CHRONOLOGY

January 1, 1912   The Republic of China is established.

October 1, 1949   The People's Republic of China is established.

December 9, 1949   ROC government moves from mainland to Taiwan.

August 22, 1954   Democratic groups in Mainland China publicly announce the "Joint Declaration for Liberating Taiwan," declaring that Taiwan is part of China's territory and that Chinese people must liberate Taiwan.

December 8, 1954   Zhou Enlai, PRC Minister of Foreign Affairs, issues a statement calling the US-ROC "Mutual Defense Treaty of Republic of China and the United States" a downright aggressive treaty of war.

July 30, 1955   Zhou Enlai, PRC Premier, presents a report to the second conference of the first National People's Congress, saying, "There are two possible ways for liberating Taiwan -- one is by war, and the other is by peaceful means. The Chinese people prefer using the peaceful means if the situation permits."

February 10, 1958   PRC Premier Zhou Enlai says at the fifth conference of the first National People's Congress that, "The U.S. government insists China recognize its control over Taiwan, which is linked to its conspiracy to create two Chinas."

September 6, 1958   PRC Premier Zhou Enlai makes a statement about the Taiwan Strait situation.

October 6, 1958   Peng Dehuai, PRC Minister of National Defense, publishes a "Message to Compatriots on Taiwan."

October 13, 1958   The PRC Ministry of National Defense issues an order that "the bombardment of Quemoy will cease for two more weeks."

October 20, 1958   The PRC Ministry of National Defense issues an order to renew the bombarding of Quemoy.

October 25, 1958   PRC Minister of National Defense Peng Dehuai issues "Another Message to Compatriots on Taiwan."

June 17, 1960   The Fujian commander of the PRC People's Liberation Army issues "Messages to Compatriots in Taiwan, Penghu, Quemoy, and Matzu."

December 21, 1964   In an administrative report at the first meeting of the third National People's Congress, PRC Premier Zhou Enlai condemns the United States for controlling Taiwan for a long period of time, thwarting of the resumption of the PRC's legal rights in the United Nations, and conspiring to create "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan."

August 20, 1971   The PRC Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues a statement regarding the proposition made by George Bush, U.S. representative to the United Nations, to put China's representation issue on the agenda of the 26th conference of the UN General Assembly. The statement says, "The Chinese people and the government of the People's Republic of China strongly oppose the absurd arguments such as 'two Chinas,' 'one China, one Taiwan,' strongly oppose the fallacy that 'Taiwan's status remains unsettled,' strongly oppose the conspiracy of 'Taiwan independence.'"

October 22, 1971   Xinhua News Agency publishes a commentary, saying, "Taiwan has traditionally been a sacred piece of the land of China."

February 27, 1972   The PRC and the US governments jointly announce "the Shanghai Communique."

January 4, 1973   PRC Premier Zhou Enlai meets at the People's Hall with seven Taiwan students who studied in the United States and discusses the Taiwan issue with them.

December 16, 1978   The PRC and the U.S. government sign the joint communique to officially recognize each other beginning January 1, 1979.

January 1, 1979   The National People's Congress Standing Committee issues a "Message to Compatriots on Taiwan."

January 30, 1979   While visiting in Washington, Deng Xiaoping reiterates that "China hopes to resolve the Taiwan issue by peaceful means."

April 4, 1979   ROC President Chiang Ching-kuo introduces "the three nos " policy.

September 30, 1981   NPC Standing Committee Chairman Ye Jianying issues "Elaborations on Policy Concerning Return of Taiwan to Motherland and Peaceful Unification," generally known as "Ye's nine-point policy."

October 7, 1981   The PRC's Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications adopts six measures as steps for the immediate opening of postal and telegram communications with Taiwan.

April 2, 1982   The 12th Kuomintang National Party Congress adopts "the Proposition to Unify China under the Three Principles of the People."

August 17, 1982   The PRC and the United States issue the "August 17 Communique."

June 26, 1983   Deng Xiaoping announces his new concept about the unification of the two sides of the Taiwan Straits by peaceful means, which becomes the so-called Deng's Six-point Proposal.

June 23, 1984   Deng Xiaoping introduces the concept of "one country, two systems."

October 16, 1987   The PRC State Council promulgates the "Measures Governing Taiwan Compatriots' Family Visits and Trips to the Mainland."

October 24, 1987   Bureau of Exit and Entry of the PRC's Ministry of Public Security completes the draft of "Six-article Measures Governing the Entry and Exit of Taiwan Compatriots."

November 2, 1987   Taiwan people are allowed to pay family visits to the mainland.

March 14, 1988   PRC prosecution and judicial branches announce they will "not prosecute illegal deeds committed by Taiwan people before the PRC was established."

July 7, 1988   PRC State Council issues "Regulations for Encouraging Investment by Taiwan People."

July 7, 1988   The KMT's 13th party congress adopts "the Mainland Policy at the Current Stage."

August 18, 1988   The Executive Yuan establishes the task force, Mainland Affairs Coordination Meeting, to coordinate government agencies in charge of matters related to Mainland China.

September 22, 1988   The China Council for the Promotion of Peaceful Reunification is set up in Beijing.

October 1988   The PRC's State Council establishes the Taiwan Affairs Office.

January 30, 1989   Ding Guangen, director of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, while discussing Taiwan affairs in a meeting with journalists, says Taiwan affairs shall be promoted through the following three ways: 1. Focus on economy and trade with Taiwan; 2. Improve arrangements for receiving compatriots from Taiwan; and 3. Promote academic, cultural, sports, and technological exchanges between the two sides of the strait.

June 10, 1989   Indirect telephone calls and telegram communications are liberalized. The handling process for postal communications is simplified.

June 27, 28, 1989   The Taiwan Affairs Offices under the PRC State Council and Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations and Trade announces that Beijing's Taiwan policy remains unchanged.

March 24, 1990   The Taiwan-Invested Enterprises Association is established in Beijing to be the first trade association of Taiwan businessmen in the mainland.

May 20, 1990   In his inaugural speech as the eighth ROC president, Lee Teng-hui says, "If mainland authorities can adopt democracy and a free market system, renounce the use of force in the Taiwan Strait, not interfere in our pursuit of foreign relations under the one-China premise, we will be willing to establish communication channels on equal footing to fully open up economic, academic, cultural, scientific, technological and other exchanges."

June 11, 1990   Making an important statement at the opening ceremony of the "National United Front Meeting," CPC General Secretary Jiang Zemin reiterates Beijing's position on the Taiwan issue. "As long as the two parties sit down, discuss reunification under the prerequisite of one-China, and not attempt to create 'two-Chinas', 'one China, one Taiwan', or 'one country, two governments', then all issues can be brought up for discussion and negotiations."

June 29, 1990   The ROC government convenes the "National Affairs Conference," in which participants call for "relaxation of functional exchanges and limitations on political negotiations." Members at the meeting propose the establishment of a special government unit and an authorized intermediary agency to handle cross-strait relations.

September 12, 1990   The Red Cross Societies representing the two sides of the Taiwan Straits sign the Kinmen Accord, the first agreement reached by private organizations. This agreement contains provisions for the repatriation of individuals, criminals, and suspects who illegally enter the territory of the other.

October 7, 1990   ROC President Lee Teng-hui convenes a meeting with representatives from major political parties and civil organizations to establish the National Unification Council under the Presidential Office and formulate the Guidelines for National Unification.

January 18, 1991   The Legislative Yuan adopts in third reading "the Organic Law for the Mainland Affairs Council, Executive Yuan," which is promulgated by the president on January 28.

January 30, 1991   The Mainland Affairs Council is formally established to function as the statutory administrative agency under the Executive Yuan responsible for the overall planning and coordination of policy related to the mainland.

February 19, 1991   The MAC approves the establishment of Straits Exchange Foundation.

March 14, 1991   The Executive Yuan adopts the Guidelines for National Unification to be the guiding principle of the government's Mainland China policy.

May 1, 1991   The ROC government declares the termination of the Period of General Mobilization for the Suppression of the Communist Rebellion.

June 7, 1991   PRC Taiwan Affairs Office makes public the "June 7th Statement."

July 2, 1991   The spokesman of the PRC's Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations and Trade introduces the following five principles to promote cross-strait economic and trade relations: (1) direct and two-way trade, (2) mutually beneficial relations, (3) many trading areas, (4) stable and long-term relations, (5) abiding by agreements.

December 16, 1991   The Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait is formally established in Beijing.

December 17, 1991   The PRC's State Council adopts the "Measures Governing Chinese Citizens' Travel to and from the Taiwan Area."

January 1, 1992   The ROC government begins to accept applications for residing in Taiwan by mainland spouses of Taiwan people.

January 8, 1992   The Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS) sends a letter to the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) to invite the SEF chairman, the vice chairman, or the secretary-general to lead a delegation to visit Beijing and exchange views on enhancing communications and cooperation.

August 1, 1992   The National Unification Council adopts the definition of "one-China."

August 4, 1992   ARATS Chairman Wang Daohan sends a letter to invite SEF Chairman Koo Chen-fu for a meeting to exchange views on economic development and SEF-ARATS affairs and discuss related programs.

August 22, 1992   In reply to a letter from ARATS Chairman Wang Daohan, SEF Chairman Koo Chen-fu accepts the invitation and suggests that they meet in a third place, Singapore.

