in the recent past; lately

the surrounding area or neighborhood of a place

in the past few days or lately

the period of time just past or the current situation; lately

in recent years; for the past few years

to approach; to get close to

to move towards or draw near a person, place, or object

in recent years

nearly or close to a certain amount, time, or distance

recently; lately

to approach; to draw near; to be close to (in space or time)

close and friendly in a personal relationship

In the context of Chinese history, the period from the Opium Wars in the mid-19th century until the May 4th Movement in 1919.

close in relationship; relevant or relatable to life or reality

to approach or draw near to

located at a short distance from each other in space or time

to press on towards or move near, often in a physical or threatening manner

approaching or nearly reaching a certain state, quality, or condition

close range

a condition of the eyes in which near objects are seen clearly but distant objects appear blurred; nearsightedness

recently; newly

in the vicinity; at a nearby location for convenience

situated near or next to something; adjacent or close by

to approximate; to be similar

to bridge the gap or distance between people to build a closer relationship

to be on the brink of; to be on the verge of

far and near; everywhere

seeking instant benefit; shortsighted vision, looking only for fast return

very close; almost within reach; close at hand

the areas or districts located just outside the city limits

recent developments or current situation, particularly concerning a person's life or a state of affairs

the area of the sea relatively close to the shore; offshore

close relative or near relation

modern history (specifically mid-19th to early 20th century for China)

amiable, easygoing, and unassuming in manner

the area immediately in front of someone or in the vicinity

close neighbor

Xi Jinping (1953–), PRC politician, General Secretary of the CCP from 2012, President of the PRC from 2013

to draw near or come closer in space or time

to move closer to someone or something to see or hear better

right under one's nose; right in front of one's eyes; close at hand; imminent

to be known far and wide; to be well-known

hand-to-hand fighting or fighting at very close range.

a photograph taken recently

to worm one's way into being friends with someone (usually derogatory)

(idiom) not amenable to reason; unreasonable