Chiang Kai-shek Biography

Birth of Chiang Kai-Shek to a prosperous rural family Chekiang

Joins Sun Yat-sen’s Tongmenghui while studying at the Tokyo Shinbu Military Academy in Japan.

Participates in revolutionary action in Zhejiang during the 1911 Revolution.

Pledges support for Sun Yat-sen’s developing Chinese Revolutionary Party while opposing Yuan Shikai after the failed Second Revolution.

Goes to Japan after the failure of the 1913 Second Revolution against Yuan Shikai.

Takes part in the 1913 Second Revolution opposing Yuan Shikai’s increasingly authoritarian rule.

Supports the revolutionary opposition to Yuan Shikai after Yuan announces plans to restore monarchy under his own rule.

Works within Sun Yat-sen’s revolutionary movement during the renewed struggle against Yuan Shikai.

Returns to revolutionary activity as opposition to Yuan Shikai’s attempted monarchy succeeds and the monarchy collapses.

Serves in military staff roles under Chen Jiongming during Sun Yat-sen’s southern revolutionary government.

Travels to Guangdong to assist Sun Yat-sen after Chen Jiongming’s revolt forces Sun onto the gunboat Yongfeng.

Works within the Kuomintang movement as Sun Yat-sen reorganizes the Nationalist Party.

Helps establish the Whampoa Military Academy and serves as its first commandant.

Serves as commandant of the Whampoa Military Academy, which opens on 16 June 1924.

The Kuomintang’s First National Congress adopts cooperation with the Chinese Communist Party and Soviet advisers.

Emerges as a leading National Revolutionary Army commander after Sun Yat-sen’s death and the Eastern Expeditions.

Uses his growing military authority to strengthen Nationalist control in Guangzhou before the Northern Expedition.

The Kuomintang prepares the Northern Expedition to defeat major warlord regimes and extend Nationalist authority.

National Revolutionary Army victories at Hankou and Wuchang strengthen the Nationalist position during the Northern Expedition.

Commands the National Revolutionary Army as the Northern Expedition advances north from Guangdong.

The Nationalist movement shifts its political center toward Wuhan as the Northern Expedition advances.

The Kuomintang and Chinese Communist Party remain formally allied during the early Northern Expedition against warlords.

The Second National Congress of the Kuomintang meets as Chiang’s military influence within the party is growing.

Commands the Northern Expedition beginning in July 1926 as National Revolutionary Army forces advance against the warlords.

Is appointed commander-in-chief of the National Revolutionary Army as the Northern Expedition begins.

Launches the Northern Expedition as commander-in-chief of the National Revolutionary Army.

Nationalist forces take Hankou during the Northern Expedition, strengthening Chiang’s military campaign in central China.

Nationalist forces capture Wuchang during the Northern Expedition and consolidate control around Wuhan.

Breaks decisively with Soviet and Chinese Communist allies during the collapse of the First United Front.

The Nationalist political center develops at Wuhan during the early 1927 phase of the Northern Expedition.

Shanghai & Nanjing are captured during the Northern Expedition

National Revolutionary Army forces enter Shanghai after a workers’ uprising has weakened warlord control.

Presses the Shanghai provisional authorities to accept Nationalist control as the Northern Expedition reaches the city.

Soviet policy continues to support cooperation with Chiang shortly before the Nationalist-Communist split becomes open.

Nationalist forces and allied groups carry out a violent purge of Communists and labor activists in Shanghai.

Nationalist troops enter labor districts in Shanghai as Chiang’s purge of Communist and union organizations begins.

The Kuomintang splits between the Wuhan left and Chiang’s Nanjing faction during the breakdown of the First United Front.

Establishes a rival Nationalist government at Nanjing after breaking with the Communist and left-wing factions.

Nationalist forces suppress several Communist-led uprisings after the Kuomintang-Communist split.

Nationalist forces retake Nanchang after the Communist-led uprising withdraws from the city.

Resigns his Nationalist military and government posts amid internal Kuomintang opposition.

