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1949

The tensions between China and Taiwan find their roots in the Chinese revolution, when Communists claim control of the mainland. Nationalist leader Chiang Kai-shek withdraws to Taiwan, with two million refugees.

1950

With the outbreak of the Korean War, U.S. president Harry Truman orders the 7th Fleet into the Taiwan Strait to prevent possible Chinese attack on the island. The U.S. considers Taiwan a buffer against Communist expansion in Asia and provides the island money and military supplies.

1960s

Some native Taiwanese begin to call for independence from China. But the United States and other countries improve relations with China as a way to prevent Soviet expansionism.

1971

The United Nations expels Taipei's nationalist government in favour of Beijing's.

1979

The U.S. formally recognizes the People's Republic of China, severing official diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Democratic movements begin to stir in Taiwan.

1990

Lee Teng-hui becomes the first native islander to be elected president. 1995

Mr. Lee travels to the U.S. and meets with President Bill Clinton.1996

Tensions in the Taiwan Straits reach a new level when China test fires missiles in March. The U.S. responds by sending warships to the straits, in what will become the largest show of naval force since the Vietnam War.1997

As Britain prepares to return control of Hong Kong to China, Taiwan conducts live military exercises in the straits. The U.S. begins shipping fighter jets to Taiwan.

1999

Mr. Lee announces that Taiwan enjoys a “special state-to-state relationship” with China. This statement of implied state sovereignty angers Beijing. Taipei backs away from the position, but talks between the two leaderships are cut off.

2000

Chen Shui-bian of the Democratic Progressive Party wins the presidency.2001

The U.S. says it will go ahead with sales of submarines, warships and anti-submarine aircraft to Taiwan. China protests and President George W. Bush pledges to help Taiwan should China invade. Taiwan test fires Patriot anti-missile defence system, as China carries out military exercises simulating invasion of the island. 2003

Taiwan's parliament approves bill to allow referendum on declaring independence should China attack.

2004

Mr. Chen wins a second term by a slender margin.

2005

A new Chinese law gives Beijing the legal right to use force should Taipei declare formal independence.

2006

Taiwan scraps the National Unification Council, a body set up to deal with reunification with the mainland. China highlights Taiwan as a security threat in plans to upgrade military.

2007

Taiwan attempts to join the United Nations for the first time under the name Taiwan, rather than the official title of Republic of China. The application is rejected.

Sources: About.com, BBC