Rotary has a long and rich history with China.  The first Rotary Club in Shanghai was chartered in 1919.  By 1947 there were 32 clubs welcoming local businessmen and expatriates, but political changes resulted in the closure of all Rotary clubs on mainland China by 1953.

Rotary leaders met with Chinese officials to reintroduce Rotary as early as 1982.  Actively pursuing the possibilities of reintroducing Rotary to China, RI presidents have led delegations to China in 1997, 2000 and 2002.  The RI Board recognised that the Hong Kong Rotary clubs became part of the People’s Republic of China in 1999.