September 18, 1992   Statutes Governing Relations between Peoples of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area and the bylaws take effect.

September 30, 1992   Replying to SEF, ARATS suggests having a preparatory meeting on the Mainland to settle the time, place, and agenda of the planned "Koo-Wang Talks."

October 8, 1992   In a letter to ARATS, SEF requests a meeting on October 20-23 or October 27-30 on the issue of verification of cross-strait certificates and the inquiry of registered mail.

October 21, 1992   SEF, writing to ARATS, agrees to resume negotiations on certificate verification and registered mail on October 28-29 in Hong Kong. SEF says the two sides can sign a draft agreement right after the meeting.

October 28-29, 1992   SEF-ARATS practical meeting takes place in Hong Kong.

October 30, 1992   In its letter, SEF urges ARATS to value the results of the Hong Kong meeting and to continue negotiations with sincerity to reach a conclusion. SEF Secretary-general Chen Rong-jye can go to Hong Kong and sign the draft agreement as well as conduct a preparatory negotiation for the "Koo-Wang Talks."

November 2, 1992   ARATS sends a letter to SEF suggesting a preparatory meeting for the "Koo-Wang Talks" be held in Beijing or another appropriate place on the Mainland. If this is inconvenient for SEF, ARATS could assign delegates to visit Taiwan or Kinmen to conduct the meeting.

November 3, 1992   ARATS informs SEF in a phone call that it has decided to make a concession and agrees that the "One China" principle be stated verbally, and that the details may be negotiated later.

November 30, 1992   In a letter to SEF, ARATS suggests resolving the remaining differences regarding certificate verification at an early date. The two sides can have a preparatory meeting for the "Koo-Wang Talks" in Beijing, Taiwan, Kinmen, or another place on the Mainland in early December, so that the "Koo-Wang Talks" can be held in late December, ARATS says, adding it will take serious consideration of SEF's suggestion for a meeting in Singapore.

December 3, 1992   In a letter to ARATS, SEF emphasizes that the top priority of the practical meeting is to solve substantive issues. As to the substance of "One China," the ROC has been consistent in following the Guidelines for National Unification and decisions of the National Unification Council.

December 22, 1992   Asked to comment on the ROC's foreign affairs paper which supports "one China, two political entities, equality in the interim stage, and peaceful competition," ARATS Vice Chairman Tang Shubei says that the PRC's stance on that issue has been consistent and against the statement of "two political entities." Tang says such a statement not helpful for improving the cross-strait relations.

January 21, 1993   The ROC Ministry of Foreign Affairs makes public the White Paper on ROC Foreign Policy. It stipulates that the ROC's foreign policy is one-China, two entities, and equality at the interim. The policy paper says that the government will pursue an international space, with a long-term goal of returning to the United Nations and the eventual goal of China's unification.

March 2, 1993   In a letter to SEF, ARATS suggests holding the "Koo-Wang Talks" in late March or early April. ARATS says that both sides have reached a consensus to arrange a preparatory meeting for the "Koo-Wang Talks." ARATS proposes to hold the preparatory meeting in Beijing, Taipei, Kinmen, or another appropriate place on the Mainland, and hopes SEF can decide the place and time for the preparatory meeting at an early date.

March 4, 1993   Responding to ARATS, SEF says that it has been working on the arrangements for the "Koo-Wang Talks" and that it will settle the details for the preparatory meeting after a personnel reshuffle is carried out.

March 9, 1993   MAC Vice Chairman Kao Koong-lian says that the "Koo-Wang Talks" scheduled in early April will cover four issues -- SEF-ARATS affairs, cross-strait economic and trade exchanges, cultural exchanges, and a joint combat against crime. The protection of Taiwanese investment might be added to the agenda.

March 12, 1993   After Cheyne Chiu assumed the post of vice chairman and secretary-general of SEF, ARATS Vice Chairman Tang Shubei writes to congratulate Chiu on assuming the position and invite him to visit Beijing.

March 18, 1993   MAC publishes the "Koo-Wang Talks Background Report," defining the talks as practical and functional, with no political issues involved.

March 25-27, 1993   Shi Hwei-yow, director of the SEF Department of Legal Services, leads a six-member delegation to visit Beijing. The delegation meets with ARATS to discuss certificate verification and inquiry for registered mail for the third time. The two sides reach a consensus on March 27.

March 31, 1993   In a letter to ARATS, SEF says that Vice Chairman and Secretary-general Cheyne Chiu will visit Beijing April 7-11 at the invitation of ARATS and that it will hold the preparatory meeting for the "Koo-Wang Talks." SEF says the two sides may sign a draft agreement on certificate verification and inquiry and compensation for registered mail.

April 7-11, 1993   SEF Vice Chairman and Secretary-general Cheyne Chiu meets Tang Shubei, vice chairman of ARATS, in Beijing for the first preparatory meeting for the "Koo-Wang Talks," in which the two first presented their respective agendas. After comprehensive discussions, the two sides adopt an agenda of eight subjects for further discussion and decide to hold the "Koo-Wang Talks" in Singapore on April 27-28.

April 8, 1993   The first preparatory meeting for the Koo-Wang Talks is held in Beijing, and the two sides agree on the establishment of institutionalized communication channels.

April 10, 1993   SEF Vice Chairman Cheyne Chiu meets with his counterpart, Tang Shubei, vice-chairman of ARATS, in Beijing. The two sign the draft of "Agreement on the Use and Verification of Certificates of Authentication Across the Taiwan Straits," and the "Agreement on Matters Concerning Inquiry and Compensation for [Lost] Registered Mail Across the Taiwan Straits." They also reach a written agreement on having Koo-Wang talks in Singapore on April 27 and 28.

April 23, 1993   SEF Vice Chairman Cheyne Chiu and ARATS Vice Chairman Tang Shubei have two preparatory meetings for the Koo-Wang Talks in Singapore and set the agenda for the upcoming talks. On the agenda are the systems for contacts and meetings between SEF and ARATS, protection of intellectual property rights, cross-strait economic exchanges, judicial cooperation, and the protection of Taiwan businessmen.

April 27, 1993   The Koo-Wang Talks last for three days in Singapore. SEF Chairman Koo Chen-fu and ARATS Chairman Wang Daohan, representing the two sides, sign the following four agreements: 1. Agreement on the Use and Verification of Certificates of Authentication Across the Taiwan Straits. 2. The Agreement on Matters Concerning Inquiry and Compensation for [Lost] Registered Mail Across the Taiwan Straits. 3. Agreement on the System for Contacts and Meetings between SEF and ARATS. 4. Joint Agreement of the Koo-Wang Talks.

August 29, 1993   The first meeting on functional issues after the Koo-Wang Talks is held in Beijing. The two sides discuss issues on repatriation of illegal immigrants and fisheries disputes among others. The mainland side attempts to change the set agenda.

August 31, 1993   Xinhua News Agency reports that the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council and the Information Office of the State Council jointly publish the "White Paper on Taiwan Unification" in seven languages -- Chinese, English, French, German, Spanish, Japanese, and Korean. The paper elaborates on the status quo and origin of the Taiwan issue and the PRC's position on solving the Taiwan issue.

August 31, 1993   Kao Koong-lian, vice-chairman of the ROC Mainland Affairs Council, tells a news conference that MAC has a five-point analysis of the PRC's White Paper. Kao believes that the issuance of the White Paper will have nothing but a negative effect on the development of cross-strait relations.

September 9, 1993   Premier Lien Chan orders MAC and other government agencies to make short-term, medium-term, and long-term responses to the PRC's White Paper to ensure that Mainland China and the world understand the ROC's bid and position on returning to the United Nations.

September 16, 1993   The MAC publishes a comment on the PRC's White Paper on Taiwan Unification, saying that "There is no 'Taiwan Question,' there is only a 'China Question.'"

November 2, 1993   The second functional meeting after the first Koo-Wang Talks is held in Xiamen. The two sides discuss issues including the repatriation of illegal immigrants, the settlement of fishing disputes, the repatriation of hijackers, and the simplification of entry and exit for officials of the two associations. The two sides still have disagreements.

December 19, 1993   The third functional meeting after the first Koo-Wang Talks is held in the China Trust Commercial Bank Building in Taipei. Representatives of the two sides discuss issues including the repatriation of hijackers, the settlement of fishing disputes, the repatriation of illegal immigrants, simplification of entry and exit of SEF and ARATS officials, protection of Taiwan businessmen, scientific and technological exchanges between the two sides, cooperation on crime control, judicial cooperation, and intellectua l property rights protection.

January 7, 1994   MAC announces the "Guiding Principle on Cross-strait Cultural Exchanges at the Current Stage," stressing the need to promote cross-strait cultural exchanges, for mutual benefit and the cultural development of the two sides.

February 1, 1994   The first Chiao-Tang talks, representing officials at the vice-chairman level of the two associations, is held in Beijing. The meeting ends on February 5, and the two issue "the joint press release by Mr. Chiao Jen-ho and Tang Shubei."

March 5, 1994   The PRC National People's Congress adopts the "Law to Protect Investments by Taiwan Compatriots."

