, one of the earliest publicly recorded meetings between the Chao family and China's top leader.
1988
Fuzhou Group's first construction of large ocean-going cargo ships at a Chinese state-owned shipyard marks the first deep cooperation between the Zhao family and China's national industrial system.
1984
With the help of campaign advisor Roger Ailes, Mike McConnell defeated three-term incumbent Democratic Senator Hardelston by a slim margin of 0.4%, winning his first seat in Congress.
1981-11
28-year-old Zhao Xiaolan returned to China for the first time with her parents to visit her alma mater, Shanghai Jiao Tong University. It was also an opportunity for Zhao Xiansheng to return to his alma mater.