It was the first visit to China since Noda was sworn in as Prime Minister.

FORBES: Japan-China Relations--PM Noda's 21 Hours in Beijing

After a reciprocal visit to the U.S. by a Chinese ping-pong team, President Richard Nixon was the first American president to visit China, and full U.S.-Chinese diplomatic relations were restored in 1979.

FORBES: Ping-Pong Diplomacy For China, Soccer For North Korea?

Mr Netanyahu's visit is the first to China by an Israeli leader in six years.

BBC: Abbas and Netanyahu on separate China visits

The drive was announced by First Minister Alex Salmond during a visit to China.

BBC: New Asia food and drink export strategy unveiled

Governor Sandoval was the first sitting governor from Nevada to visit China.

FORBES: Get Ready For More China Overseas Investment

Ms Sturgeon was standing in for Alex Salmond, who was on a visit to China, during first minister's questions on Thursday 8 December 2011.

BBC: First minister's questions

President Bush meets today with Qian Qichen, China's Deputy Prime Minister and the first senior Beijing official to visit the White House since the new Administration began.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Message to China: The Appeasement is Over