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Jimmy Carter Presidency
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Carter Grants China Formal Diplomatic Recognition
7 years after Nixon’s visit to China, Jimmy Carter grants China formal diplomatic recognition, and establishes the One China policy; severing ties with Taiwan. However, the U.S. continues informal relations through the congressional Taiwan Relations Act. -
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Ronald Reagan Presidency
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Reagan Administration issues "Six Assurances" Pledge to Taiwan
The Reagan administration is favorable towards Taiwan, issuing “Six Assurances” including a pledge to honor the Taiwan Relations Act, and not terminate arm sales to Taiwan. Despite his vocal support for Taiwan especially while campaigning, Reagan supports the One China policy. Image: Image: President Ronald Reagan and Chinese President Li Xiannian review the military honor guard in Beijing, April 26, 1984. (David Kennerly/AP Images) -
Reagan Welcomes President Li Xinping to White House While Recovering From an Assassination Attempt.
Video - archival news report: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEsPju5-i9A -
Tiananmen Square Massacre
Students hold a demonstration in Tiananmen Square to demand democratic reforms and an end to corruption. The government sends the military to clear the square, resulting in hundreds of deaths. This incident was impactful on China’s relationship with the US; in response the U.S. stops arms sales and freezes diplomatic relation. -
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George H.W. Bush Presidency
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Bill Clinton
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First Free Presidential Vote in Taiwan
In defiance to China the Nationalist party candidate Lee Teng-hui wins by a large margin.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQhYjXXPEJM -
Belgrade Embassy Bombing
An accidental bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade which killed 3 Chinese reporters significantly increases tensions between the U.S. and China. Thousands of Chinese demonstrators protest. -
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George W. Bush
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Robert Zoellick "Responsible Stakeholder" speech
In his influential “responsible stakeholder” speech, U.S. secretary of state Robert Zoellick encourages China to join the international community, and use it’s influence to bring other countries such as Sudan, North Korea and Iran into the international system. -
China Increases Military Spending by 18%
China Increases Military Spending by 18%, the biggest jump in several years. U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney says China’s military buildup is “not consistent” with the country’s stated goal of a “peaceful rise.” -
China Becomes Largest Foreign Holder of U.S. Debt
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Barack Obama
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China Becomes World's Largest Economy
China surpasses Japan as the World’s second-largest Economy with a GDP of 5.88 trillion. China is on track to overtake the U.S. as the world’s number one economy by 2027. -
U.S/China Trade Deficit Rises to All Time High
The U.S. trade deficit with China rises to an all-time high of $295.5 billion in 2011; foreshadowing Trump’s rhetoric, and possible tariffs with China. -
Trump proposes huge tariffs on imported Chinese steel and aluminum, sparking fears of a trade war. China responds by proposing tariffs on various U.S. goods.
