U.S. Foreign Policy Milestones in the Region (1979-2009)

1979

• Jan. 1: U.S. and P.R.C. mark resumption of diplomatic ties with ceremonies in Washington and Beijing.
• Jan. 3: Carter's December memorandum to U.S. agencies sets terms for continued U.S.-Taiwan relations on "unofficial" basis.
• January: 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 U.S. Liaison Office head Leonard Woodcock as Ambassador to P.R.C. .
• Mar. 1: U.S. and P.R.C. formally establish diplomatic ties as U.S. Embassy in R.O.C. officially closes.
• Apr. 10: President Carter Signed "Taiwan Relations Act."
• April 20: Former U.S. Ambassador Charles Cross named Director of American Institute in Taiwan.

1980

• Jan. 3: State Department announces U.S. will sell $280 million in defensive arms to Republic of China (R.O.C.) on Taiwan, but no advanced fighter jets for now.
• Jan. 24: Pentagon announces U.S. will sell P.R.C. nonlethal military equipment. U.S.-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 U.S.-P.R.C. relations as well as endanger world peace. On 8/25 Reagan issues "definitive" statement accepting current unofficial U.S.-R.O.C. relationship.
• Sept. 6: Under Secretary of Defense for Research William J. Perry arrives in Beijing; says on 9/10 U.S. will sell 11 advanced computers with possible military application to P.R.C..
• Oct. 15: P.R.C. formally protests accord on diplomatic immunity signed 10/2 by American Institute on Taiwan and its U.S. counterpart, as betrayal of normalization principles.

1981

• Jan. 7: People's Republic of China (P.R.C.) -U.S. scheduled air service resumes after 32 years.
• Feb. 12: U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission approves export of 3 reactors to R.O.C..
• Jun. 13: Secretary of State Alexander M. Haig, Jr. in Hong Kong says closer U.S.-P.R.C. ties a "strategic imperative" in face of growing Soviet threat. In Beijing 6/14-6/16 Haig announces U.S. decision in principle to sell arms to P.R.C..
• Sep. 5: U.S.-P.R.C. cultural exchange pact signed in Beijing.
• Sep. 24: Arthur W. Hummel, Jr. as Ambassador to P.R.C..
• Nov. 16: James R. Lilley appointed AIT Director.

1982

• Jan. 11: U.S. approves sale of additional F-5E fighter aircraft to Republic of China (R.O.C.), but rules out sale of more sophisticated warplanes; People's Republic of China (PRC) protests decision 1/12.
• Jan. 31: P.R.C. declares willingness to discuss time schedule for ending U.S. military sales to Taiwan.
• Mar. 13: P.R.C. warns Reagan Administration that Sino-American relations will suffer "grave consequences" if U.S. insists on making "long-term" arms sales to R.O.C..
• Apr. 13: U.S. announces sale of $60 million in military spare parts to R.O.C.; P.R.C. protests 4/14, and warns 4/16 that US-P.R.C. relations are at "critical juncture."
• May 5-9: Vice President George Bush visits PRC; meets with Chinese leadership, but fails to break impasse over U.S. arms sales to R.O.C..
• Jul. 16: Reagan Administration says it has notified P.R.C. that U.S. will proceed with co-production of F-5E fighter aircraft with R.O.C.; P.R.C. reportedly protests decision.
• Aug. 16: After 10 months of secret negotiations, U.S. and P.R.C. sign joint communique governing both nations' relations with R.O.C.; P.R.C. pledges to seek reunification with Taiwan only by peaceful means, U.S. promises not to exceed--and gradually to reduce--current levels of arms sales to R.O.C.. R.O.C. expresses "profound regret" over U.S.-P.R.C. agreement 8/17.
• Sep. 6-11: Former President Richard M. Nixon visits P.R.C. to commemorate 10th anniversary of Shanghai Communique; urges U.S. and P.R.C. to "seize the hour" and expand mutual relations.

1983

• Feb. 18: China applies to replace Taiwan at Asian Development Bank; U.S. and Japan reportedly endorse Chinese membership.
• Feb. 25: China charges U.S. with violating spirit of 1982 US-Chinese agreement on reduction of U.S. arms sales to Taiwan; U.S. on 2/26 denies accusation, stresses commitment to strong US-Chinese relations.
• Apr. 4: U.S. grants asylum to Chinese tennis star Hu Na; in response, China orders cancellation 4/7 of scheduled 1983 sports, cultural exchanges with US.
• Jul. 15: U.S. announces plans to sell $530 million in new arms to Taiwan; China denounces move 7/22, charging U.S. with violating 8/82 communique on arms sales.
• Sep. 25-29: Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger visits China, exploring opportunities for increased US-Chinese military cooperation.