March 25, 1994   The fourth functional meeting after the first Koo-Wang Talks is held in Beijing. The two sides discuss three issues but fail to make any breakthrough.

May 26, 1994   MAC makes public the "Position Paper on Direct Transportation between the Two Sides," noting that direct transportation will be launched only when the dignity, order, and safety are ensured for the two sides.

July 5, 1994   MAC promulgates the white paper "Relations Across the Taiwan Straits" in eight languages.

July 30, 1994   The fifth functional meeting after the first Koo-Wang Talks is held in Taipei.

August 4, 1994   The second Chiao-Tang Talks runs from August 4 to 7 in Taipei.

September 23, 1994   Premier Lien Chan, answering an interpellation in the Legislation Yuan, says that since the mainland military has staged exercises on Dongshan island, Fujian Province, and Beijing uses the zero-sum attitude to isolate and oppress the the ROC's bid to accede to the United Nations and participation in the Asian Games, the cross-strait relations cannot advance into the middle-stage under the Guidelines for National Unification.

October 15, 1994   MAC issues "Explanation on the Policy for Cross-strait Cultural Exchanges."

December 13, 1994   Vincent Siew, chairman of Council for Economic Planning and Development, says under the principles not to violate the Guidelines for National Unification, an offshore transshipment center will be designed to expand cross-strait exchanges for goods, under the condition that these goods do not go through customs clearance.

December 22, 1994   The sixth functional meeting after the first Koo-Wang Talks is held in Nanjing from December 22 to 27. However, no agreement is reached.

January 22, 1995   The third Chiao-Tang Talks and the seventh functional meeting after the first Koo-Wang Talks are held in Beijing from January 22 to 27. The two sides fail to reach agreement.

January 30, 1995   PRC President Jiang Zemin makes public his eight-point policy, listing eight proposals for developing cross-strait relations under the "one China" and "one country, two systems" framework.

February 21, 1995   To respond to Jiang's eight-point proposal, Premier Lien Chan presents a report, "Facing the Reality, Increasing the Exchanges, Respecting Each Other, Pursuing Unification." He says that the cross-strait relations should still focus on trade and economic exchanges.

April 8, 1995   President Lee Teng-hui issues a statement at the National Unification Council, "Foster Normal Cross-strait Relations, Create a Favorable Climate for Unification." He introduces a six-point proposal for normalizing cross-strait relations.

April 27, 1995   Speaking at a regular news conference, Chen Jian, spokesman of the PRC Ministry of Foreign Affairs, announces Beijing's opposition to Kaohsiung's bid for hosting the Asian Games in 2002.

May 27-28, 1995   The first preparatory meeting for the Second Koo-Wang Talks is concluded with an agreement that the second preparatory meeting will be held in June, and the Second Koo-Wang Talks is slated for July in Beijing.

June 7, 1995   President Lee departs for the United States for a private visit and returns to Taiwan on June 12. In between, Beijing publishes five articles to criticize Lee during his U.S. trip.

June 16, 1995   ARATS sends a letter to SEF to postpone the second Koo-Wang Talks, saying it will contact us at an appropriate time.

June 17, 1995   MAC makes public a statement, expressing its hope that institutionalized negotiation channels will remain open, and that the second preparatory meeting of the Second Koo-Wang Talks will take place as scheduled.

June 22, 1995   PRC Minister of Foreign Affairs Qian Qichen introduces a seven-point principle to handle the post-1997 relations with Hong Kong and Taiwan.

June 30, 1995   ARATS telephones SEF saying that the institutionalized negotiation channels be postponed.

July 7, 1995   MAC issues a news release, stating that the ROC government always promotes a pragmatic foreign policy and mainland policy without conflicting with each other. The government will promote one policy not at the sacrifice of the other.

July 7, 1995   Xinhua News Agency announces that the PRC military will launch missile tests and fire ground-to-ground missiles from July 21 to 28 on the high seas of the East China Sea. MAC immediately issues a news release to point out that the missile test will endanger the peace and safety of the Asia-Pacific area, hurt the feelings of the Taiwan people, and run against the common interests of the two sides.

July 21~26, 1995   The PRC proceeds with the first missile shooting near Taiwan waters, launching a direct military threat against the ROC.

July 23, 1995   People's Daily, quoting Xinhua News Agency, publishes the first commentary to accuse Taiwan leaders.

July 24, 1995   People's Daily, quoting Xinhua News Agency, publishes the second commentary to accuse Taiwan leaders.

July 25, 1995   People's Daily, quoting Xinhua News Agency, publishes third commentary to accuse Taiwan leaders.

July 26, 1995   People's Daily, quoting Xinhua News Agency, publishes the fourth commentary to accuse Taiwan leaders.

July 31, 1995   On the 68th anniversary of the establishment of the PLA, PRC Minister of National Defense Chi Haotian states that the PLA will never renounce the use of force regarding the issue of reunification. He says that if Taiwan authorities act without discretion to create a split, the PLA will never sit by and watch.

August 2, 1995   Quoting Xinhua News Agency, the People's Daily publish a criticism of ROC President Lee Teng-hui.

August 4, 1995   Quoting Xinhua News Agency, the People's Daily publish a criticism of ROC President Lee Teng-hui.

August 6, 1995   Quoting Xinhua News Agency, the People's Daily publish a criticism of ROC President Lee Teng-hui.

August 10, 1995   Xinhua News Agency announces that the PRC military will carry out a live ammunition exercise with guided missiles and cannons in the area of the East China Sea from August 15 to 25. MAC says this is an "unfriendly and irresponsible" move.

August 11, 1995   When interviewed by the China Times, MAC Chairman Vincent Siew states that the ROC government has a firm position against Taiwan independence, which has remained unchanged for many decades. However, mainland authorities always distort the ROC's position.

August 15-25, 1995   The PRC proceeds with the second wave of missile tests, threatening the ROC with military force.

September 9, 1995   On an inspection tour in Quemoy, ROC President Lee states that the ROC now stands on Taiwan, Penghu, Quemoy, and Matzu, a reality not to be denied by any one. The ROC government insists on adhering to the principles and stages established under the Guidelines of National Unification to pursue unification under the systems of democracy, liberty, and equal prosperity, and not under "one country, two systems."

October 21, 1995   In an interview with the U.S. News & World Report, Zhang Wannian, vice-chairman of the CPC Central Military Commission, says that if Taiwan declares independence, the PRC will certainly resort to force.

October 24, 1995   Representatives of the two sides reach agreement in the negotiation for Taiwan-Hong Kong aviation rights and sign into effect the minutes of the meeting. The document becomes effective December 30, 1995.

October 24, 1995   U.S. President Bill Clinton and PRC President Jiang Zemin have a summit meeting, and reach an understanding that the Taiwan Strait issue will be dealt with in accordance with the three U.S.-PRC communiques.

November 24, 1995   Xinhua News Agency prints an article "China's sovereignty belongs to the entire Chinese people." It says that no matter what changes happen in the way the Taiwan leader is selected, nothing can change the fact that Taiwan is a part of China.

November 25, 1995   Xinhua News Agency announces that a joint landing maneuver staged in late November near Dongshan Island, Fujian Province, by the army, navy, and air force of the Nanjing Military Area Command, is concluded.

January 24, 1996   Premier Lien Chan reiterates that the ROC government does not wish to see cross-strait relation strained at issuing statements and creating publicity. The two sides should sit down and meet each other across the table to negotiate various issues. If the disrupted cross-strait negotiation channels could be resumed, issues of mutual concern will be able to be discussed.

January 30, 1996   The PRC celebrates the anniversary of Jiang's eight-point proposal. Li Peng makes a statement that only when Taiwan authorities abandon creating "two Chinas," or "one China, one Taiwan" both in rhetoric and in practice can cross-strait relation normalize.

March 5, 1996   The PRC makes a statement in the early morning that it will launch a military exercise during March 8-15, firing ground-to-ground guided missiles into waters 20 to 40 nautical miles due east of Keelung, and 30 to 50 nautical miles due west of Kaohsiung.

March 8, 1996   The mainland military begins to stage missile tests near the waters north and south of Taiwan.

March 12, 1996   The PRC begins to stage live ammunition firing in a sea and air maneuver off the coastal areas stretching from Xiamen, Fujian Province, to Shantou, Guangdong Province.

March 13, 1996   The PRC fires the fourth guided missile into the waters off Kaohsiung harbor.

March 18, 1996   The PRC launches a joint force maneuver in the sea near Pingtan, Fujian Province.

March 19, 1996   The PRC stages a landing exercise on a small islet.

March 21, 1996   The PRC stages an air strike exercise.

April 23, 1996   In Kampuchea, Liu Huaqing, vice chairman of the PRC Central Military Commission, reiterates that "Taiwan is an inseparable part of China." He insists on "reunification by peaceful means, one country, two systems" and that PRC will resort to the use of force should Taiwan declare independence or face foreign intervention.

April 29, 1996   SEF writes to ARATS to suggest the resumption of the Koo-Wang Talks and institutionalized negotiation channels.

April 30, 1996   ARATS responds negatively to the resumption of Koo-Wang talks and institutionalized negotiations.

May 5, 1996   Chang King-yuh, chairman of the Mainland Affairs Council, says it is the PRC which erects barriers against the resumption of cross-strait negotiations. Since ARATS has replied negatively regarding the resumption of negotiations, the government will not seek other ways to express its willingness again.

