Major events on Sino-American Relations： 1912: Jan. 1 　 The establishment of the Republic of China and Dr. Sun Yat-sen was elected the Provisional President of the Republic of China. 1913: May 2 　 The U.S. recognition of the Government of the Republic of China. 1927: Jan. 27 　 U.S. Secretary of State Kellogg's statement expressed sympathy with Chinese nationalism and the American policy of non-interference in Chinese internal affairs. 1941: Dec. 9 　 China signed a stabilization Fund Agreement with the U.S. The U.S. and Britain announced that they would give up all extraterritorial privileges in China after the war. 1942: Jan. 29-30 　 The appointment of General Stilwell as the Chief of Staff of General Chiang's joint Staff, and the U.S. Army Representative in China. 1943: Nov. 22-26 　 The Cairo Conference of Roosevelt, Churchill, and Chiang Kai-shek on joint war plans, post-war conditions such as the restoration of lost Chinese territories, including Taiwan and Penghu. 1944: Aug. 18 　 General Patrick J. Hurley was appointed as personal representative of President Roosevelt to China. Oct. 24 　 The recall of General Stilwell from China. 1945: Nov. 27 　 The resignation of Ambassador Hurley. The appointment of General Marshall as President Truman's representative to China was announced. Dec. 15 　 The statement of U.S. policy in China was issued by President Truman. He expressed his desire to see China peacefully unified as a democratic state. 1946: Dec. 18 　 President Truman in a statement reaffirmed American belief in a "united and democratic China" the U.S. would continue the policy of non-involvement in Chinese civil strife. 1947: July 9 　 President Truman instructed General Wedemeyer to proceed to China on a fact-finding mission. The Wedemeyer Report 9/19. 1948: Mar. 29 　 The First National Assembly under the new Constitution met in Nanking. Chiang Kai-shek was elected by the National Assembly as the President of China. July 3 　 The Sino-American Aid Agreement was signed. The Chinese Government was to receive $275 million for non-military supplies and $125 million for use at its discretion. Aug. 5 　 The Sino-American Agreement for the establishment of Joint Commission on Rural Reconstruction in China was signed. 1949: Jan. 21 　 President Chiang Kai-shek announced his temporary retirement. Apr. 24 Communist forces occupied Nanking. Aug. 5 　 The U.S. State Department released the White Paper on U.S. relations with China. Oct. 1 　 The establishment of the Chinese Communist government in Beijing. Dec. 7 　 The National Government moved its seat to Taipei. 1950: Mar. 1 　 President Chiang Kai-shek resumed the presidency in Taipei. 1951: Apr. 21 　 The U.S. announced its assignment of the military assistance advisory group (MAAG) to Taiwan. 1953: Feb. 3 　 President Eisenhower announced the deneutralization of the Taiwan Strait. 1954: Dec. 2 　 The Sino-American Mutual Defense Treaty was signed in Washington. 1956: Mar. 16 　 U.S. Secretary of State John Foster Dulles visited Taipei. 1958: Oct. 23 　 President Chiang and U.S. Secretary of State Dulles issued a joint communique reaffirming solidarity and stating that Kinmen and Matsu islands were closely related to the defense of Taiwan under present conditions. 1960: June 18-19 President Eisenhower visited Taipei. Dec. 1 　 The first atomic reactor under U.S. assistance installed in the National Tsing Hua University at Hsinchu. 1961: Mar. 14 　 U.S. Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson visited Taipei. 1963: Sept. 1 　 The Council for International Economic Cooperation and Development (CIECD) was inaugurated to replace the Council for U.S. Aid in Taipei. 1965: Apr. 9 　 The U.S. and China concluded in Taipei an accord to establish a Sino-American fund for economic and social development in Taiwan. July 1 　 The U.S. phased out economic aid to Taiwan. 1966: Jan. 1 　 U.S. Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey visited Taipei. 1969: Aug. 1-2 　 U.S. Secretary of State William P. Rogers visited Taipei. 1970: Jan. 2 and Aug. 26 　 Vice President Spiro T. Agnew visited Taipei. 1971: July 9 - 11 　 President Nixon's Assistant for National Security Affairs Henry Kissinger and Premier Chou En-lai held talks in Peking. July 14 　 Memorandum  to President Nixon: Henry Kissinger: "My talks with Chou En-lai." 1972: Feb. 20-27 　 President Nixon arrived in mainland China for an eight-day visit, which he called a "journey for peace."  A joint communique issued in Shanghai pledged that both parties would work for a normalization of relations. 