KMT Forces Complete Retreat to Taiwan as Communist Victory Looms
Chiang Kai-shek's Nationalist forces establish government-in-exile on Taiwan as Communist forces prepare final assault on remaining mainland positions
Monitoring cross-strait relations and regional implications
Chiang Kai-shek's Nationalist forces establish government-in-exile on Taiwan as Communist forces prepare final assault on remaining mainland positions
Nationalist government formally declares Taipei as temporary capital, vowing eventual return to mainland China
Nationalist government transfers China's gold reserves to Taiwan as communist forces advance
President Truman announces United States will not provide military aid to prevent Communist invasion of Taiwan
Generalissimo returns to formal power as Communist invasion threats intensify, pledging to defend Taiwan and retake mainland
Nationalist government launches radical land redistribution to consolidate rural support and modernize agriculture
North Korean invasion of South Korea dramatically alters US policy toward Taiwan as Cold War tensions explode in Asia
American naval forces begin patrols between Taiwan and mainland China, creating de facto separation of the two sides
PLA amphibious attack on Nationalist-held Kinmen (Quemoy) crushed with heavy losses, proving Communist inability to take Taiwan
Washington begins largest peacetime military assistance program in Asia, transforming ROC forces into modern army
Japan formally gives up sovereignty over Taiwan in peace treaty, but document deliberately avoids specifying to whom the island belongs
Republic of China and Japan establish formal diplomatic relations with treaty recognizing ROC control over Taiwan
New US President removes restrictions on Nationalist offensive operations against mainland, raising specter of wider war
End of Korean War allows PLA to redeploy massive forces southward, dramatically increasing pressure on Taiwan
PLA artillery bombardment of Nationalist-held offshore islands triggers first major Taiwan Strait crisis
PLA launches massive artillery bombardment of Nationalist-held Kinmen island, triggering major US-China confrontation
Historic treaty formally commits United States to defend Taiwan from Communist attack, fundamentally altering Asian strategic balance
Communist forces overrun ROC garrison on Yijiangshan, triggering US-assisted evacuation of all Tachen Islands
President publicly declares willingness to use tactical nuclear weapons against China if Taiwan invaded, escalating crisis to dangerous new level
Chinese Premier makes surprise offer at Bandung Conference to negotiate with United States over Taiwan, dramatically easing crisis tensions
First official diplomatic contact between United States and Communist China opens in Geneva, marking historic shift in relations
Sweeping land redistribution program transforms Taiwan's agricultural economy, laying foundation for industrial development
First American nuclear delivery systems stationed on Taiwan, dramatically escalating island's strategic importance and defense capability
Massive Communist artillery barrage on Kinmen triggers new confrontation, with 41,000 shells fired in single day
Secretary of State's forceful statement commits America to defending Kinmen and Matsu, escalating confrontation with China
Taiwan's F-86 Sabres using new American heat-seeking missiles shoot down multiple MiG-17s, revolutionizing air combat
Communist China declares it will only shell Kinmen on odd-numbered days, allowing resupply on even days in strange de-escalation
Republic of China initiates classified military project to prepare for large-scale invasion of mainland China
First sitting US President visits Taiwan, delivering powerful endorsement of alliance as massive crowds celebrate
CIA begins operating U-2 reconnaissance aircraft from Taiwan to monitor Chinese nuclear and military developments
Communist China successfully tests nuclear weapon at Lop Nur, joining atomic club and fundamentally altering Taiwan Strait military balance
Lee Kuan Yew's Singapore breaks from Malaysia, creating new model for Chinese communities as Beijing and Taipei compete for diaspora loyalty
Mao launches violent Cultural Revolution targeting traditional culture, as Taiwan positions itself as preserver of 5,000-year civilization
PRC detonates first hydrogen bomb just 32 months after atomic test, achieving fastest fission-to-fusion progression in history