May 20, 1996   In his inaugural speech, President Lee notes the developments related to cross-strait relations. First, the two sides should face how to end the hostile status. Second, both should note the reality that the two belong to separate jurisdictions and accept the common goal of national unification 3. Both should open up a new situation in which "Chinese help Chinese."

May 29, 1996   Xinhua News Agency publishes an article titled "The one-China principle is inevitable," with a byline of "Jin Xi," criticizing ROC President Lee's failure to mention "one China" in his inaugural speech.

June 23, 1996   The spokesman of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council reiterates the "One China" principle.

June 26, 1996   Giving an interview to the media while visiting in Spain, PRC President Jiang Zemin says that the two sides can enter into cross-strait negotiations for peaceful reunification and follow the principle of "One China" to terminate the hostility between the two sides. Asked to comment on a meeting between leaders of the two sides, Jiang says he welcomes the Taiwan leader to visit the mainland in an appropriate capacity.

July 3, 1996   SEF adopts a proposal at a meeting to have an exchange of visits by members of the boards of SEF and ARATS, and sends a letter to ARATS for reply.

July 5, 1996   ARATS responds to the SEF without indicating a clear attitude on the SEF's proposal.

August 5, 1996   Sha Zukang, PRC representative for negotiations on nuclear weapons, tells the American media that the PRC has given an unconditional commitment on no-first-use of nuclear weapons on any foreign countries including the United States. Taiwan is just one province of China, not a country. Therefore, the PRC's commitment does not apply to Taiwan.

August 21, 1996   The PRC promulgates the "Measures Governing Shipping between the Two Sides of the Taiwan Strait."

November 7, 1996   The PRC Ministry of Communications makes public the "Announcement on Related Issues for the Measures Governing Shipping between the Two Sides of the Taiwan Strait."

December 23, 1996   The National Development Conference is held in Taipei from December 23 to 28. Discussions on cross-strait relations lead to 36 agreements.

January 19, 1997   In a seminar "Retrospect and Prospects for Ten Years of Cross-strait Cultural Exchanges," MAC Chairman Chang King-yuh urges the governments and peoples of the two sides to work for greater exchanges of information, culture, and value systems -- "the three cultural links" - in order to end the grudges harbored by the two sides.

March 9, 1997   The Fifteenth NPC adopts the "National Defense Law," which lays down in statutory form the basic principles of and operations for national defense. This shows that the PRC desires to dispel international worries about the "China threat." PRC Defense Minister Chi Haotian says that this law can guard against the Taiwan independence movement and other secessionist movements calling for splitting the nation.

March 12, 1997   ROC Premier Lien Chan says the government does not reject direct cross-strait talks, saying the issue is how the two sides meet for talks and whether the two are in an equal position.

March 18, 1997   The ROC Legislative Yuan adopts the "Statutes Governing Relations with Hong Kong and Macau."

April 26, 1997   The ROC Presidential Office formally establishes the National Development Consultative Conference, under which there are three committees on constitutional systems, cross-strait relations and economic development. Presidential Secretary-general Huang Kun-huei is appointed the executive director.

May 22, 1997   Minister of Foreign Affairs John Chang, while delivering a speech in the international council in Brussels, indicates that Taiwan is a political entity and that the world should face up to this reality. He calls for international support for Taiwan to have an appropriate international status.

May 22, 1997   The Executive Yuan adopts the "Organic Statutes for the Hong Kong Affairs Bureau" to provide legal status for government agencies stationed in Hong Kong after 1997.

May 23, 1997   The Government Information Office, under the Executive Yuan, issues a position paper on U.S-ROC Relations and pragmatic foreign policy to explain the government's fundamental position. The paper emphasizes that the ROC deserves the rights of a sovereign state, and calls for international attention to the ROC's sovereign status. It also notes that the government strongly opposes "one country, two systems."

June 14, 1997   When interviewed by the Washington Times, President Lee says, that the ROC government hopes Hong Kong continue to prosper after the reversion of its sovereignty and Taiwan-Hong Kong relations and cooperation can be enhanced. But, the ROC opposes solving the unification of China in the Hong Kong model.

June 16, 1997   SEF and ARATS confirm the records of the "Taiwan-Hong Kong Shipping Negotiations" and exchange a signed document.

June 16, 1997   MAC issues a position paper titled "the ROC Government's Position and Policy on Hong Kong after 1997."

June 23, 1997   In an interview with the Liberty Times, MAC Chairman Chang King-yuh says the ROC government is willing to embark on political and policy-level talks with Mainland China and is more than willing to plan for direct economic and trade links for designated trading areas when cross-strait relations improve.

July 1, 1997   Hong Kong returns to Mainland China's sovereignty, ending the British colonial rule of 156 years. At 1:30 a.m., the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) government is established. Tung Chee-hwa assumes the office as the HK SAR Chief Executive. MAC announces the establishment of the Hong Kong Affairs Bureau, and Cheng An-kuo is named the first director general. The "Statute Governing Relations with Hong Kong and Macau" and 13 other related regulations are promulgated.

July 3, 1997   President Lee Teng-hui, while attending a tea reception for domestic and foreign journalists, says Taiwan is not Hong Kong and "one country, two systems" can by no means apply to Taiwan. The ROC government will never give up its free system or hopes for peace. He urges Mainland China maintain Hong Kong's prosperity and rule of law.

July 18, 1997   Chang King-yuh, chairman of the MAC, says that there are four prerequisites for unification. (1) Mainland China must respect the reality that the ROC does exist, (2) Taiwan security is guaranteed, (3) two sides can co-exist in international organizations, and (4) Mainland China renounces the use of force against Taiwan.

August 1, 1997   At the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, PRC Defense Minister Chi Haotian says, "The PRC would never renounce the use of force, specifically against the Taiwan independence movement, movement to split the mother land, and intervention by foreign forces."

August 8, 1997   MAC Vice Chairman Kao Koong-lian says Mainland China should face the reality of the cross-strait relations with a pragmatic attitude. If the PRC can consider adding the words that "Taiwan and the Mainland make up China" to further define the "one China Principle," the ROC government is willing to accept this.

September 1, 1997   At the opening ceremony of the International Forum for Asia-Pacific Security, President Lee Teng-hui reiterates that he is willing to take with him the consensus and will of Taiwan's 21.3 million people to visit the mainland in a tip of the olive branch. He is also willing to meet with top leadership of Mainland China for a direct exchange of views and open up a new epoch of cross-strait cooperation.

September 1, 1997   New Premier Vincent Siew speaks on his view of the development of cross-strait relations. He says the two sides should (1) shelve the disputes over sovereignty; (2) promote pragmatic exchanges; (3) proceed with negotiations on an equal footing; (4) carry out friendly interaction; and (5) establish a normal relationship.

October 9, 1997   Speaking at the celebration for National Day with the participation of overseas Chinese, Premier Vincent Siew again urges Mainland China to make a positive response to calls for ending the cross-strait hostility and, out of love for compatriots, use wisdom to promote cross-strait exchanges and negotiations.

October 10, 1997   ROC President Lee Teng-hui, chairing the celebration for the 86th ROC National Day by the central government, urges Mainland China to pay attention to the grand task for ending mutual hostility, resume negotiations, and engage in peaceful competition.

October 15, 1997   MAC Chairman Chang King-yuh, delivering a speech at a get-together party for journalist associations of the two sides, states that the government will continue to promote "pragmatic diplomacy" and "negotiations on an equal footing."

October 30, 1997   Commenting on cross-strait relations after the first summit between U.S. President Bill Clinton and PRC President Jiang Zemin, MAC urges Mainland China to face the reality that the two sides belong to separate jurisdictions, and immediately resume the Koo-Wang talks and other institutionalized channels with no prerequisites.

November 6, 1997   ARATS extends an invitation for SEF Secretary-general Chiao Jen-ho to lead a delegation of SEF board members to take part in the opening ceremony of a trade conference in the mainland, and visit Xiamen, Shanghai, and Beijing.

November 7, 1997   SEF replies with a new suggestion that SEF Chairman Koo Chen-fu lead a delegation to visit the mainland and meet various people. SEF also welcomes ARATS to visit Taiwan.

November 11, 1997   ARATS issues a news release saying that SEF Secretary-general Chiao Jen-ho is unable to attend the opening ceremony of the seminar or visit the mainland, thus loosing the opportunity for responsible persons of the two associations to meet. (ARATS does not mention these words in its letter to SEF.) ARATS later announces that the seminar is called off without giving any explanation.

December 19, 1997   In an interview with Sankei Shimbun of Japan, President Lee Teng-hui says that the ROC government is willing to resume the SEF-ARATS negotiations without any preconditions.

January 1, 1998   Premier Vincent Siew reiterates that the cross-strait discussions should resume where they were broken off, and advance step by step. SEF-ARATS functional negotiations should be resumed first, and when contacts between the two sides normalize, they will not exclude the possibility of entering into talks on other issues.

January 13, 1998   MAC Chairman Chang King-yuh says that the ROC government has a consistent policy on resuming the Koo-Wang Talks and establishing negotiations on functional and practical issues with no preconditions. The two sides should abide by the understanding that "the definition of one China should be subject to each's interpretation" in order to remove the uncertainty over advancing cross-strait economic and trade exchanges.