Steps aside from command as rival Kuomintang factions seek reconciliation after the 1927 split.

Nationalist forces retake Shantou after troops from the failed Nanchang uprising move through eastern Guangdong.

Marries Soong Mei-ling in Shanghai, strengthening his ties to the influential Soong family.

Nationalist China breaks diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union amid deteriorating relations after the Communist uprisings.

Establishes Nationalist government authority at Nanjing as the Northern Expedition nears completion.

Becomes chairman of the Nationalist Government after completion of the Northern Expedition.

Completes the Northern Expedition and brings most of China under nominal Nationalist authority.

Emerges as the dominant Nationalist leader after the Northern Expedition is completed.

Strengthens his control of the Kuomintang’s central party machinery after the Northern Expedition.

Serves as commander-in-chief of National Revolutionary Army forces during the final Northern Expedition campaigns.

Resumes the Northern Expedition as Nationalist forces advance toward Beijing.

The Jinan Incident brings Nationalist and Japanese forces into violent conflict during the Northern Expedition.

Nationalist forces enter Beijing, marking the military completion of the Northern Expedition.

Nationalist forces take Beijing and the city is subsequently renamed Beiping under the Nationalist government.

The Nationalist government presses foreign powers to revise unequal treaty arrangements and restore tariff autonomy.

Becomes chairman of the Nationalist Government following the successful Northern Expedition.

Reviews Nationalist troops in Nanjing during celebrations marking the successful completion of the Northern Expedition.

Britain extends recognition to the Nationalist government as Chiang consolidates international legitimacy.

Zhang Xueliang recognizes the Nanjing government during the Northeast Flag Replacement, completing the nominal political reunification of China.

Launches the first encirclement campaign against the Communist base area in Jiangxi late in the year.

Directs Nationalist forces against the coalition of Yan Xishan, Feng Yuxiang and other opponents during the Central Plains War.

Communist military pressure in central China adds to the Nationalist government’s conflicts during the Central Plains War.

Shifts Nationalist forces between major fronts as the Central Plains War turns increasingly in favor of the Nanjing government.

Opposition warlords establish a rival political center in Beiping during the Central Plains War.

Britain returns the leased territory of Weihaiwei to Nationalist China.

Offers a large reward for information leading to the capture of Communist leader Zhou Enlai.

Continues successive encirclement campaigns against the Communist Jiangxi base areas during 1931.

Japan occupies Manchuria after the Mukden Incident; Manchukuo is proclaimed the following year.

The second and third Nationalist encirclement campaigns fail to destroy the Communist base in Jiangxi.

The Provisional Constitution for the Period of Political Tutelage is drafted and prepared as the legal framework of Nationalist rule.

A rival Nationalist faction in Guangzhou challenges Chiang’s Nanjing government.

Uses a special foreign affairs commission to coordinate the Nationalist response and international appeals after the Mukden Incident.

Japan launches the Manchurian invasion after the Mukden Incident, confronting Chiang’s government with a major external crisis.

The Nationalist government appeals to the League of Nations after Japan occupies Manchuria.

Japanese forces occupy Mukden after the September 18 incident and expand control across Manchuria.

Japanese forces occupy Tsitsihar during the expansion of the Manchurian campaign.

Receives student representatives demanding stronger resistance to Japan after the loss of Manchuria.

The Nationalist government cooperates with the League of Nations investigation led by Lord Lytton.

Continues the fourth encirclement campaign against the Communist Jiangxi Soviet while balancing pressure from Japan.

The United States announces the Stimson Doctrine, refusing to recognize territorial changes in China achieved by force.

Japanese and Chinese forces begin major fighting in Shanghai during the January 28 Incident.

The Lytton Report concludes that Japan acted as the aggressor in Manchuria and rejects Manchukuo as genuinely independent.

Japanese forces expand into Rehe and northern Hebei during the Great Wall campaign, increasing pressure on Chiang’s government.

A ceasefire ends the major 1932 fighting in Shanghai between Chinese and Japanese forces.