Island transforms into 'Asian Tiger' with revolutionary export strategy while mainland China remains mired in Cultural Revolution chaos
Armed conflict between PRC and USSR at Zhenbao Island opens strategic possibilities as Communist unity shatters
PRC joins space powers with Dongfanghong-1 satellite, demonstrating ICBM capability that could target US cities defending Taiwan
American athletes become first official US group in China since 1949, signaling potential rapprochement that could abandon Taiwan
Taiwan expresses alarm as US table tennis team visits Beijing, signaling dramatic shift in American China policy
President announces he will visit Beijing, abandoning 22 years of Taiwan support in historic reversal of US policy
Republic of China loses UN membership after 26 years as General Assembly recognizes Communist government in historic vote
Historic summit in Beijing sees US President court Communist leader while Taiwan watches its protector embrace its greatest threat
Joint statement effectively abandons Taiwan as US 'acknowledges' Beijing's position that island is part of China
Japan switches diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing, severing ties with former colony in devastating blow to Taiwan
OPEC oil embargo reveals Taiwan's energy dependence as diplomatic isolation limits crisis response options
Nationalist China's leader for five decades dies in Taipei, taking with him the dream of mainland recovery
Communist victory in Vietnam triggers alarm in Taiwan about US commitment to defending anti-communist allies
On independence day, PNG immediately recognizes PRC over ROC, showing even tiny nations now abandon Taiwan
Former security chief and son of Generalissimo takes power, promising cautious reform while maintaining authoritarian control
President Carter's surprise announcement of US diplomatic recognition of Beijing devastates Taiwan government
Carter announces US will recognize PRC and terminate defense treaty with Taiwan in historic abandonment of longtime ally
US Congress begins crafting Taiwan Relations Act to maintain unofficial relations after diplomatic recognition shift
Chinese leader's triumphant US visit showcases new relationship while abandoned Taiwan watches its replacement celebrated
Bipartisan legislation establishes framework for unofficial ties and arms sales, providing lifeline to betrayed Taiwan
Human rights rally turns violent as opposition activists confronted by riot police, marking watershed in Taiwan's democratization struggle
Lin Yi-hsiung's mother and twin daughters murdered while he awaits trial, shocking Taiwan and galvanizing democracy movement
Carnegie Mellon professor dies mysteriously during Taiwan visit after questioning about campus activities, sparking international outcry
US agrees to gradually reduce arms sales to Taiwan in joint communiqué with China
Under Beijing pressure, Reagan administration pledges to gradually decrease weapons sales to Taiwan, sparking fierce backlash
Sino-British Joint Declaration on Hong Kong introduces 'One Country, Two Systems' model targeting Taiwan
Journalist critical of Chiang family murdered in US by Taiwan intelligence and gang members, sparking international crisis
Taiwan begins ambitious indigenous fighter aircraft program to overcome arms sales restrictions
Opposition activists defy authoritarian restrictions to establish Taiwan's first real opposition party, marking historic democratic breakthrough
President Chiang Ching-kuo terminates emergency rule imposed in 1949, marking historic milestone in democratization
After 38 years of separation, Taiwan allows citizens to visit relatives in mainland China, leading to emotional reunions and complex questions
President who ended martial law and began democratization dies at 77, passing power to Taiwan-born Lee Teng-hui
Pro-democracy protests in Beijing dramatically shift Taiwan's perception of mainland China and reunification prospects
Publisher sets himself on fire rather than face arrest for advocating Taiwan independence, becoming symbol of democracy movement
Students occupy Chiang Kai-shek Memorial demanding direct presidential elections and constitutional reform, forcing government concessions
Lee Teng-hui Ends Period of Mobilization for Suppression of Communist Rebellion
President Lee Teng-hui formally ends the Period of National Mobilization, completing Taiwan's democratic transition
First Full National Assembly Elections Mark Democratic Milestone
The Controversial '1992 Consensus': Foundation or Fiction?
