Dutch Colonization of Taiwan
The Dutch East India Company established a colony in southern Taiwan, marking the beginning of European influence on the island.
1624
1662
Koxinga Expels the Dutch
Ming loyalist Koxinga (Zheng Chenggong) expelled the Dutch and established the Kingdom of Tungning on Taiwan.
1683
Qing Dynasty Annexes Taiwan
The Qing Dynasty annexed Taiwan, integrating it into the Chinese empire as part of Fujian province.
1895
Treaty of Shimonoseki
Following the First Sino-Japanese War, Taiwan was ceded to Japan under the Treaty of Shimonoseki, beginning 50 years of Japanese rule.
1945
End of Japanese Rule
After Japan's defeat in World War II, Taiwan was placed under the administrative control of the Republic of China.
1949
ROC Government Relocates to Taiwan
Following the Chinese Civil War, the ROC government, led by Chiang Kai-shek, retreated to Taiwan as the People's Republic of China was established on the mainland.
1971
UN Seat Change
The United Nations recognized the People's Republic of China as the legitimate government of China, replacing the ROC, which lost its UN seat.
1987
End of Martial Law
Martial law, which had been in place since 1949, was lifted, paving the way for democratic reforms in Taiwan.
1992
First Legislative Yuan Elections
Taiwan held its first fully democratic legislative elections, marking a significant step towards democratization.
1996
First Direct Presidential Election
Taiwan held its first direct presidential election, with Lee Teng-hui becoming the first democratically elected president.
2000
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Victory
Chen Shui-bian of the DPP was elected president, ending over 50 years of Kuomintang (KMT) rule.
2004
Second DPP Presidential Win
Chen Shui-bian was re-elected, marking the first time a non-KMT party won consecutive presidential terms.
2008
KMT Returns to Power
Ma Ying-jeou of the KMT was elected president, signaling a shift in Taiwan's political landscape.
2016
First Female President
Tsai Ing-wen of the DPP was elected as Taiwan's first female president.
2020
Tsai Ing-wen Re-elected
Tsai Ing-wen won a second term, reflecting strong public support for her policies and leadership.
2023
Taiwan Semiconductor Industry Growth
Taiwan continued to be a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing, with companies like TSMC playing a crucial role in the global tech supply chain.