1973: May 14 　 Liaison offices were opened in Washington and Beijing. David K.E. Bruce was the first director in Beijing. 1974: October 21 　 George Bush was the head of Liaison Office in Beijing. 1976: May 6 　 Thomas S. Gates, Jr. entered on duty as Director of Liaison Office in Beijing. Dec. 8 　 American business leaders formed a U.S.-R.O.C. Economic Council in Chicago. 1978: Dec. 15 　 Joint communiques issued in Washington and Beijing announce establishment of US-PRC diplomatic relations and termination of US-ROC ties and Mutual Defense Treaty. Dec. 22 　 Sen. Barry Goldwater and 14 other legislators file suit in US District Court to prevent termination of ROC Mutual Defense Treaty. Dec. 27-28 　 US delegation, led by Deputy Secretary of State Warren Christopher, confers in Taipei on future ROC-US relations. 1979: Jan. 1 　 US and PRC mark resumption of diplomatic ties with ceremonies in Washington and Beijing. Jan. 3 　 Carter's Dec. memorandum to US agencies sets terms for continued US-Taiwan relations on “unofficial” basis. Jan. 　 David Dean assumed as Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Managing Director of the American Institute in Taiwan. Feb. 26 　 Senate, 82-9, confirms US Liaison Office head Leonard Woodcock as Ambassador to PRC. Mar. 1 　 US and PRC formally establish diplomatic ties as US Embassy in ROC officially closes. Apr. 10 President Carter Signed "Taiwan Relations Act." April 20 　 Former US Ambassador Charles Cross named Director of American Institute in Taiwan. 1980: Jan. 3 　 State Department announces US will sell $280 million in defensive arms to Republic of China (ROC) on Taiwan, but no advanced fighter jets for now. Jan. 24 　 Pentagon announces US will sell PRC nonlethal military equipment. US-China Commission on Scientific and Technical Cooperation holds first meeting in Beijing. Aug. 20 　 Republican Vice-Presidential candidate George Bush in Beijing is told by Huang that candidate Ronald Reagan’s stand on Taiwan could harm US-PRC relations as well as endanger world peace. On 8/25 Reagan issues “definitive” statement accepting current unofficial US-ROC relationship. Sept. 6 　 Under Secretary of Defense for Research William J. Perry arrives in Beijing; says on 9/10 US will sell 11 advanced computers with possible military application to PRC. Oct. 15 　 PRC formally protests accord on diplomatic immunity signed 10/2 by American Institute on Taiwan and its US counterpart, as betrayal of normalization principles. 1981: Jan. 7 　 People's Republic of China (PRC) -US scheduled air service resumes after 32 years. Feb. 12 　 US Nuclear Regulatory Commission approves export of 3 reactors to ROC. June 13 　 Secretary of State Alexander M. Haig, Jr. in Hong Kong says closer US-PRC ties a "strategic imperative" in face of growing Soviet threat. In Beijing 6/14-6/16 Haig announces US decision in principle to sell arms to PRC. Sept. 5 US-PRC cultural exchange pact signed in Beijing. Nov. 16 　 James R. Lilley appointed AIT Director. 1982: Jan. 11 　 US approves sale of additional F-5E fighter aircraft to Republic of China (ROC), but rules out sale of more sophisticated warplanes; People's Republic of China (PRC) protests decision 1/12. Jan. 31 　 PRC declares willingness to discuss time schedule for ending US military sales to Taiwan. Mar. 13 　 PRC warns Reagan Administration that Sino-American relations will suffer "grave consequences" if US insists on making "long-term" arms sales to ROC. Apr. 13 　 US announces sale of $60 million in military spare parts to ROC; PRC protests 4/14, and warns 4/16 that US-PRC relations are at "critical juncture." May 5-9 　 Vice President George Bush visits PRC; meets with Chinese leadership, but fails to break impasse over US arms sales to ROC. July 16 　 Reagan Administration says it has notified PRC that US will proceed with co-production of F-5E fighter aircraft with ROC; PRC reportedly protests decision. Aug. 16 　 After 10 months of secret negotiations, US and PRC sign joint communique governing both nations' relations with ROC; PRC pledges to seek reunification with Taiwan only by peaceful means, US promises not to exceed--and gradually to reduce--current levels of arms sales to ROC. ROC expresses "profound regret" over US-PRC agreement 8/17. Sept. 6-11 　 Former President Richard M. Nixon visits PRC to commemorate 10th anniversary of Shanghai Communique; urges US and PRC to "seize the hour" and expand mutual relations. 