Nationalist China signs the Tanggu Truce with Japan, establishing a demilitarized zone south of the Great Wall.

Launches the fifth encirclement campaign against Communist base areas, relying on large troop concentrations and fortified blockhouses.

The Fujian Rebellion challenges Chiang’s government but collapses after Nationalist military pressure.

Uses German military advisers and fortified blockhouses during the fifth encirclement campaign against the Jiangxi Soviet.

Launches the New Life Movement in Nanchang, promoting discipline, hygiene, social order and a moral program influenced by Confucian values.

Japan’s Amau statement warns foreign powers against actions in China that Tokyo considers contrary to Japanese interests.

Nationalist encirclement pressure helps force the Communist leadership to abandon the Jiangxi Soviet and begin the Long March.

Continues a cautious policy toward Japan while concentrating military pressure on internal opponents.

The Nationalist government introduces a major currency reform replacing silver-based money with a managed paper currency system.

Japanese expansion demonstrates the weakness of League of Nations enforcement and increases pressure on the Nationalist government.

Begins a term as President of the Executive Yuan, combining senior government office with his military leadership.

After the Xi’an Incident, shifts toward cooperation with the Communists for resistance against Japan.

Japanese-backed Inner Mongolian forces attack Suiyuan, increasing pressure on the Nationalist government in northern China.

Is detained at Xi’an by Zhang Xueliang and Yang Hucheng, who demand an end to civil war and united resistance against Japan.

Is seized at Xi’an by Zhang Xueliang and Yang Hucheng during the Xi’an Incident.

Is released from Xi’an after negotiations that help create conditions for a renewed Nationalist-Communist united front against Japan.

Returns to Nanjing after his release from the Xi’an Incident, where negotiations had pushed Nationalists and Communists toward cooperation against Japan.

Moves the Nationalist government’s wartime center inland toward Chongqing as Japanese armies advance.

Japanese forces capture Beiping during their rapid advance in northern China.

Takes overall command of Chinese resistance as full-scale war with Japan begins.

Suspends the main civil-war campaign against the Communists and cooperates with them against Japan.

Nationalist representatives continue negotiations with Zhou Enlai as cooperation against Japan develops after the Xi’an Incident.

The Marco Polo Bridge Incident near Beijing triggers the escalation into full-scale Sino-Japanese war.

The Nationalist government seeks international support as the conflict with Japan expands after the Marco Polo Bridge Incident.

Delivers the Lushan statement declaring that China has reached the last point at which it can tolerate further Japanese aggression.

Japanese forces intensify attacks around Beiping as full-scale hostilities spread across northern China.

Japanese aircraft bomb Nankai University during the fighting around Tianjin.

Japanese forces capture Tianjin as resistance in the Beiping-Tianjin area collapses.

The Battle of Shanghai begins as Chinese forces mount major resistance to the Japanese advance.

The Chinese Communist Party publicly supports resistance under a renewed united front against Japan.

The Communist-Nationalist united front strengthens as both sides prepare resistance to Japan.

Chinese forces withdraw from Shanghai after a prolonged battle, leaving the city under Japanese control.

Japanese forces capture Nanjing; mass killing, sexual violence and other atrocities follow during the Nanjing Massacre.

The United States extends a $25 million credit to Nationalist China as support for continued resistance to Japan.

Japan sponsors the Reformed Government of the Republic of China at Nanjing as a collaborationist regime.

Japanese forces capture Xiamen, tightening their control over important coastal positions.

Chinese aircraft fly over Japan and drop propaganda leaflets rather than bombs, demonstrating long-range capability.

Japanese forces capture Kaifeng during the campaign in Henan.

Nationalist authorities breach Yellow River dikes in an attempt to slow the Japanese advance, causing catastrophic flooding across large rural areas.

Japanese forces capture Anqing during their advance along the Yangtze River.

Wuhan falls to Japanese forces, reinforcing the Nationalist government’s decision to continue the war from Chongqing.

The Nationalist government continues operating from Chongqing as the Japanese offensive drives deeper into central China.

