Chronologies
US - Taiwan
Chronology
: Central Election Commission certifies Chen as winner. U.S. congratulates Chen, although acknowledges results still being contested.
: Central Election Commission certifies Chen as winner. U.S. congratulates Chen, although acknowledges results still being contested.
: Chen wins razor-thin election victory. U.S. congratulates people of Taiwan for exercising democratic voting rights. Chen’s controversial referendum fails to get enough votes.
: Chen wins razor-thin election victory. U.S. congratulates people of Taiwan for exercising democratic voting rights. Chen’s controversial referendum fails to get enough votes.
: Chen and VP Annette Lu shot while campaigning in Tainan.
: Chen and VP Annette Lu shot while campaigning in Tainan.
: Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Randall Schriver tells Congress it is “extremely important” for Taiwan to appropriate a sufficient defense budget.
: Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Randall Schriver tells Congress it is “extremely important” for Taiwan to appropriate a sufficient defense budget.
: Chen ignores Bush warning and says the referendum will proceed as planned.
: Chen ignores Bush warning and says the referendum will proceed as planned.
: President Bush meets with PRC Premier Wen Jiabao in the Oval Office and publicly declares that he “opposes comments and actions made by the leader of Taiwan” that “indicate that he may be willing to unilaterally change the status quo, which we oppose.”
: President Bush meets with PRC Premier Wen Jiabao in the Oval Office and publicly declares that he “opposes comments and actions made by the leader of Taiwan” that “indicate that he may be willing to unilaterally change the status quo, which we oppose.”
: Chen announces topics for “defensive referendum” to be held on March 20.
: Chen announces topics for “defensive referendum” to be held on March 20.
: NSC’s James Moriarty makes discreet visit to Taipei with message from Bush.
: NSC’s James Moriarty makes discreet visit to Taipei with message from Bush.
: Chen tells Brookings delegation he hopes to draft constitution by 2006, and submit it to referendum and implement by 2008.
: Chen tells Brookings delegation he hopes to draft constitution by 2006, and submit it to referendum and implement by 2008.
: Chen and Secretary Powell shake hands at Panama ceremony.
: Chen and Secretary Powell shake hands at Panama ceremony.
: AIT’s Shaheen tells Chen that Bush is his “secret guardian angel.”
: AIT’s Shaheen tells Chen that Bush is his “secret guardian angel.”
: Chen transits New York; receives human rights award.
: Chen transits New York; receives human rights award.
: Presidents Bush and Hu meet at APEC; Bush expresses opposition to Taiwan independence.
: Presidents Bush and Hu meet at APEC; Bush expresses opposition to Taiwan independence.
: Taiwan Caucus formed in the Senate. Ten initial members, Sen. George Allen and Tim Johnson as the co-chairs.
: Taiwan Caucus formed in the Senate. Ten initial members, Sen. George Allen and Tim Johnson as the co-chairs.
: Taiwan begins issuing new passports including name “Taiwan.”
: Taiwan begins issuing new passports including name “Taiwan.”
: House of Representatives unanimously approves a measure calling on China to dismantle missiles aimed at Taiwan, urges President Bush to approve the sale of the Aegis-class destroyers battle management system to Taipei, and directs Bush to seek from China an immediate renunciation of the use of force against Taiwan. The bill is approved as an amendment to the State Department Authorization bill that funds State Department programs for fiscal 2004.
: House of Representatives unanimously approves a measure calling on China to dismantle missiles aimed at Taiwan, urges President Bush to approve the sale of the Aegis-class destroyers battle management system to Taipei, and directs Bush to seek from China an immediate renunciation of the use of force against Taiwan. The bill is approved as an amendment to the State Department Authorization bill that funds State Department programs for fiscal 2004.
: Taiwan FM Chien meets Vice President Cheney at American Enterprise Institute forum in U.S.
: Taiwan FM Chien meets Vice President Cheney at American Enterprise Institute forum in U.S.
: President Bush meets President Hu Jintao at G-8 and reiterates non-support for Taiwan independence.
: President Bush meets President Hu Jintao at G-8 and reiterates non-support for Taiwan independence.
: President Bush signs new legislation about Taiwan in WHO.