1983: Feb. 18 　 China applies to replace Taiwan at Asian Development Bank; US and Japan reportedly endorse Chinese membership. Feb. 25 　 China charges US with violating spirit of 1982 US-Chinese agreement on reduction of US arms sales to Taiwan; US on 2/26 denies accusation, stresses commitment to strong US-Chinese relations. Apr. 4 　 US grants asylum to Chinese tennis star Hu Na; in response, China orders cancellation 4/7 of scheduled 1983 sports, cultural exchanges with US. July 15 　 US announces plans to sell $530 million in new arms to Taiwan; China denounces move 7/22, charging US with violating 8/82 communique on arms sales. Sept. 25-29 　 Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger visits China, exploring opportunities for increased US-Chinese military cooperation. 1984: Jan. 12 　 US and China, during visit to US by Chinese Prime Minister Zhao Ziyang, sign agreements extending current scientific exchanges and initiating new cooperation in industry, trade. Apr. 26-May 1 　 Reagan, in first trip to Communist country, visits China; meets with Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping 4/28. June 14 　 U.S. at end of visit by Chinese Defense Minister Zhang Aiping, announces agreement "in principle" on sale to China of US antiaircraft, antitank weapons. June 15 　 White House spokesman, citing Chinese support for Pakistani nuclear programs, warns that 4/30 US-Chinese nuclear cooperation accord will not be sent to Congress without new guarantees that China will not aid emergence of new nuclear-weapon states. 1985: July 23 　 President Ronald Reagan meets at White House with Chinese President Li Xiannian, announces signing of pact allowing sale of American nuclear reactors and nonmilitary technology to China. Oct. 13-18 　 Vice President George Bush visits China, announces US agreement to speed export of some high-technology products to China; Taiwan issue is raised by Chinese leaders as obstacle to Sino-US relations. 1986: Feb. 20 　 Board of governors of Asian Development Bank accepts PRC as bank's 47th member; PRC formally admitted 3/11; Taiwan, a founding member of bank, protests change in its official designation from "Republic of China" to "Taipei, China." Apr. 8 　 Reagan Administration informs US Congress of intent to sell PRC $550 million in aviation electronics, in largest military sale to Beijing since 1972. July 17 　 John F. Burns, New York Times Beijing bureau chief, is taken into custody by Chinese security officials, charged with espionage stemming from motorcycle trip through areas restricted to foreigners; expelled 7/23. Nov. 5-11 　 Three US Navy warships make a port visit at Qingdao, China, first American military vessels to visit China since 1949. Dec. 4 　 David N. Laux to become Chairman of American Institute in Taiwan. 1987: Jan. 8 　 David Dean assumed his duties as Director of the American Institute in Taiwan, Taipei Office. Feb. 28 　 US Secretary of State George Shultz arrives in Hong Kong; 3/1 begins a 5-day trip to Chinese cities. Deputy Prime Minister Li Peng 3/2 informs Shultz China has no intention of retreating from its opening to the West or its partial adoption of free-market measures. Shultz meets with Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping 3/3. July 14 　 Taiwan's Martial law is lifted 7/14, allowing formation of new political parties, ending military censorship and trial of citizens by military court. Oct. 22 　 US announces it will not sell certain high-technology products to China in retaliation for China's sale of Silkworm missiles to Iran. 1988: Jan. 13 　 Chiang Ching-kuo, Taiwan's president since 1978, dies of heart attack. Chiang is succeeded immediately by Lee Teng-hui, who had been vice president. Zhao Ziyang, Chinese Communist Party general secretary, sends condolences 1/14, praises Chiang's efforts to reunify China. 1989: June 2 　 100,000 demonstrate in Tienanmen Square. Demonstrators violently confront soldiers and police 6/3. Chinese troops begin all-out assault on Tienanmen Square shortly after midnight 6/4. Troops are reported to slay hundreds of demonstrators; soldiers are also reported to have been beaten and killed by protesters. Demonstrators are ordered to leave square at about 4:00 am; they vote to comply. Government announces "rebellion has been suppressed." Protests erupt 6/4 in Taipei, Hong Kong and Macao. Chinese troops sporadically fire on civilians in Beijing 6/5-8. June 5 　 President Bush announces sanctions against Chinese government, including suspension of military sales. Oct. 28 　 Former President Richard Nixon travels to China for private talks with Chinese leaders. Nov. 30 　 President Bush vetoes bill passed by Congress to permit all Chinese citizens in US on student visas to remain until 6/90. Dec. 9 　 US mission headed by National Security Adviser Brent Scowcroft and Deputy Secretary of State Lawrence S. Eagleburger arrives in Beijing for meeting with Chinese leadership.  