Japanese forces capture Guangzhou, threatening China’s remaining coastal supply routes.

Japanese forces capture Wuhan after months of fighting, while the Nationalist government continues resistance from Chongqing.

Begins another term as President of the Executive Yuan while continuing to direct wartime Nationalist policy.

Nationalist forces repel a major Japanese offensive around Changsha, providing an important defensive success during the war.

Rejects the Japanese-sponsored collaborationist government established at Nanjing under Wang Jingwei and continues resistance from Chongqing.

Assumes the role of Supreme Commander of the China Theater as China becomes a formal Allied belligerent in the wider Pacific War.

Nationalist China formally declares war on Japan after the Pacific War begins, ending the earlier undeclared legal status of the conflict.

Coordinates with British and Allied forces in Burma as Japanese advances threaten China’s southwestern supply routes.

China joins the United States, Britain, Soviet Union and other Allies in the Declaration by United Nations, pledging not to make a separate peace.

Nationalist China signs a parallel treaty with Britain ending British extraterritorial privileges in China.

Nationalist China signs a treaty with the United States ending American extraterritorial rights and revising the unequal treaty system.

Becomes chairman of the National Government during the wartime period.

China joins the United States, Britain and Soviet Union in the Four-Nation Declaration supporting a postwar international security organization.

Arrives in Cairo with Madame Chiang for meetings with Franklin Roosevelt and Winston Churchill.

Meets Roosevelt and Churchill in a plenary session at Cairo to discuss Allied operations against Japan and postwar arrangements in Asia.

Concludes the Cairo Conference with Roosevelt and Churchill; the communiqué sets Allied objectives for the war against Japan and postwar territorial settlements.

Chinese representatives join the Dumbarton Oaks discussions on plans for the future United Nations organization.

Formally insists that President Roosevelt replace General Joseph Stilwell after their command relationship deteriorates beyond repair.

Secures the recall of General Joseph Stilwell from his China commands after prolonged disputes over strategy, authority and military reform.

Appoints Albert Wedemeyer as chief of staff for the China Theater after the United States reorganizes the former China-Burma-India command.

Nationalist China joins the United States and Britain in the Potsdam Declaration demanding Japan’s unconditional surrender.

Japan’s surrender ends China’s eight-year full-scale war against Japan, after immense military and civilian losses.

The Nationalist government signs the Sino-Soviet Treaty of Friendship and Alliance in Moscow.

Broadcasts news of Japan’s surrender and calls for restraint, humane treatment of Japanese civilians and prisoners, and a durable peace.

Meets Mao Zedong in Chongqing for negotiations intended to avert renewed civil war after Japan’s surrender.

Nationalist China formally receives the surrender of Japanese forces in the China theater at Nanjing.

The Nationalists and Communists conclude the Double Tenth Agreement after negotiations between Chiang Kai-shek and Mao Zedong in Chongqing.

US Marines deploy to northern Chinese ports to accept Japanese surrender and help prevent immediate Communist occupation before Nationalist troops arrive.

Nationalist forces campaign in Jiangsu as fighting spreads beyond Manchuria

Nationalist forces advance in North China and contest Communist-held areas in Hebei

Nationalist forces push into Jehol as the struggle for North China expands

US forces reduce their presence while Nationalist and Communist armies prepare for renewed full-scale fighting

The Republic of China recognizes Mongolian independence after the 1945 referendum required under the Sino-Soviet arrangements.

Chiang Kai-shek's Nationalist government continues to claim sovereignty over Tibet.

The National Government continues to claim and administer Xinjiang during the civil war period

Fighting around Hankou shows the fragility of local ceasefire arrangements

Local clashes around Hankou illustrate the breakdown of peace efforts

The National Government formally recognises the independence of Outer Mongolia under the Sino-Soviet Treaty framework

A ceasefire agreement is arranged under George Marshall's mediation

General Marshall helps arrange a truce between Nationalist and Communist forces

A ceasefire agreement temporarily halts major Nationalist-Communist fighting while American mediation attempts to create a political settlement.