: President Bush signs new legislation about Taiwan in WHO.
: HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson expresses U.S. support for Taiwan at World Health Assembly.
: HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson expresses U.S. support for Taiwan at World Health Assembly.
: Press reports National Intelligence Officer for East Asia, Mary Tighe, in Taipei for talks on missile defenses.
: Press reports National Intelligence Officer for East Asia, Mary Tighe, in Taipei for talks on missile defenses.
: U.S.-Taiwan Defense Industry Conference 2003 held in San Antonio, Texas.
: U.S.-Taiwan Defense Industry Conference 2003 held in San Antonio, Texas.
: Unnamed U.S. official says “missiles for arms sales” deal is “unthinkable.”
: Unnamed U.S. official says “missiles for arms sales” deal is “unthinkable.”
: President Jiang meets former Defense Secretary Perry, mentions missile-arms sales idea.
: Taiwan’s FM Eugene Chien says this proposed deal is an “unfair” “ploy.”
: President Jiang meets former Defense Secretary Perry, mentions missile-arms sales idea.
: Taiwan’s FM Eugene Chien says this proposed deal is an “unfair” “ploy.”
: Presidents Bush and Jiang meet in Crawford, Texas. Jiang talks about reducing missiles opposite Taiwan in exchange for arms sales reductions.
: Presidents Bush and Jiang meet in Crawford, Texas. Jiang talks about reducing missiles opposite Taiwan in exchange for arms sales reductions.
: President Bush signs into law the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 2003, which contains language favoring closer security ties between the U.S. and Taiwan.
: President Bush signs into law the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 2003, which contains language favoring closer security ties between the U.S. and Taiwan.
: Taipei’s 2003 draft defense budget is lowest in eight years.
: Taipei’s 2003 draft defense budget is lowest in eight years.
: State Department reiterates U.S. “one China” policy and non-support for independence.
: State Department reiterates U.S. “one China” policy and non-support for independence.
: Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) warns Chen is leading Taiwan to disaster.
: Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Chairperson Tsai Ing-wen issues four-point statement that cross-Strait policy has not changed.
: Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) warns Chen is leading Taiwan to disaster.
: Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Chairperson Tsai Ing-wen issues four-point statement that cross-Strait policy has not changed.
: Chen makes video conference remarks about “one country on each side.”
: Chen makes video conference remarks about “one country on each side.”
: Press reports U.S. DoD has expressed concern to visiting Taiwan delegation that Taipei is not doing enough for its own defense.
: Press reports U.S. DoD has expressed concern to visiting Taiwan delegation that Taipei is not doing enough for its own defense.
: Department of Defense releases 2002 Annual Report on the Military Power of the People’s Republic of China, which highlights threat to Taiwan.
: Department of Defense releases 2002 Annual Report on the Military Power of the People’s Republic of China, which highlights threat to Taiwan.
: House of Representatives passes Defense Appropriations Bill with provisions calling for report concerning joint military activities with Taiwan.
: House of Representatives passes Defense Appropriations Bill with provisions calling for report concerning joint military activities with Taiwan.
: U.S. Congressional Taiwan Caucus is inaugurated by co-Founders and co-Chairs: Reps Robert Wexler, Steve Chabot, Sherrod Brown, and Dana Rohrabacher. Ambassador C.J. Chen, Representative of Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office, and a 14-member delegation from the Legislative Yuan, led by Hon. Trong R. Chai, also attend.
: On the 23rd anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act, the U.S. Congressional Taiwan Caucus is inaugurated with 85 members. The Caucus is founded by Democrat Reps Robert Wexler (D-Fl.) and Sherrod Brown (D-Oh.) and Republicans Dana Rohrabacher (R-Ca.) and Steve Cabot (R-Oh.).
: U.S. Congressional Taiwan Caucus is inaugurated by co-Founders and co-Chairs: Reps Robert Wexler, Steve Chabot, Sherrod Brown, and Dana Rohrabacher. Ambassador C.J. Chen, Representative of Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office, and a 14-member delegation from the Legislative Yuan, led by Hon. Trong R. Chai, also attend.