1991: June 16 　 U.S. Under-Secretary of State Reginald Bartholomew visited Beijing to seek curb on arms sales to Third World countries, a growing irritant in U.S.-P.R.C. relations. Nov. 15-17 　 U.S. Secretary of James Baker visited Beijing to discuss issues on trade, human rights, and arms sales in the bilateral relatinship. 1992: June 2 　 US extends Most-Favored-Nation status to China. 1993: Apr. 29 B. Lynn Pascoe appointed as Director of AIT/Taipei Oct.4 　 China conducted an underground nuclear test at the Lop Nur test site in northwest China. 1994: April 11 　 President Clinton's letter to congressional leaders on rhinoceros and tiger trade by China and Taiwan.  Trade sanctions against Taiwan. (under the Pelly Amendment) Sept. 27 　 Taiwan policy review--Winston Lord, Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs. Statement before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. 1995: Dec. 14 　 James C. Wood, Jr., appointed as Chairman and Managing Director of the America Institute in Taiwan. 1996: Jan. 30 　 Darryl N. Johnson appointed as Director of AIT/Taipei. 1997: Sept. 3 　 AIT announces appointment of Richard Bush as Chairman of the Board and Managing Director of the American Institute in Taiwan. Oct. 29 　 Clinton-Jiang Summit and Joint U.S.-China Statement.(in Washington, D.C.) 1998: Feb. 20 　 US-Taiwan market access agreement signed in Washington, D.C. June 27 Clinton-Jiang Summit in Beijing. June 30 　 President Clinton's statement on the "Three Noes" in Shanghai, China. 1999: Feb. 26 　 Defense Dept. Report on Security in the Taiwan Strait Apr. 7 　 President Clinton's Speech on U.S. policy toward China. Apr. 8 　 Premier Zhu Rongji first official visit to the United States. May 8 　 NATO Forces Mistakenly Bombed the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade. July 21 　 Clinton Cautions Taiwan, China to Resolve Differences Peacefully Aug. 31 　 Mr. Raymond F. Burghardt became Director of AIT. Nov. 6 　 U.S. and PRC Announced Agreement on Terms for China's WTO Accession. Dec. 16 　 U.S. and PRC Negotiators Reached Agreement on Compensation for Damages in the Accidental NATO Bombing of the PRC Embassy in Belgrade. 2000: Jan. 29 　 The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (TDA) Announced It Was Reopening Its Grant Assistance Program in China, Suspended Since 1989. Feb. 1 　 The full House Passed H.R. 1838 The Taiwan Security Enhancement Act. May 24 　 President Clinton Remarks on Passage of China - PNTR. Oct. 10 　 President Clinton Signed the Permanent Normal Trade Relations for China. Dec. 19 　 Pentagon Report on Implementation of Taiwan Relations Act. 2001: Apr. 1 　 A PRC F8 Fighter Collided with a U.S. Navy EP-3 Reconnaissance Plane Over the South China Sea. The EP-3 Made an Emergency Landing on Hainan Island. Apr. 12 　 China Released 24 American EP-3 Crew Members Held Since April 1, 2001. Apr. 24 　 President Bush Authorized the Sale of Defense Articles and Services to Taiwan, Including Diesel-Powered Submarines, Anti-submarine Air Craft, and Destroyers. Apr. 25 　 Kerry Says U.S. Not Obligated to Defend Taiwan from Attacks. June 4 　 Defense Secretary Rumsfeld Told Journalists That the United States Was Resuming Military Contacts with the PRC, Suspended Since the EP-3 Incident. June 12 　 Assistant Secretary of State Testimony Before House Subcommittee on U.S.-China relationship. Jul. 13 　 Beijing Was Awarded the Right to Host the 2008 Olympic Games. Sep. 6 　 Resolution Calls For Peaceful Settlement of Taiwan Issue. Nov. 1 　 Sale of Javelin Anti-Tank  Missiles to Taiwan. Dec. 11 　 The PRC Formally Joined the World Trade Organization (WTO). 2002: Jan. 1 　 China Received Permanent Normal Trade Relations from the United States. Jan. 2 　 Commerce Secretary Congratulates Taiwan on WTO Membership. Feb. 21-22 　 President Bush Visited China, Japan and South Korea. Remarks by President Bush and President Jiang Zemin in Press Availability. Mar. 11 Taiwan's Defense Minister's U.S. Visit. April 10 　 Lawmaker Hails 23rd Anniversary of Taiwan Relations Act. June 5 　 Lawmakers Stress Need for Peaceful Resolution of Taiwan Issue. July 1 　 Douglas H. Paal arrived in Taipei to assume his duties as Director of the Taipei Office of the American Institute in Taiwan.

2002 ACC Resource Service
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