Historic Wang-Koo Talks in Singapore: First Official Cross-Strait Meeting
Taiwan's Constitutional Amendments Pave Way for Direct Presidential Elections
Lee Teng-hui's Cornell Visit Triggers Taiwan Strait Crisis
President Lee's unofficial visit to Cornell University prompts China's massive military response
China Launches Missile Tests to Intimidate Democratic Taiwan
Beijing Escalates with Second Round of Missile Tests and Naval Exercises
Taiwan Holds Legislative Elections Despite Beijing's Military Threats
China Fires Missiles to Bracket Taiwan Before Historic Presidential Election
Taiwan Elects Lee Teng-hui in Historic First Direct Presidential Vote
Hong Kong Handover Heightens Taiwan's Fears of 'One Country, Two Systems'
Koo-Wang Meet Again in Shanghai Amid Growing Political Divergence
Lee Teng-hui Defines Cross-Strait Ties as 'Special State-to-State Relationship'
921 Earthquake Tests Cross-Strait Relations as Politics Interferes with Humanitarian Aid
Chen Shui-bian's Historic Victory Ends KMT's 50-Year Rule
Chen Shui-bian's 'Four Noes' Inauguration Speech Seeks Cross-Strait Balance
First opposition party victory in Taiwan presidential election demonstrates democratic maturation
'Three Mini-Links' Open Between Kinmen, Matsu and Fujian Province
Taiwan Joins WTO as 'Chinese Taipei' After 11-Year Campaign
Chen Shui-bian Declares 'One Country on Each Side' of Taiwan Strait
Taiwan's WHO Exclusion During SARS Crisis Exposes Beijing's Deadly Politics
KMT's Lien Chan Plans Controversial Visit to Beijing Before 2004 Election
Two Million Join Hands in 500km Human Chain for Taiwan Democracy
Chen Shui-bian Shot on Election Eve in Mysterious Assassination Attempt
Chen Wins Razor-Thin Re-election Victory Amid Assassination Attempt Controversy
China's National People's Congress passes law authorizing military force to prevent Taiwan independence
China Passes Anti-Secession Law Authorizing Force Against Taiwan Democracy
KMT's Lien Chan Makes Historic Visit to Beijing, Meets Hu Jintao
PFP's James Soong Follows Lien to Beijing, Deepening Opposition-CCP Ties
Chen Shui-bian 'Ceases' National Unification Council, Abandoning Inaugural Pledge
Mass Anti-Corruption Protests Challenge Chen as Democracy Tests Itself
Taiwan Plans UN Membership Referendum Despite Beijing and Washington Opposition
Ma Ying-jeou Wins Presidency Promising Better Cross-Strait Relations
New KMT president signals dramatic shift toward engagement with mainland China
China's Chen Yunlin Makes First High-Level Visit to Taiwan, Sparking Protests
Historic Three Direct Links Launched Between Taiwan and China
Taiwan Gains WHO Observer Status as 'Chinese Taipei' After 38-Year Absence
Typhoon Morakot Devastates Taiwan, Tests Democracy's Disaster Response
Taiwan and China Sign Landmark ECFA Trade Deal Despite Opposition Protests
Taipei Flora Expo Showcases Taiwan's Soft Power Amid Cross-Strait Engagement
Taiwan's President Ma Ying-jeou wins re-election with reduced majority as voters debate pace of China engagement
Xi Jinping becomes China's new leader, bringing expectations of a more assertive approach to Taiwan reunification
Taiwan and China sign controversial services trade pact, triggering fears of economic domination and political influence
Hundreds of students storm Taiwan's legislature to protest the services trade pact with China, beginning historic Sunflower Movement
Student protesters occupy Legislative Yuan to oppose Cross-Strait Service Trade Agreement
Riot police use water cannons and batons to evict protesters attempting to occupy Executive Yuan, injuring over 150
Half a million Taiwanese take to the streets in massive rally supporting Sunflower Movement, largest protest since democratization
Students end historic occupation after government agrees to demands, marking watershed victory for Taiwan's democracy
Ruling KMT faces worst-ever local election defeat as Sunflower generation reshapes Taiwan's political landscape
Presidents Ma Ying-jeou and Xi Jinping meet in Singapore, the first cross-strait leaders' meeting since 1949
DPP candidate Tsai Ing-wen wins decisive presidential victory with party gaining legislative majority
DPP's Tsai Ing-wen wins decisive victory, signaling Taiwan's rejection of closer China ties and embrace of distinct identity
China suspends official cross-strait communication channels after Tsai Ing-wen refuses to accept 'One China' principle
President-elect Trump says US not bound by 'One China' policy unless China makes trade concessions, triggering crisis
Trump signs Taiwan Travel Act allowing high-level official visits, marking major shift in US-Taiwan relations
KMT candidate's stunning victory in DPP stronghold Kaohsiung signals political realignment
Chinese President delivers major Taiwan speech threatening force while proposing 'one country, two systems' model
Chinese leader delivers forceful speech on Taiwan reunification using One Country Two Systems
Hong Kong's extradition bill protests dramatically shift Taiwan public opinion against China
Massive Hong Kong protests against extradition law provide stark warning to Taiwan about 'one country, two systems'
