Through a friend's introduction, Zhao Xiaolan met Senator Mitch McConnell, and the two began dating.
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.
Chinese President Xi Jinping met US congressional leaders during his visit to the United States, with Senate Majority Leader McConnell ranking first.
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.
The Senate voted on a bill to reform currency oversight, which aims to punish China for manipulating the RMB. McConnell voted against it.
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.
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.
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.
McConnell was elected Senate Republican leader and held the position long-term.
McConnell was elected Senate Republican whip, becoming the second-highest-ranking Republican in the Senate.
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.
Elaine Chao was appointed Secretary of Labor by President George W. Bush, becoming the first Asian American woman to serve in a presidential cabinet.
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.
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.
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.