Founded in 1985, CHINA made a significant impact with their debut Dirk Steffans produced album and their brand of heavy AOR. Formed by drummer John Dommen and guitarist Freddy Laurence, the duo quickly teamed up with vocalist Math Shiverow, ex-BLOODY SIX guitarist Claudio Matteo and former STORMBRINGER bassist Marc Lynn. Having gained a deal with Phonogram Records in Germany during 1988, the musicians were assisted in the recording of their debut album by KROKUS vocalist Marc Storace, who contributed backing vocals to the debut album, whilst KROKUS guitarist Fernando Von Arb wrote the album track 'Back To You'.
With the 'China' album in the stores, the Swiss quintet toured as support to VICTORY through Germany during 1988 and was further due to also play support to BONFIRE until an accident to the German act's guitarist forced the shows to be cancelled.
The second album, 'Sign In The Sky', found CHINA switching production into the hands of Stephen Galfas, having gone on record in the media to say how disappointed they were with the job done by Dirk Steffans on the debut. More significantly, the record heralded a new era for the band, bringing in former CROWN and KROKUS guitarist Patrick Mason and new bassist ex-KILLER and HEADHUNTER man Brian "Beat Tiger" Kofmehl following the departures of both Math Shiverow and Marc Lynn respectively. The record surprisingly also featured guest backing vocals courtesy of GRIM REAPER vocalist Steve Grimmett.
Mason's stay in CHINA was extremely short-lived and thus 1991's 'Live' mini-album introduced CHINA's third vocalist, Eric St. Michaels of US oufit the MOTHERFOLKERS and CRIMINAL MINDS. In May 1993 CHINA banded together with KROKUS frontman Marc Storace to perform a live concert for the Swiss National Radio station DRS 3.
The 1995 CHINA album 'Natural Groove' found the Swiss act fronted by yet another new singer in the form of Douglas McCowan. However, the band subsequently dissolved. The name was resurrected once again in 2000 with the 'China-Revisited' tour, seeing the act fronted by no less than three erstwhile singers in Marc Storace, Eric St. Michaels and Math Shiverow.
Original bassist Marc Lynn, since leaving CHINA, enjoyed a fair amount of acclaim with GOTTHARD. News emerged in late 2003 that CHINA, comprising Patrick Mason, John Dommen, Claudio Matteo, Freddy Laurence and Brian Kofmehl, were to set to work on a new studio album.
Claudio Matteo pulled CHINA back together once again in 2007 to feature on the 'Spirit Of Rock' alongside U.D.O., SAXON, MÖTLEY CRÜE and HEAVEN AND HELL. The subsequent 'Rock Never Dies' tour witnessed a CHINA roster comprising Claudio Matteo, Brian Kofmehl, Eric St. Michaels and drummer Billy La Pietra. Universal Switzerland issued the 2008 compilation 'The Very Best Of China' featuring three brand new tracks.
Their brand new record is “Light In The Dark” released on March 2011 in Europe (excluding Switzerland) for the first time via Metal Heaven.