History History

The first traces of settlement date back to the end of the Upper Pleistocene, the last great ice age.

The Neolithic saw the emergence of the Dapenkeng culture, a group of hunter-gatherers. They are thought to be the ancestors of today's aborigines. Taiwan is said to be the cradle of Austronesian languages, spoken from Madagascar to Hawaii and Easter Island.

During the Three Kingdoms conflict in China, the Kingdom of Wu led a military expedition to the island of Taiwan. This was China's first contact with Taiwan.

First archaeological evidence of trade with mainland China.

Beginning of the Ming dynasty in mainland China.

A Portuguese caravel en route to Japan sails off the coast of Taiwan. The sailors nicknamed it "Ilha formosa", "the beautiful island". From this first contact, the name Formosa remained in use until the ^20th century.

Against the backdrop of the War of Independence in the United Provinces (now the Netherlands), the Dutch East India Company (VOC) was created to circumvent the spice monopoly imposed by the Portuguese.

The Dutch defeat the Portuguese at the Battle of Macau. The VOC decides to withdraw to Taiwan.

Dutch colonization of Taiwan with the construction of the VOC fort of Zeelandia in the south of the island. Dutch colonization of Taiwan begins.

Dutch colonization of Taiwan with the construction of the VOC fort of Zeelandia in the south of the island. Dutch colonization of Taiwan begins.

Due to a revolt in the Philippines, the Spanish abandoned the island to the Dutch.

The Manchus of the Qing dynasty capture Beijing and overthrow the Ming dynasty.

Chinese peasants in Taiwan revolt against the Dutch. Around 6,000 people are killed.

A Ming loyalist, Zheng Chenggong, tried to invade Nanjing, but was defeated by Manchu troops. He retreated to Taiwan.

After several months of siege, Zheng Chenggong captures the fort of Zeelandia. The Dutch are finally driven out of Taiwan. Zheng Chenggong establishes his capital in Tainan.

Zheng Chenggong is, in a way, the symbol of Taiwanese uniqueness. Nicknamed Koxinga by Westerners, he led a guerrilla war against Manchu troops for over fifteen years. A member of the Triad, he was one of the Manchu's main adversaries in Fujian. After driving out the Dutch, he founded a full-fledged court in Anping (now Tainan), his new capital. Under Tungning's reign, Taiwan prospered: he promoted education, developed agriculture and trade, and built numerous infrastructures that can still be seen today in Tainan, such as the Confucius Temple. He died in 1662, a few months after capturing Fort Zeelandia. Revered as a god, his son and successor built a temple to honor his memory.

The Qing invaded and wiped out the last Ming loyalists.

Han immigration to Taiwan resumes. Many Chinese migrants settle in Taiwan. The aborigines were increasingly pushed to the east of the country, while the Han took over the best farmland in the west. Numerous riots broke out, so much so that a proverb became famous: "Every three years, a minor revolt; every five years, a major revolt."

First Opium War. The ports of Taiwan are bombarded by the British navy.

Second Opium War: defeated China had to open Taiwan's ports to Western trade.

France is at war in Tonkin, and China decides to help the Vietnamese. In retaliation, the French navy bombed Taiwanese ports and occupied Keelung for several months.

Victorious in the first Sino-Japanese war, Japan obtained possession of Taiwan as compensation under the Treaty of Shimonoseki. The local bourgeoisie resisted the Japanese army and proclaimed the very first republic in Asia. A year later, the resistance was crushed. Although the Japanese modernized their new colony, revolts broke out regularly.

The Qing dynasty, considerably weakened, abdicated. Sun Yat Sen, regarded as "the father of modern China", created the Kouo-Min-Tang (KMT) and was appointed president of the newly-formed Republic of China in 1912.

Beginning of Chiang Kai-shek's Northern Expedition against the "Warlords" and the last Qing loyalists. Chiang Kai-shek becomes China's new strongman.

Communist massacre in Shanghai.

Invasion of Manchuria by the Imperial Japanese Army.

The Communists are surrounded by the KMT. Mao and his men manage to escape: it's the start of the "Long March", a forced retreat lasting 370 days, over 12,000 km.

World War II ends with the surrender of Japan. Taiwan is handed back to China.

Creation of the United Nations, the Republic of China obtains a seat on the Security Council, as well as the right of veto.