January 19, 1998   SEF writes to ARATS to request a response on SEF's letter of November 7, 1997.

February 24, 1998   ARATS replies expressing its willingness to discuss arrangements for SEF-ARATS exchanges.

March 5, 1998   SEF replies to the ARATS letter dated February 24, saying that SEF will send a responsible representative in the near future to visit the mainland and meet with ARATS officials on exchanges for the two associations and to discuss SEF Chairman Koo's visits and other subsequent exchange programs. SEF also welcomes ARATS to send officials at a proper level to visit Taiwan.

March 11, 1998   ARATS writes to invite SEF officials at a proper level to lead a delegation of trade, academic or cultural representatives to visit the mainland.

March 17, 1998   SEF replies to ARATS, saying a delegation will be sent in mid-April to have an extensive exchange of views on SEF-ARATS contacts and matters of mutual concern.

March 26, 1998   ARATS welcomes visits by SEF delegations, but hopes SEF specifies the areas for visits and discussions.

April 3, 1998   SEF replies that it will send an official at the deputy secretary general level to visit the mainland in mid-April.

April 13, 1998   ARATS replies that it welcomes the visit by a SEF delegation led by its deputy secretary-general, and suggests the visit take place on on April 21 or 22.

April 17, 1998   SEF writes to ARATS that SEF deputy Secretary-general January Jyh-horng will lead the delegation to visit Beijing April 22 to 24 to exchange opinions on SEF-ARATS visits and other exchange programs.

April 20, 1998   ARATS replies to approve the visits by SEF deputy secretary-general January Jyh-horng.

May 5, 1998   "National People's Congress Preparatory Committee for the Macau Special Administration Region" is established in Beijing.

May 11, 1998   The PRC holds the "National Meeting on Works Related to Taiwan" in Beijing for three days.

May 12, 1998   SEF, in a letter to ARATS, says that for the purposes of promoting SEF-ARATS exchanges, SEF Deputy Secretary-general January Jyh-horng on April 23 invited ARATS Deputy Secretary-general Li Yafei to visit Taipei to exchange opinions in late May.

June 1, 1998   ARATS replies in a letter that it will choose a proper exchange program for Li to lead a delegation to visit to Taiwan at a proper time and that he will use the opportunity to exchange opinions on SEF Chairman Koo's visit to the Mainland.

June 19, 1998   In a letter to ARATS, SEF suggests that Chairman Koo visit the Mainland in autumn, and SEF Deputy Secretary-general January and Vice Chairman Shi Hwei-yow lead separate delegations to the Mainland to settle the details for Chairman Koo's visit.

June 24, 1998   The Bureau of Entry and Exit, Ministry of the Interior, promulgates "Measures Governing Mainland Professionals Entering Taiwan for Professional Activities", which stipulate simple requirements that take effect on July 1 for entry applications by Mainland professionals.

June 25, 1998   In a reply, ARATS agrees that SEF Chairman Koo visit the Mainland in mid-September or October. Moreover, ARATS will send Deputy Secretary-general Li to lead a delegation to observe education in Taiwan in late July. ARATS, however, delays the Mainland visit by SEF Deputy Secretary-general January and indirectly rejects Vice Chairman Shi's visit to the Mainland.

June 25-July 3, 1998   U.S. President Bill Clinton flies from Andrews Airbase in Washington for a nine-day visit to the PRC, stopping in five Mainland cities.

June 26, 1998   Mainland China sets up the "Center for Legal Services on Taiwan Affairs" in Fuzhou to provide comprehensive legal services to Taiwan people, relatives and Taiwan enterprises.

June 30, 1998   In Shanghai, the third city on his trip to Mainland China, U.S. President Bill Clinton participates in a round table seminar on "Constructing China for the 21st Century," sponsored by the Shanghai Library. He talks about the three nos policy on Taiwan (no support for Taiwan's independence, no support for "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan," and no support for Taiwan to enter international organizations that require statehood). He reiterates the U.S. position to see cross-strait issues resolved in a peaceful manner.

July 6, 1998   ARATS says in a letter that Deputy Secretary-general Li Yafei will lead the Beijing City Middle and Elementary School Delegation on a visit to Taiwan from July 24-31.

July 9, 1998   In a reply, SEF agrees that ARATS Deputy Secretary-general Li visit Taiwan. SEF also expresses the hope to finalize SEF Chairman Koo's visit to the Mainland as soon as possible and suggests SEF and ARATS deputy secretary-generals exchange opinions first, with SEF Vice Chairman Shi and ARATS Vice Chairman Tang Shubei meeting later to finalize the details.

July 14, 1998   SEF acknowledges that ARATS Deputy Secretary-general Li will lead a delegation to visit Taiwan, adding that arrangements for the delegation's visit will be handled in line with the related measures of SEF and ARATS. SEF says it hopes that other delegates can file applications for entry to Taiwan through due process. However, other delegates fail to apply to enter Taiwan through due process.

July 17, 1998   ARATS sends a letter requesting two journalists be added to the delegation to visit Taiwan and asks SEF to arrange the necessary procedures.

July 22, 1998   ROC President Lee Teng-hui proposes "democratic unification" at the National Unification Council meeting, urging the two sides to negotiate and reach a peace treaty under the principle that China has separate jurisdictions.

July 24-31, 1998   ARATS Deputy Secretary-general Li Yafei leads the 22-member Beijing City Middle and Elementary School Delegation to visit Taiwan from July 24-31.

July 27, 1998   The Information Office of the State Council issues a PRC Defense White Paper. In reference to cross-strait relations, the White Paper says that the PRC will not renounce the use of force against Taiwan. It emphasizes that each sovereign state has the right to adopt any means necessary, including military force, to safeguard the integrity of its sovereignty and territory.

July 31, 1998   SEF writes to ARATS, expressing the wish for the two associations to promptly enter into discussions on the protection of tourists, Taiwan investments in the Mainland and on a joint campaign against crime.

August 8, 1998   The Women's Club of Taiwan-invested Enterprise Association is established in Dongguan, Guangdong Province.

August 12, 1998   MAC Chairman Chang King-yuh says that cross-strait negotiations should start with practical issues first and later move to political ones. He urges Mainland authorities to stop excessive political obstruction of cross-strait exchanges. Chang also promotes the new three direct links -- exchanges of information, culture and thoughts.

August 19, 1998   In a letter, ARATS suggests that in the upcoming meeting, SEF Chairman Koo and ARATS Chairman Wang can exchange opinions on issues of mutual concern freely in an unofficial manner. ARATS suggests two alternative itineraries for Chairman Koo's trip to the Mainland, either September 15 to 21 or October 12 to 18.

August 21, 1998   The ROC Ministry of Economic Affairs holds the Economic and Trade Affairs Task Force Meeting and decides to establish a Taiwan Businessmen's Service Window for Taiwan investors in the Mainland.

August 21, 1998   In a letter to SEF, ARATS deletes the issue of legal jurisdiction from the agenda for practical talks, and put it on the agenda for political talks that shall be conducted under the principle of "one China."

September 3, 1998   In a letter to ARATS, SEF suggests that Chairman Koo visit the Mainland from October 14-19 and have two meetings with ARATS Chairman Wang. To make Koo's visit more significant, SEF suggests Vice Chairman Shi and related staff members visit Beijing in mid-September to directly finalize preparations for Koo's visit with ARATS Vice Chairman Tang.

September 7, 1998   The Center of Legal Services on Taiwan Affairs is established in Fuzhou with the support of the Fujian Province Taiwan Affairs Office. Chen Zidong, former director of the Fujian Province Taiwan Affairs Office, is named president of the center.

September 8, 1998   In a letter, ARATS invites Liang Su-long, president of the Peaceful Reunification Promotion Association Across the Taiwan Strait, to lead a delegation to visit Beijing, Shanghai, and other cities in Northeast China from September 12-24.

September 14, 1998   Fujian Vice Governor Zhang Jiakun, leading the Economic and Trade Delegation of Fujian-Taiwan Exchanges Association, arrives Taiwan for a 10-day visit.

September 14, 1998   In a letter, ARATS quotes remarks of the CCP Taiwan Affairs Office spokesman and the person-in-charge of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council as saying that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait should enter into political dialogue as soon as possible to prepare for the procedural discussions for cross-strait political talks.

September 15, 1998   In a letter, ARATS says it has taken into consideration SEF's change of Chairman Koo's itinerary for his Mainland visit. ARATS appoints Deputy Secretary-general Li to discuss with SEF deputy secretary general to finalize detailed arrangements for Koo's visit. ARATS also agrees that SEF Vice Chairman Shi visit Beijing prior to Koo's trip.

The Laws and Regulations Committee of the Ministry of the Interior adopts Revisions to Measures Governing Hong Kong and Macau People's Entry and Residence in Taiwan.

September 19, 1998   In a letter to ARATS, SEF says that Vice Chairman Shi will lead a delegation to meet ARATS Vice Chairman Tang in Beijing from September 22-24.

September 21, 1998   ARATS Chairman Wang meets with former legislator Liang Shu-long and other delegates of the Peaceful Reunification Promotion Association Across the Taiwan Strait. Wang expresses his hope to see "a resumption of negotiations and peaceful unification".