1984

• Jan. 12: U.S. and China, during visit to U.S. 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.
• Jun. 14: U.S. at end of visit by Chinese Defense Minister Zhang Aiping, announces agreement "in principle" on sale to China of U.S. antiaircraft, antitank weapons.
• Jun. 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 U.S. agreement to speed export of some high-technology products to China; Taiwan issue is raised by Chinese leaders as obstacle to Sino-U.S. relations.
• Nov. 19: Winston Lord as Ambassador to P.R.C..

1986

• Feb. 20: Board of governors of Asian Development Bank accepts P.R.C. as bank's 47th member; P.R.C. 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 U.S. Congress of intent to sell P.R.C. $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 U.S. 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: U.S. 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: U.S. 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

• May 8: James Roderick Lilley as Ambassador to P.R.C..
• 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 U.S. on student visas to remain until 6/90.
• Dec. 9: U.S. 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.
• Aug. 20: J. Stapleton Roy as Ambassador to P.R.C..
• Nov. 15-17: U.S. Secretary of James Baker visited Beijing to discuss issues on trade, human rights, and arms sales in the bilateral relationship.

1992

• June 2: U.S. 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.
• Feb. 14: Jim Sasser as Ambassador to P.R.C..

1997

• Sep. 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 P.R.C. announced agreement on terms for China's WTO Accession.
• Dec. 15: Joseph W. Prueher as Ambassador to PRC.
• Dec. 16: U.S. and P.R.C. negotiators reached agreement on compensation for damages in the accidental NATO bombing of the P.R.C. 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 P.R.C. 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: Senator John Kerry says U.S. not obligated to defend Taiwan from attacks.
• Jun. 4: Defense Secretary Rumsfeld told journalists that the United States was resuming military contacts with the PRC, suspended since the EP-3 incident.
• Jun. 12: Assistant Secretary of State James Kelly testimony before House Subcommittee on U.S.-China relationship.
• Jul. 13: Beijing was awarded the right to host the 2008 Olympic Games.
• Jul. 28: Clark T. Randt, Jr. as Ambassador to PRC.
• Sep. 6: Resolution calls for peaceful settlement of Taiwan issue.
• Nov. 1: Sale of Javelin Anti-Tank Missiles to Taiwan.
• Dec. 11: The P.R.C. 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.
• 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.
• July 12: 2002 Annual Report on the Military Power of the People's Republic of China. Issued by the Department of Defense.
• July 15: U.S.-China Security Review Commission 2002 Annual Report - Report Offers Recommendations on U.S.-China Relations.
• Oct. 25: President Bush, Chinese President Jiang Zemin Discuss Iraq, N. Korea. (Bush Ranch Crawford, TX.)
• Dec. 31: Therese Shaheen as Chairman of the Board and Managing Director of AIT.

2003

• Jul. 28: Annual Report on the Military Power of the People's Republic of China, U.S. Dept. of Defense

2004

• Apr. 21: Kelly Says Taiwan Relations Act Key to West Pacific Stability: State Department official's April 21 Congressional testimony
• Nov. 10: U.S. Reiterates Firm Commitment to One-China Policy: Welcomes "constructive points" in Chen Shui-bian's speech

2005

• Jan. 25: U.S.-China Trade: Summary of 2003 WTO Transitional Review Mechanism for China - GAO Report
• Apr. 14: United States Welcomes Continued EU Arms Embargo Against China: European Union wants to see positive steps from China on Taiwan, human rights
• Sep. 15: "Noteworthy Developments" Seen in China-Taiwan Relationship: But more dialogue is needed, State Department's Keith says
• Nov. 20: President Meets with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (President's Trip to Asia)

2006

• Jan. 11: AIT Director Douglas H. Paal Announces Departure (January 25, 2006)
• Jan. 30: No Changes in U.S. Policy Toward China, Taiwan, State Dept. Says: Spokesman says United States opposes unilateral efforts to change status quo
• Feb. 11: Stephen M. Young Appointed as Director of the Taipei Office of the American Institute in Taiwan
• Feb. 25: AIT Announced Appointment of Raymond F. Burghardt as Chairman of the Board of the American Institute in Taiwan
• Mar. 3: Statement by Adam Ereli, Deputy Spokesman, U.S. Department of State on Senior Taiwan Officials' Comments on National Unification Council
• Mar. 18: Stephen M. Young Assumes Duties as Director of the Taipei Office of the American Institute in Taiwan
• Jun. 8: U.S. Pleased by Taiwan President's Pledges on Cross-Strait Issues: Chen's promise not to push for change aids stability, State Department says
• Sep. 13: United States Aims To Preserve Peace, Stability in Taiwan Strait: State's coordinator for Taiwan policy urges dialogue between China, Taiwan
• Nov. 17: Panel Urges Congressional Action on U.S.-China Security Issues: U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission releases 2006 report

2007

• Jan. 30-31: A U.S. delegation is in Beijing to restart talks on an "open skies" agreement with China.
  