: On the 23rd anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act, the U.S. Congressional Taiwan Caucus is inaugurated with 85 members. The Caucus is founded by Democrat Reps Robert Wexler (D-Fl.) and Sherrod Brown (D-Oh.) and Republicans Dana Rohrabacher (R-Ca.) and Steve Cabot (R-Oh.).
: U.S.-Taiwan Business Council meeting in Florida. U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz and Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs James Kelly meet informally with Taiwan’s Defense Minister Tang Yiao-ming.
: U.S.-Taiwan Business Council meeting in Florida. U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz and Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs James Kelly meet informally with Taiwan’s Defense Minister Tang Yiao-ming.
: CIA Director George Tenet warns Congress that over the past year China has increasingly honed its operational military skills to be better prepared to deal with possible military action in the Taiwan Strait and to deter the U.S. from defending Taiwan in case of a mainland attack.
: CIA Director George Tenet warns Congress that over the past year China has increasingly honed its operational military skills to be better prepared to deal with possible military action in the Taiwan Strait and to deter the U.S. from defending Taiwan in case of a mainland attack.
: American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Chairman Richard Bush gives talk in Taipei voicing support for view that “one China” should not be precondition for dialogue.
: American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Chairman Richard Bush gives talk in Taipei voicing support for view that “one China” should not be precondition for dialogue.
: Statement by PRC Vice Premier Qian Qichen separates DPP leaders from the rank-and-file, welcoming all but the independence activists to China in order to divide the party. Also refers to unexplained “economic cooperation mechanism” with Taiwan.
: Statement by PRC Vice Premier Qian Qichen separates DPP leaders from the rank-and-file, welcoming all but the independence activists to China in order to divide the party. Also refers to unexplained “economic cooperation mechanism” with Taiwan.
: Taiwan joins the WTO and looks ahead to “constructive cooperation” with China.
: Taiwan joins the WTO and looks ahead to “constructive cooperation” with China.
: Taiwan holds legislative elections; the DPP becomes largest party.
: Taiwan holds legislative elections; the DPP becomes largest party.
: On campaign trail, Chen equates acceptance of “1992 consensus” with treason.
: On campaign trail, Chen equates acceptance of “1992 consensus” with treason.
: U.S. is attacked by terrorists in New York and Washington D.C. changing security priorities around the world.
: U.S. is attacked by terrorists in New York and Washington D.C. changing security priorities around the world.
: Chen transits Houston; is hosted by congressmen.
: Chen transits Houston; is hosted by congressmen.
: Chen in transit through New York; meets U.S. congressmen.
: Chen in transit through New York; meets U.S. congressmen.
: In an interview with the Washington Post, Bush declares that he will scrap the annual review of arms sales to Taiwan and instead use an as-needed basis.
: In a taped ABC-TV morning show, President Bush says he will do “whatever it takes” to help Taiwan defend itself from an attack by China.
: White House releases statement reiterating U.S. “one China” policy and opposition to independence for Taiwan.
: In an interview with the Washington Post, Bush declares that he will scrap the annual review of arms sales to Taiwan and instead use an as-needed basis.
: In a taped ABC-TV morning show, President Bush says he will do “whatever it takes” to help Taiwan defend itself from an attack by China.
: White House releases statement reiterating U.S. “one China” policy and opposition to independence for Taiwan.
: The Bush administration approves several billion-dollar arms sales package to Taiwan, including eight diesel submarines, four 1970s vintage Kidd-class destroyers, a dozen antisubmarine P-3 Orion aircraft, as well as minesweeping helicopters, amphibious assault vehicles, and submarine and surface-launched torpedoes.
: The Bush administration approves several billion-dollar arms sales package to Taiwan, including eight diesel submarines, four 1970s vintage Kidd-class destroyers, a dozen antisubmarine P-3 Orion aircraft, as well as minesweeping helicopters, amphibious assault vehicles, and submarine and surface-launched torpedoes.
: Secretary Powell reiterates “six assurances” in Congressional hearing.
: Secretary Powell reiterates “six assurances” in Congressional hearing.
: First ship from Xiamen visits Jinmen under “mini three links.”
: First ship from Xiamen visits Jinmen under “mini three links.”
: President Chen’s New Year’s address speaks of “political integration.”