September 23, 1998   SEF Vice Chairman Shi meets ARATS Secretary-general Zhang Jincheng in Beijing and discusses Chairman Koo's visit.

September 22-24, 1998   SEF Vice Chairman Shi arrives in Beijing and meets with ARATS Vice Chairman Tang and Secretary-general Zhang to finalize preparations for the Koo-Wang Meeting in mid-October.

September 24, 1998   The Ministry of the Interior adopts the Revisions of Measures Governing the Approval for Mainland People to Enter Taiwan.

September 24, 1998   The U.S. House of Representatives adopts the Defense Authorization Act, empowering the Department of Defense to study the establishment of a Theater Missile Defense (TMD) that covers the Asia-Pacific region to protect Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and other allies.

September 27-29, 1998   PRC Minister of Foreign Affairs Tang Jiaxuan arrives in Washington for a three-day visit. On September 29, Tang meets U.S. President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Madeleine Albright separately. At meetings, Tang says he hopes the Taiwan issue will not affect the U.S.-PRC relationship. Tang also rules out the possibility that ROC President Lee visit the Mainland in his capacity as president.

September 30, 1998   The Ministry of Economic Affairs set up "Service Center for Taiwan Businessmen on the Mainland", with a 24-hour service line to offer assistance.

October 1, 1998   U.S. Senate adopted the joint report on Defense Authorization Act, with stipulations that the Department of Defense should complete the feasibility study of a TMD within a specific time and include U.S. allies -- Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea -- under the shield.

October 6, 1998   ARATS has a major personnel reshuffle, adding three vice chairmen -- Zhang Jincheng, Sun Yafu and Liu Zhentao - and a few advisors and board members.

October 7-11, 1998   The Taiwan Affairs Office of the PRC State Council holds the Seminar on News Programs Related to Taiwan Affairs in Huairou, Beijing. All Mainland China's central-level news directors attend the seminar.

October 12-14, 1998   The Third Plenary Meeting of the 15th CCP Central Committee takes place in Beijing for three days.

October 12-14, 1998   Fujian Vice Governor Zhang Jiakun, leading a 10-member trade delegation, arrives in Taiwan for a visit.

October 14-19, 1998   SEF Chairman Koo, leading a delegation, arrives in Mainland China to meet with ARATS Chairman Wang. Later, Koo meets with PRC leaders Qian Qichen and Jiang Zemin.

October 14, 1998   While meeting with SEF Chairman Koo at the Peace Hotel, ARATS Chairman Wang says that the two sides should promptly enter into political talks and related procedural meetings for them. He repeats the substance of the "one China" principle.

October 15, 1998   During the second meeting between SEF Chairman Koo Chen-fu and ARATS Chairman Wang Daohan at the Qinjiang Hotel in Shanghai, the two reach four agreements: (1) Enhance the dialogue to resume systematic discussions. (2) Promote exchanges of visits between SEF-ARATS staff at various levels. (3) Actively provide mutual assistance on cases arising from exchanges. (4) Arrange a Taiwan visit for Mr. Wang at an appropriate time.

October 18, 1998   Several SEF delegates meet with Jiang Zemin. During the meeting, SEF Chairman Koo mentions Taiwan's achievements in political democratization and economic development and adds that Taiwan would be willing to share its experiences with Mainland China. Koo emphasizes that Mainland China's democratization is the key to reunification. Having a meeting between top leaders of the two sides could help find a way acceptable to the both sides in order to elevate the level of dialogue for eventual unification.

October 18, 1998   The Hong Kong Institute of International Affairs announces the establishment of the Research Center for Cross-strait Relations. The director of the institute, Huang Xuehai, doubles as the director of the center. The center will focus on three fields - China's (PRC) foreign policy, U.S.-China relations and the Taiwan issue, and the triangular relations among the Mainland, Hong Kong and Taiwan. The center is a private institution and provides consultancy to SEF and ARATS.

October 21-22, 1998   Taiwan Affairs Office of the PRC State Council, Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations and Trade, and Ministry of Justice jointly held in Jiangsu "Seminar of the Theory and Implementation of Jurisprudence to Protect Taiwan Investments on the Mainland."

October 22, 1998   While meeting with foreign dignitaries, President Lee Teng-hui pointed out that during the recent Koo-Wang Meeting, the ROC's position had been clearly and fully expressed. He said democracy is the only way to carry out national reforms and development, and that the ROC would be willing to use its democratic development experiences to assist the PRC's reforms.

October 26, 1998   SEF Deputy Secretary-general Chang Liang-jen leads a delegation of college students to visit Beijing.

October 26, 1998   SEF Chairman Koo Cheng-fu reports on his Mainland trip at a joint meeting of the Home and Border Affairs Committee, Foreign and Overseas Chinese Affairs Committee, Economics Committee, and Transportation and Communications Committee of the Legislative Yuan.

October 27, 1998   The PRC Ministry of Public Security announces it will simplify entry procedures for Taiwan businessmen, including reducing the time for applying and extending multiple entry visas for Taiwan businessmen and temporary residents in the Mainland. Procedures for application and the review processes are simplified.

October 30, 1998   Regarding Mainland China's continuing pressure on the ROC's diplomatic space, Premier Vincent Siew says that depriving Taiwan of its international space and diplomatic status is an attempt to suffocate the ROC, which is by no means acceptable.

October 31, 1998   Lee Kuan Yew, former premier of Singapore, meets Premier Vincent Siew briefly while transiting Taiwan. Lee says the recent Koo-Wang meeting marked a breakthrough in the long-term stalemate in cross-strait relations, which deserves confirmation. Lee says he hopes to see continued exchanges like these. Siew responds that the government is sincere in using this meeting to turn a page in cross-strait relations and promote positive interaction across the strait.

November 2, 1998   The Executive Yuan holds the 1998 Mainland Affairs Working Meeting in Taipei to conduct extensive discussions under the theme of "Unfolding a New Era and Promoting Friendly Interaction" between the two sides.

November 2, 1998   The PRC establishes formal relations with Tonga, which had maintained diplomatic ties with the ROC.

November 5, 1998   The Executive Yuan adopts Revisions to Article 21 of the Statute Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the People of the Mainland Area. Mainland people who have entered Taiwan legally and have a registered residency for more than two years in Taiwan and who have lived in free areas (Taiwan included) for more than 10 years can teach in colleges pursuant to other laws.

November 5-6, 1998   The Taiwan Affairs Office of the PRC State Council sponsors "Training Session for Officials Handling Taiwan Affairs" with the participation of all directors in charge of Taiwan affairs on the Mainland.

November 6, 1998   At the Fourth Plenary Meeting of the Preparation Committee for the Macau Special Administrative Region in Zhuhai, PRC Vice Premier Qian Qichen says that after Macau reverts to Chinese rule, the Taiwan side may continue its presence in Macau, but is required to strictly observe the "one China" principle.

November 11, 1998   In an interview with Asahi Shimbun of Japan, PRC President Jiang Zemin mentions that as long as under the principle of "one China", the two sides could touch on the post-unification issues such as the nation's name, national flag and anthem.

November 14, 1998   The Taiwan Affairs Office and the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, both under the PRC Ministry of Foreign Affairs, are merged into the Department of Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan Affairs. Zhu Zushou, former director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, serves as the director.

November 17, 1998   At a press conference after the Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in Malaysia, PRC Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesman Zhu Bangzao publicly states that Taiwan may not accede to the World Trade Organization (WTO) ahead of the PRC. He claims that Taiwan, as a regional economy, "has no right to participate in any negotiations between sovereign states."

November 20, 1998   The ROC establishes diplomatic ties with the Marshall Islands.

November 22-25, 1998   PRC President Jiang Zemin visits Russia at the invitation of Russian President Boris Yeltsin. The two issue a joint announcement "Sino-Russian Relations at the Turn of the Century" on November 23. They say that their bilateral strategic partnership will not be used as an alliance to take any stand against a third nation.

November 23, 1998   Mainland authorities complete the draft of Statutes for the Protection of Taiwan Investments.

November 26-30, 1998   PRC President Jiang Zemin visits Japan and holds a summit meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi. The two issue the "Joint Announcement on Promoting Peace and Developing Friendly Partnership". The two sides do not hold a signature ceremony or a joint press conference. The announcement is made public separately by each side.

November 30, 1998   The MAC Council Meeting adopts revisions to Article 16 of the Statute Governing Relations between Peoples in the Taiwan Area and in the Mainland area. Direct relatives and spouses of Mainland people who used to be Taiwan people but were stranded in the Mainland from 1945 to 1949 due to military service or family visits and later resided in Taiwan are allowed to reside in Taiwan.

While meeting with a delegation of the Taiwan's Industrial and Business Association, PRC Vice Premier Qian Qichen says that after Macau's sovereignty is reverted to the PRC in 1999, "one China" policy is applicable to handle Macau-Taiwan relations.

December 7-10, 1998   The Taiwan Compatriots Federation convenes the second plenary meeting of its Sixth Congress in Beijing.

December 8, 1998   At the third convention of the Third National Assembly, ROC President Lee Teng-hui, after listening all the suggestions, speaks in the general session and defines the "new Taiwanism" as an identification with this piece of land, a common goal to flight for the Republic of China, and a sense of general community, regardless of the time of arrival in Taiwan, language spoken, or native province.