• Jan. 31: U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson pledges to keep pressing China on currency
  
• Mar. 27: Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Christensen gives overview of U.S.-China relations
  
• May 22-23: Washington - The Second U.S. - China Strategic Economic Dialogue. Joint Fact Sheet.
  
• Jun. 25: Taiwan UN Membership Referendum opposed by United States.
  
• Sep. 6: Remarks by Bush, Chinese President Hu Jintao in Sydney, Australia.
  
• Sep. 11: US supports strong, moderate Taiwan, State's Christensen says.
  
• Oct. 24: Remarks by Deputy Secretary of State Negroponte on US-China Relations.
  
• Dec. 3: "Opportunities And Challenges In U.S.-Taiwan And Cross-Strait Relations" Remarks by AIT Director Stephen M. Young at the FICS Conference.
  
• Dec. 12 - 13 Beijing - The Third U.S. - China Strategic Economic Dialogue. Joint Fact Sheet.
  

2008

• Mar. 25: U.S. statements on Taiwan presidential election.
  
• May 21: Statement by Sean Mccormack, Spokesman of U.S. Department Of State inauguration of Ma Ying-Jeou, May 20, 2008.
  
• May 30: State Official to Participate in US-China Security Dialogue in Bejing.
  
• Jun. 6: Remarks by President Bush on China's Earthquake Relief Efforts.
  
• Jun. 17-18: U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland - Fourth U.S.-China Strategic Economic Dialogue. Joint U.S. - China Fact Sheet.
  
• Jun. 19: United States, China Sign Accord on Energy, Environmental Issues.
  
• Jun. 27: US-Chinese Relations Progress Despite Military Modernization. ... The United States continues to maintain a dialogue with China to encourage reduced tension in the Taiwan Strait, ...
  
• Jun. 29-30: U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice travels to China.
  
• Aug. 7-11: President Bush Travels to China.
  
• Aug. 8: Bush reflects on solid foundation of US-China Relations. New U.S. Embassy opens in Beijing.
  
• Sep. 17: Statement on Taiwan's meaningful partcipation in UN specialized agencies.
  
• Nov. 10: Financial crisis underscores US-Chinese Relations.
  
• Nov. 12: Statement on U.S. Beef by AIT Director Stephen M. Young.
  
• Nov. 18: U.S.-TAIWAN ECONOMIC RELATIONS. Remarks by AIT Director Stephen M. Young at the Economist Intelligence Unit's Business Roundtable.
  
• Dec. 4-5: Beijing Diaoyutai Guest House - The Fifth U.S.--China Strategic Economic Dialogue. Joint U.S.-China Fact Sheet.
  
• Dec.17: United States Opens Food-Safety Offices in China.
  
• Dec. 18: Anniversary of US-China Ties Highlights Complex Relationship. Events in 2008 show range and depth of Washington-Beijing connection. 

2009

• Jan. 17: "The State of U.S.-Taiwan Economic Relations." Remarks by AIT Chairman Raymond Burghardt. San Francisco Taiwan Chamber of Commerce.
  
• Feb. 20-22 U.S.Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton visits China.
  
• Feb. 21: Toward a deeper and broader relationship with China. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton remarks with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi Beijing, China.
  
• Mar.11: Clinton's Remarks After Meeting Chinese Foreign Minister Yang. Diplomats discuss issues from security challenges to climate change.
  
• Mar. 27: "Taiwan and the TRA: Past, Present and Future" by AIT Director Stephen M. Young,Academia Sinica, Taipei.
  
• Apr. 1: Statement on Obama, Chinese President Hu Bilateral Meetings.
  
• Jun. 1: US, China Cooperating to Help Shape Global Economic Recovery.
  
• Jul. 27-28: U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue. Fact Sheet.
  
• Jul. 27: President Obama at US-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue.
  
• Aug. 11: Jon Huntsman Jr. as US Ambassador to China.
  
• Aug. 28: William A. Stanton assumes duties as Director of the Taipei Office of The American Institute In Taiwan.
  
• Sep. 23: President Obama and China's Hu hold talks on US-China Relations.
  
• Sep. 28: U.S.-Taiwan Defense Relations: 2009. Remarks by Wallace C. Gregson, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs.
  
• Nov. 15-18: President Obama visits China.
  
• Nov. 16: President Obama at Town Hall Meeting in Shanghai.
  
• Nov. 17: Joint Statement on US-China Relationship.
  
• Nov. 20: US-China relationship complex, multifaceted, Amb. Huntsman says. Envoy outlines President Obama's vision for bilateral relations.
  
• Dec. 29: Joint statement from USTR, USDA on the proposed passage of an amendment to Taiwan's Food Sanitation Act.