: President Chen’s New Year’s address speaks of “political integration.”
: DoD releases the unclassified “Report to Congress on Implementation of the Taiwan Relations Act.”
: DoD releases the unclassified “Report to Congress on Implementation of the Taiwan Relations Act.”
: President Clinton signs into law the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriation Act of 2001 which requires the U.S. administration to consult with Congress on the sale of weapons to Taiwan.
: President Clinton signs into law the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriation Act of 2001 which requires the U.S. administration to consult with Congress on the sale of weapons to Taiwan.
: KMT launches presidential recall drive.
: KMT launches presidential recall drive.
: Premier Chang announces decision to cancel Taiwan’s fourth nuclear plant.
: Premier Chang announces decision to cancel Taiwan’s fourth nuclear plant.
: Taiwan delegation reports Vice Premier Qian used flexible formula that “Taiwan and mainland are both parts of ‘one China.’”
: Taiwan delegation reports Vice Premier Qian used flexible formula that “Taiwan and mainland are both parts of ‘one China.’”
: President Chen makes a transit stop in Los Angeles on his way to Central America.
: President Chen makes a transit stop in Los Angeles on his way to Central America.
: PRC Defense Minister Chi tells U.S. Defense Secretary Cohen PRC will not attack Taiwan; Cohen urges dialogue with Taipei.
: PRC Defense Minister Chi tells U.S. Defense Secretary Cohen PRC will not attack Taiwan; Cohen urges dialogue with Taipei.
: Under Secretary of State John Holum tells PRC that the U.S. will not rule out providing Taiwan with theater missile defense (TMD).
: Under Secretary of State John Holum tells PRC that the U.S. will not rule out providing Taiwan with theater missile defense (TMD).
: Chen proposes a reconciliation meeting without preconditions; PRC says talks are only possible on the basis of “one China.”
: Chen proposes a reconciliation meeting without preconditions; PRC says talks are only possible on the basis of “one China.”
: MAC Chairwoman Tsai questions whether there was agreement on 1992 consensus.
: MAC Chairwoman Tsai questions whether there was agreement on 1992 consensus.
: President Chen’s inaugural address mentions the “four no’s” of his policy toward Beijing and talks of a “future ‘one China.’”
: PRC’s Taiwan Affairs Office criticizes Chen’s speech, calls for talks based, in part, on return to the 1992 consensus.
: President Chen’s inaugural address mentions the “four no’s” of his policy toward Beijing and talks of a “future ‘one China.’”
: PRC’s Taiwan Affairs Office criticizes Chen’s speech, calls for talks based, in part, on return to the 1992 consensus.
: Washington Post reports MAC-designee Tsai wants U.S. to mediate cross-Strait dialogues.
: U.S. spokesman reiterates that Washington will not mediate.
: Washington Post reports MAC-designee Tsai wants U.S. to mediate cross-Strait dialogues.
: U.S. spokesman reiterates that Washington will not mediate.
: MAC-designee Tsai states that Taipei will no longer talk of “state-to-state” relations.
: MAC-designee Tsai states that Taipei will no longer talk of “state-to-state” relations.
: Citing Chen’s views, U.S. Senate Republicans defer action on the Taiwan Security Enhancement Act (TSEA).
: Citing Chen’s views, U.S. Senate Republicans defer action on the Taiwan Security Enhancement Act (TSEA).
: The Clinton administration approves the sale of a package of high-tech weapons to Taiwan, including sophisticated air-to-air and anti-ship missiles as well as a “Pave Paws” long-range radar system. Consideration of the sale of four destroyers equipped with Navy’s advanced Aegis-radar systems is deferred.
: The Clinton administration approves the sale of a package of high-tech weapons to Taiwan, including sophisticated air-to-air and anti-ship missiles as well as a “Pave Paws” long-range radar system. Consideration of the sale of four destroyers equipped with Navy’s advanced Aegis-radar systems is deferred.
: Taiwanese voters end half a century of Nationalist Party rule and elect opposition leader Chen Shui-bian to the presidency.
: Taiwanese voters end half a century of Nationalist Party rule and elect opposition leader Chen Shui-bian to the presidency.