If you are going to look at an invention or discovery as an remarkable event then I suggest you look at China. You see, the Chinese invented something that has quite literally changed the face of the world. This remarkable invention is known as gun powder. Ah, gun powder. So much has been done with it. It led to the decrease of the Native populations in both North and South Americas. You have the Civil War, WW1, WW2. Texas' war for independence, California's war for independence. That's just looking at about 200 years of U.S. History. Imagine the effects all of the world. Spain tried to conquer England with use of their gun powder during the reign of Elizabeth 1.
It's effects were all of the world. Gun powder allowed explorers to explore and of course conquer.
Your question is though, how did gun powder really effect China, who gives a fig about the rest of the world.
Simple. European countries and America all wanted a slice of China for trade. Our military presence there was very strong. We only managed to hold ground there do weapons that evolved from... gun powder. See Boxer Rebellion.
Good luck =)