Resumption of the civil war between the KMT and the CCP.

A new constitution founded the Republic of China (ROC). A year later, Chiang Kai-shek was elected president after a sham election. He established a military dictatorship.

Driven by democrats and communists, riots break out in Taiwan. The crackdown ordered in March left over 10,000 dead. A seminal event in Taiwan's political life, its victims are honoured at Taipei's 2-28 Memorial Peace Park.

After several military successes, the CCP seized Beijing on October 1 and proclaimed the People's Republic of China (PRC). The KMT is forced to retreat to Taiwan. The works of art in the Forbidden City were saved, however, and can be seen today at the National Palace Museum in Taipei.

Since the United States does not recognize the People's Republic of China (PRC), Taiwan represents the only legitimate China in the eyes of the capitalist world. On the island, Chiang Kai-shek and his staff were regarded as emigrants by native Taiwanese. In terms of institutions, the KMT transposed the workings of nationalist government: the memory of Sun Yat-sen was revered (a monument to him was erected in Taipei), martial law dictated all aspects of political life, and political parties were banned.

The Korean War breaks out, giving the United States the pretext to defend Taiwan militarily.

Sino-Soviet breakup.

France recognizes the existence of the PRC.

The PRC joins the United Nations and takes over Taiwan's seat on the Security Council.

Chiang Kai-shek dies and is succeeded by his son Chiang Ching-kuo.

Taiwan's economy takes off. GNP rises from US$1,500 to US$5,000 in less than ten years; Taiwan becomes the world's leading exporter per capita.

Chiang Ching-kuo announces the end of martial law and the KMT as a single party. Creation of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

Resumption of relations with mainland China, the travel ban lifted.

Chiang Ching-kuo dies. Freedom of the press is introduced.

Agreement between the opposition and the KMT for the democratization of Taiwan. Lee Teng-hui, a KMT member, is elected President of the National Assembly.

The PRC and the ROC sign the "1992 consensus" each side recognizes the oneness of China, while acknowledging that the interpretation of this oneness differs on both sides of the Strait.

First election by universal suffrage, Lee Teng-hui becomes president. Major social reforms launched.

Another presidential election saw the victory of the PDD candidate, Chen Shui-bian, who asserted the existence of "a country on each side of the Strait". This was the first change of government since 1945. His second term in 2004 was marred by accusations of corruption.

KMT candidate Ma Ying-jeou wins the presidential election. Ma focuses on relations between China and Taiwan, whose economy is increasingly dependent on Chinese growth.

Student demonstrations against the KMT's authoritarian tendencies.

Election of LDP candidate Tsai Ing-wen as President. Tsai reaffirms Taiwan's independence.

Gay marriage becomes legal.

In the presidential elections, Tsai Ing-wen (Democratic Progressive Party, DPP) was re-elected President with 57% of the vote, beating Han Kuo-yu of the Nationalist Party (KMT). In the legislative elections, the DPP wins the majority of seats in the Legislative Yuan, consolidating its position. Taiwan implements strict control and prevention measures for COVID-19, becoming an international model for pandemic management. Visit by Nancy Pelosi: The Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives visits Taiwan, leading to heightened tensions with China.

Taiwan strengthens its relations with several Western countries, particularly in the fields of economic cooperation and security. China intensifies its air incursions near Taiwan, increasing tensions in the region.

In June, Taiwan adopts new cybersecurity and data protection laws in response to the increase in cyberattacks. In August, Taiwan denounces China's military actions and calls for a peaceful resolution of tensions.

The visit of the US Secretary of Defense in March strengthens military ties between the USA and Taiwan, leading to a negative reaction from Beijing and an escalation of tensions. China conducts military exercises around Taiwan in November in response to international diplomatic visits. At the Chinese Communist Party Congress, Beijing reaffirms its ambitions for Taiwan.

Presidential and legislative elections: Lai Ching-te of the DPP is elected president, and the DPP loses its absolute majority in the Legislative Yuan. The KMT becomes the largest party in Parliament.

In February, the new Legislative Yuan meets and Han Kuo-yu of the KMT is elected Chairman of the Legislative Yuan. Lai Ching-te takes office in May as President of Taiwan. New Chinese military incursions in May: intensified Chinese incursions into Taiwan's sea and airspace contribute to maintaining a climate of tension.