December 11, 1998   At the National Assembly general session on national affairs, ROC President Lee criticizes Mainland China's bullying of the ROC in the international community as "hegemony." Such a move demonstrates the PRC's lack of ethnic compassion and its violation of the prevalent principles of peaceful co-existence and equal treatment in the global village. He vows to promote pragmatic diplomacy and urges Taiwan people to join together to support the government's reforms to greet the advent of the new century and create a second Taiwan miracle.

December 15, 1998   While replying to legislator Fu Kun-chen's interpellation at the Legislative Yuan, Premier Vincent Siew says the government is very concerned about the issues of stowaways, smuggling and criminal activities arising from cross-strait exchanges. He calls on SEF and ARATS to promptly resume institutional negotiations and give priority to the joint campaign against crime.

December 16, 1998   MAC Vice Chairman Lin Chong-pin emphasizes that the ROC government's insistence that the Mainland's democratization must take place prior to unification was out of four considerations: regional stability, humanitarian considerations, legal considerations and domestic reality.

December 17, 1998   The Xinhua News Agency and China News Service carry the same article with a byline by Tao Zhenghua, titled "The German Model is not suitable for Chinese Unification".

December 18, 1998   In an interview with Yomiuri Shimbun of Japan, ROC President Lee Teng-hui points out that Mainland China immorally used "three-completeness policy" to completely squeeze, smash and strangle the ROC's diplomatic space. The ROC will not give up fighting for a role in the international community, and must make other countries aware of its existence instead.

December 18, 1998   The Xinhua News Agency and China News Service carry the same article to accuse the ROC's views on cross-strait relations. Commenting on SEF Chairman Koo Cheng-fu's reference to the "Cairo Proclamation" and "Potsdam Proclamation" during his October visit to Beijing, the article says that the two proclamations were a complete denial of the split and separate nation. The two proclamations proved that there is only one China in the world, Taiwan is part of China, and China's sovereignty and territory can not be divided.

December 21, 1998   Four Chinese pro-democracy activists -- Wei Jingsheng, Wan Runnan, Qi Lu and Sheng Qi -- visit Taiwan to observe the Taiwan people's achievements in democratic development. They express a hope to work with the government here to promote Taiwan's democratic development on Mainland China and in other Asian countries.

December 21, 1998   At the SEF-sponsored "Seminar on Cross-strait Exchanges by Private Trade and Economic Organizations", MAC Chairman Chang King-yuh proposes three new direct links -- information, thoughts, and culture. He urges the Mainland to change its policy on cross-strait relations, which has been limited to the political sphere, expand cross-strait cultural exchanges so as to promote mutual understanding between the peoples of the two sides.

December 25, 1998   The PRC National Association on Taiwan Studies holds in Beijing "the Academic Seminar to Commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the Papers for Taiwan Compatriots."

December 25, 1998   ARATS Vice Chairman Tang Shubei says that Chairman Wang Daohan's visit to Taiwan should be arranged at a time when cross-strait political and economic dialogue can make progress.

December 28-30, 1998   ARATS, under the sponsorship of the Research Center for Cross-strait Relations, holds a seminar on cross-strait relations in Beijing to fully understand the ROC's political developments and to solicit opinions of Taiwan representatives on the development of cross-strait relations.

December 29, 1998   SEF Chairman Koo Cheng-fu says at a SEF board of directors meeting that Wang Daohan's visit to Taiwan is to reciprocate his visit, which carries symbolic meaning.

December 29, 1998   The PRC National People's Congress Standing Committee adopts a legal explanation on the issue of post-1999 nationality of Macau residents. Without prejudice to the PRC "Nationality Law", the PRC will flexibly handle the issue of Macau citizen's nationality in a relaxed fashion.

December 31, 1998   MAC Chairman Chang King-yuh reiterates that Mainland authorities should seriously consider cooperation proposals from the ROC government, including the establishment of a military confidence-building mechanism, joint efforts in the East-Asian financial crisis, assistance in the reform of Mainland state enterprises, and exchange of democratic experiences at the grassroots level. These programs can help the two sides to create a constructive cross-strait relationship of prosperity and reciprocity.

December 31, 1998   PRC President Jiang Zemin, in a New Year message, repeats calls for "peaceful unification" and "one country, two systems" to resolve the Taiwan issue. He hopes Taiwan can enter into dialogue and negotiations with the PRC as early as possible.

January 1, 1999   At the New Year tea party of the PRC National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, PRC President Jiang Zemin says that the two sides should engage in dialogue and negotiations to seek a reasonable solution to the political differences. Furthermore, the two sides should expand exchanges, open up a full array of cross-strait relations, and promote peaceful unification.

January 3, 1999   The People's Daily publishes an article by Chen Yunlin, director of Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, which states that cross-strait political differences can be resolved via negotiations. Conditions and timing are mature for both sides to resume political negotiations.

January 8, 1999   ARATS Deputy Secretary-general Yang Xiaoming leads a delegation to take part in a seminar in Taiwan.

January 9, 1999   While meeting with representatives of the Liberal-Democratic Party of Japan, ARATS Chairman Wang Daohan says he is prepared to visit Taiwan this year to advance cross-strait exchanges.

January 10, 1999   ARATS Chairman Wang Daohan publishes an article on Cross-strait Relations Magazine with the title of "Glorious Document, Historical Chapter", asking the two sides to launch a political dialogue.

January 11, 1999   In a letter to ARATS, SEF asked ARATS to assist in the repariation of nine Mainland hijackers and two children in accordance with the principles of humanitarianism, safety and comfort. ARATS replied on January 20 its willingness to do so.

January 11, 1999   Wen Hui Bao of Hong Kong, quoting a Beijing authoritative source, says that if the United States includes Taiwan into the Theater Missile Defense (TMD) system, the PRC "will be forced to make proper military adjustments to safeguard the integrity of national sovereignty and territory."

January 12, 1999   Tokyo News reports from Shanghai that ARATS Chairman Wang Daohan will only be free to visit Taiwan after May 1999.

January 12, 1999   ARATS sends representatives to U.S., Japan, Singapore and Thailand to promote its policy propaganda.

January 13, 1999   MAC Chairman Chang King-yuh says he expects to see that SEF-ARATS communicate and make arrangements to facilitate Wang's Taiwan visit at an early date.

January 15, 1999   In a letter to SEF, ARATS invites the SEF deputy secretary-general to lead a delegation to visit the Mainland in late February or early March to exchange opinions on SEF-ARATS dialogues.

January 15, 1999   PRC Vice Premier Qian Qichen announces seven principles and policies to deal with Macau-Taiwan issues after Macau's sovereignty is reverted to the PRC late this year, which become known as Qian's Seven Principles toward Taiwan-Macau relations.

January 20, 1999   William Li, before departing for Macau to assume office as the ROC representative to Macau, says he hopes Mainland China will treat Taiwan-Macau relations in a pragmatic manner and retain the present model of contacts, which will be in the interests of the people of the two sides.

January 22, 1999   In an interview with Wen Hui Bao of Hong Kong, one PRC official handling Taiwan Affairs says that ARATS Chairman Wang's visit to Taiwan should be a substantive call, which should be conducted only when the two sides have made certain arrangements for political and economic dialogues.

January 22, 1999   In a letter to ARATS, SEF welcomes ARATS Chairman Wang to visit Taiwan in spring to resume constructive dialogues. SEF also invites the ARATS deputy secretary-general to visit Taiwan in late February for pre-arrangement discussions.

January 27, 1999   The ROC establishes diplomatic relations with Macedonia.

January 28, 1999   The PRC holds a ceremony in commemoration of the fourth anniversary of Jiang Zemin's Eight-point Proposal and the 20th Anniversary of Papers for Taiwan Compatriots. PRC Vice Premier Qian Qichen urges the two sides to resume political negotiations and open the three direct links (of postal, business and transportation). He says SEF and ARATS should live up to the four agreements of the Koo-Wang Meeting to have early discussion, including arrangements for political and economic dialogue. The Taiwan issue cannot be postponed indefinitely, he says.

January 29, 1999   Regarding Qian's remarks that the Taiwan issue can not be postponed indefinitely, MAC Chairman Chang King-yuh tells a news conference that there is no Taiwan issue. There is an issue of how to co-exist peacefully and develop cross-strait relations. "Our side would like to see a completion of national unification under the conditions of democracy, liberty and equal prosperity," Chang said.

January 29, 1999   ARATS consultant Lin Liyun leads a delegation of the Mainland Minority Artists to visit Taiwan for 10 days.

February 1, 1999   Su Chi, vice secretary-general at the presidential office, succeeds Chang King-yuh as MAC Chairman.

February 1, 1999   In letter to SEF, ARATS proposes having SEF-ARATS political and economic dialogues.