President Tsai wins largest vote total in Taiwan history as Hong Kong crisis drives support for defending democracy
President Tsai wins record-breaking reelection with strong anti-Beijing mandate
Beijing blocks Taiwan from World Health Assembly despite exemplary COVID-19 response, exposing politics over health
Alex Azar becomes highest-ranking US official to visit Taiwan in four decades, marking major diplomatic breakthrough
Highest-level US official visit to Taiwan since 1979 breaks diplomatic isolation
Beijing blocks Taiwan from world's largest trade deal, forcing economic isolation as 15 nations sign RCEP
Taiwan aligns with US, EU, UK, and Canada in condemning Xinjiang abuses, marking unprecedented coordinated action
Three US senators arrive on military aircraft to announce vaccine donation, demonstrating security partnership
Largest single-day Chinese military aircraft incursion into Taiwan's air defense zone
Beijing launches largest-ever air incursion with 56 military aircraft including nuclear-capable bombers
Taiwan participates in US-led Summit for Democracy alongside 110 nations, marking major diplomatic victory
China and Russia declare 'no limits' partnership at Beijing Olympics, coordinating pressure on Taiwan and Ukraine
Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine sends shockwaves through Taiwan as parallels to Chinese threats become stark
President Biden explicitly commits to Taiwan's military defense in Tokyo, appearing to end strategic ambiguity
US House Speaker becomes highest-ranking American official to visit Taiwan in 25 years despite Chinese threats
Beijing begins unprecedented military drills effectively surrounding Taiwan with live-fire exercises in six zones
Xi Jinping consolidates power for unprecedented third term with Taiwan reunification as priority
Chinese leader breaks with precedent to claim third term, placing Taiwan reunification at center of 'national rejuvenation'
President Tsai announces mandatory military service extension from 4 months to 1 year starting 2024
Historic meeting between US House Speaker and Taiwan President on American soil
Kevin McCarthy becomes highest-ranking US official to meet Taiwan president on American soil despite Chinese threats
US uses presidential drawdown authority for first time to rush weapons to Taiwan from existing stocks
Taiwan launches first domestically-built submarine enhancing asymmetric defense capabilities
Taiwan launches indigenous submarine program success despite Chinese pressure, marking major defense milestone
Understanding the complex cross-strait relations and the threat to regional stability
DPP candidate Lai Ching-te wins presidential election ensuring policy continuity despite Beijing opposition
Vice President William Lai wins Taiwan's presidential election despite Chinese opposition, continuing DPP governance
Fatal incident near Taiwan-controlled Kinmen island marks dangerous escalation in gray zone tactics
Taiwan's new president takes office as China conducts massive military exercises in response
William Lai takes office as Taiwan's president promising to defend democracy while seeking dialogue with China
G7 leaders condemn China's 'dangerous' actions in Taiwan Strait and pledge to maintain peace and stability
Biden administration approves largest Taiwan arms sale including advanced missile systems
Taiwan and Philippines sign maritime cooperation agreement despite lack of formal ties, uniting against Chinese aggression
Taiwan's TSMC starts producing advanced semiconductors in Arizona, reducing US dependence on Taiwan production
Japanese and Taiwanese officials conduct unprecedented security talks as regional threats drive pragmatic cooperation
Beijing deploys largest naval force ever recorded around Taiwan during Double Ten National Day celebrations
US positions mid-range missile system in Philippines capable of striking Chinese mainland, escalating regional tensions
Military analysts warn Taiwan Strait tensions now exceed 1996 crisis levels as 2027 concerns mount
Annual review shows unprecedented escalation in Chinese military activities around Taiwan
Both sides issue stern warnings as 2025 begins with heightened cross-strait tensions
Chinese leader's annual address takes hardest line yet on Taiwan, declaring reunification 'unstoppable historical trend'
Military activities persist during traditional Chinese New Year period
China intensifies economic pressure on Taiwan's critical semiconductor industry
China conducts largest military exercises in history around Taiwan simulating full blockade
Taiwan leverages chip dominance as strategic asset while China accelerates self-sufficiency drive
PLA's Joint Sword-2025B drills raise tensions as Taiwan responds with defensive measures
G7 nations issue unprecedented statement supporting Taiwan's security and democracy
Taiwan legislature approves 25% defense budget increase amid escalating Chinese military pressure
Comprehensive assessment of Taiwan Strait situation as tensions reach unprecedented levels in August 2025