February 2, 1999   MAC Chairman Su Chi says that the "one China" principle is Mainland authorities' expectation. "One China" should be future tense, implying that there is separate jurisdiction. In the ROC government's view, the two sides should start with acknowledging the reality that the two sides are under separate jurisdictions, or else exchanges will be impossible. The two sides should have a position as equal political entities, give up the previous struggle, and adopt a flexible definition of sovereignty. "We do not have a foreign policy supporting dual recognition, but it would be completely up to other countries to use it or not." He also stresses that MAC should be the architect of the ROC government's Mainland policy. MAC, guided by the President's ideas, and under the supervision of the premier, plays the coordination role among the Presidential Office, National Security Council and the Executive Yuan, and acts as a link among other government agencies and SEF.

February 2-3, 1999   The 1999 National Meeting for Directors of Taiwan Affairs is held in Huairou, Beijing. The meeting calls for continuous execution of instructions and missions adopted at the National Meeting on Works Related to Taiwan last May and guidelines given by leaders at the Ceremony to Commemorate the Fourth Anniversary of Jiang Zemin's Eight-point Proposal and the 20th Anniversary of the Papers for Taiwan Compatriots. Also, leaders at the meeting gave directions on Taiwan affairs to be handled by the offices in provinces, cities, and autonomous regions this year.

February 3, 1999   Mainland China convenes the Preparatory Committee Meetings for the Macau Special Administrative Region in Zhuhai for three days with subcommittee meetings on political and legal affairs.

February 4, 1999   During visits to the Buddhist Tziyun Temple, in Chinshui, and meeting with relatives, ARATS consultant Lin Liyun insists on the removal of the ROC national flag.

February 5, 1999   Regarding the issues related to ARATS consultant Lin Liyun and the ROC national flag, MAC Chairman Su Chi says such an incident would be negative to cross-strait exchanges and friendly interactions. The government has adopted laws and regulations governing the Mainland professionals' visits to Taiwan, but it did not strictly enforce regulations. Su said no similar event should happen in the future.

February 8, 1999   Wang Yonghai, deputy director of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council and the CCP Central Office on Taiwan Works, releases an article in the overseas edition of the People's Daily. He says that the concept of "New Taiwanese" and the argument that "Taiwan's future shall be decided by plebiscite" in essence are to negate the "one China" principle and attempt to split Taiwan from China's territory. The critical step to develop cross-strait relations and realize national unification is to resume promptly cross-strait political talks, he said.

February 9, 1999   SEF and the Mainland China Red Cross sign the "Delivery Agreement" in Kinmen to send back to Mainland China five Mainland Chinese hijackers -- Liu Baocai, Lo Changhua, Wang Yuying, Zo Weijiang, and Li Xiangyu -- who have completed the jail terms in Taiwan.

February 11, 1999   Wire services report said that Mainland China has deployed along the southeastern coast some 100 missiles aimed at Taiwan. MAC Chairman Su Chi says this is a very unfriendly action and has seriously hurt the Taiwan people's feelings. For defense purposes, the ROC government is considering joining the TMD of the United States, Su says.

February 12, 1999   SEF sends a New Years greetings to ARATS, urging ARATS to send representatives to discuss issues related to Wang's visit as soon as possible.

February 13, 1999   In a letter to SEF, ARATS says it will send a deputy secretary-general to lead a delegation to visit Taiwan and exchange opinions with SEF on the timing for Wang's visit.

February 26, 1999   In a letter to ARATS, SEF suggests to ARATS that the deputy secretary-general visit Taiwan during March 15-17.

March 1, 1999   The PRC convenes the sixth plenary meeting of the Preparatory Committee for the Macau Special Administrative Region. Vice Premier Qian Qichen says that the future of Macau-Taiwan relations, like Hong Kong-Taiwan relations, is a "special component of cross-strait relations." Macau-Taiwan affairs in relation to the national sovereignty and the cross-strait relations shall fall under the authority of the central government, or shall be handled by the Macau Special Administrative Region Government under the supervision of the central government.

March 2, 1999   In a letter to SEF, ARATS says that Deputy Secretary-general Li Yafei will lead a delegation to Taiwan during March 17-19.

March 3-11, 1999   Mainland China holds the Second Meeting of the Ninth Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) in the People's Hall in Beijing for eight days. Vice Chairman of the CPPCC, Ye Xuanping, says in a report that Taiwan affairs should focus on advancing the cross-strait dialogue and political talks, promoting peaceful unification, and opposing any activity leading to "Taiwan independence", "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan". He urges the continued promotion of Jiang's eight-point proposal, the expansion of contacts with Taiwan people and more economic and cultural exchanges and cooperation across the strait.

March 4, 1999   The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region sets up an office in the Henderson Center in Beijing, including divisions on economic affairs, trade, liaison, entry affairs, information, and administration.

March 5-15, 1999   Mainland China holds the Second Meeting of the Ninth National People's Congress in Beijing for 11 days. PRC Premier Zhu Rongji presents a working report on 10 aspects. Regarding the ninth subject of "endeavoring for peaceful unification for the mother land", Zhu first explains the PRC's policies toward Hong Kong and Taiwan. For works in the next year, the PRC will follow the basic principle of "peaceful unification," "one country, two systems," Jiang's eight-point proposal, and support of Taiwan people's suggestions that are reasonable and good for unification. In addition, Zhu urges political negotiations between the two sides and an end to the hostile situation under the principle of "one China." He urges the Taiwan side to make real efforts for the further advancement of cross-strait relations.

March 10, 1999   The Board of Foreign Trade announces "Regulations on Exempting Import Permits for Small Amounts of Mainland Goods." Under the new regulations, imports of Mainland industrial products, considered contrabands under the previous regulations, can be imported without permit as long as there are no more than 10 pieces below a total value of NT$12,000.

March 11, 1999   The second meeting of the Ninth National People's Congress is concluded. The meeting adopts a political decision to ask Taiwan to react to the Jiang's eight-point proposal and to promptly enter into political negotiations with the Mainland in order to end the hostile situation under the principle of "one China".

March 12, 1999   Regarding cross-strait dialogue through "Track II," the Public Affairs Department of the Presidential Office says in a news release that the two sides have normal communication channels. The ROC has a consistent policy to handle cross-strait issues through the established channel.

March 15, 1999   At a press conference after the second meeting for the Ninth National People's Congress, PRC Premier Zhu Rongji claims that Mainland China missiles would never be aimed at Taiwan compatriots or used lightly. But he says Mainland China can not but deploy missiles in the Taiwan Strait. Mainland China expects peaceful unification but it will not renounce the use of force. If it did, Taiwan could be split away from Chinese territory forever.

March 15, 1999   Wang Hui, director of the Department of Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau Affairs under the Foreign Trade Administration of the PRC State Council, leads a delegation to visit Taiwan at the invitation of the Cross-strait Business Development Foundation.

March 17-19, 1999   ARATS Deputy Secretary-general Li Yafei arrives Taiwan to discuss with SEF regarding Wang's visit to Taiwan, which was one of the four agreements reached during the Koo-Wang Meeting last October. Both sides reach an agreement in principle that Wang will pay a five or six-day visit to Taiwan this fall.

March 19, 1999   The Laws and Regulations Committee of the Ministry of the Interior adopts the draft of "Measures on the Forced Exit of Mainland Chinese, Hong Kong and Macau People."

March 20-30, 1999   PRC President Jiang Zemin leaves Beijing to visit Italy, Switzerland and Austria on the afternoon of March 20.

March 27, 1999   The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) holds a seminar to publicize reports on 1998 cross-strait relations. Five reports on the cross-strait political, diplomatic, military, social and economic developments are released at the seminar.

March 28, 1999   Yu Xiaosong, chairman of the PRC International Trade Promotion Committee, leads a delegation to participate in the "Seminar for Cross-strait Cooperation in Distribution Industry" in Taiwan.

March 29, 1999   The United Front Work Department of the CCP Central Committee and Taiwan Works Office hold a "Seminar of Policy Reports on the Taiwan Works" in the Hall of the People in Beijing.

March 29, 1999   MAC Council Meeting adopts draft Measures Governing the Signing of Agreements between the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area. The measures are designed to use the legislative framework to regulate agreements to be signed in the future by negotiation agencies representing the two sides.

March 29, 1999   Guangdong Government establishes in Guangzhou city the "Complaint Center for Taiwan Businessmen" to accept and handle petitions filed by Taiwan businessmen. The center is directly under the Taiwan Affairs Office of the Guangdong Provincial Government.

April 2, 1999   In a letter to ARATS, SEF suggests that for the purposes of enhancing cross-strait dialogues, those at the level of deputy secretary-general and directors of the two associations conduct parallel negotiations in Beijing on the preparation for Wang's visit to Taiwan this fall as well as on practical issues such as the repatriation of hijackers.

April 6-14, 1999   At U.S. President Bill Clinton's invitation, PRC Prime Minister Zhu Rongji pays an official visit to the U.S. during April 6-14.

April 8, 1999   At the joint press conference after the Clinton-Zhu meeting, Zhu says that post-1997 Hong Kong development exemplifies the PRC's strict adherence to "one country, two systems" and "Hong Kong being governed by Hong Kong people with high autonomy." Conditions for unification with Taiwan could be more relaxed, says Zhu, meaning that Taiwan can keep its own military forces and the Taiwan leader can serve as deputy leader at the central government level. As for cross-strait unification, the PRC repeats its position that it will reach unification through peaceful means, but would never renounce the use of force against Taiwan.

April 10, 1999   PRC Prime Minister Zhu and U. S. President Clinton issue