Marshall's mediation produces a ceasefire while political negotiations continue

The Political Consultative Conference opens with Nationalist, Communist and other political representatives seeking agreement on government reconstruction and constitutional issues.

Chiang's government opens the Political Consultative Conference with Communist and third-party delegates

Chiang accepts conference resolutions but later disputes over implementation undermine the settlement

The National Government formally returns its capital from Chongqing to Nanjing

Nationalist forces capture Changchun during the struggle for Manchuria

Nationalist forces launch major attacks against Communist-held areas as full-scale civil war resumes

Chiang orders an offensive to capture Communist-held areas in northern China

The United States suspends arms sales to the National Government during Marshall's mediation effort

The truce breaks down and the United States suspends arms sales to the Nationalists

US Marines begin withdrawing from parts of North China after postwar occupation and repatriation duties

Visits Taiwan for the first time and attends events marking the anniversary of the island’s transfer from Japanese administration.

Chiang orders a ceasefire and tells the United States he is willing to negotiate, but Communist leaders reject the offer

Chiang announces a ceasefire offer as civil war fighting continues

Chiang convenes the National Assembly despite Communist and Democratic League opposition

The National Assembly convenes in Nanjing to consider a new constitutional framework for the Republic of China.

Presents a draft constitution to the National Assembly and supports moving the Republic of China toward constitutional government.

Chiang ends 1946 committed to military victory after the collapse of coalition negotiations

The National Assembly adopts the Constitution of the Republic of China after prolonged political negotiations.

The National Assembly adopts the Constitution of the Republic of China

Promulgates the new Constitution of the Republic of China, which is scheduled to take effect later in the year.

The Marshall Mission ends as American mediation fails to reconcile the Nationalists and Communists.

Orders Nationalist troops to Taiwan during the February 28 crisis; subsequent repression causes extensive civilian deaths and arrests.

Nationalist forces launch a major offensive into Communist-held Shaanxi during renewed civil war.

Nationalist forces capture Yan’an, the principal Communist base, though Communist field forces avoid decisive destruction.

National Assembly elections begin under the new constitutional framework; the Communist Party does not participate.

The Constitution of the Republic of China takes effect, formally ending the Nationalist period of political tutelage.

Communist forces reoccupy Yan’an after Nationalist troops withdraw from the area.

The National Assembly elects Chiang Kai-shek as the first President under the new Constitution.

Promulgates the Temporary Provisions Effective During the Period of Communist Rebellion, expanding emergency presidential powers during the civil war.

Takes office as the first constitutional President of the Republic of China.

The government replaces the failing fabi currency with the gold yuan in an unsuccessful effort to control wartime inflation.

Nationalist forces suffer mounting pressure in the Pingjin Campaign as Communist armies isolate major cities across northern China.

The Huaihai Campaign begins; catastrophic Nationalist defeats during the campaign destroy major armies and accelerate the collapse of Chiang’s mainland position.

Declares emergency martial-law measures as Communist military victories intensify the Nationalist government’s crisis.

Appoints Chen Cheng as Governor of Taiwan Province while preparing the island as an increasingly important Nationalist base.

Places Chiang Ching-kuo in charge of the Kuomintang organization in Taiwan Province as the party prepares for possible retreat from the mainland.

The Nationalist government relocates from Nanjing to Guangzhou as Communist forces advance southward.

The Nationalist government shifts its remaining mainland headquarters from Chongqing to Chengdu late in the civil war.

The Nationalist government moves from Guangzhou to Chongqing as Communist forces capture more of southern China.

Remains leader of the Kuomintang and continues directing Nationalist strategy after stepping down from the presidency.

Orders Central Bank gold reserves transferred toward Taiwan as the Nationalist government prepares for possible loss of the mainland.

Announces his resignation as President after severe Nationalist defeats, while retaining leadership of the Kuomintang.

Communist forces enter Beiping after the Nationalist garrison accepts a negotiated surrender.

Communist forces cross the Yangtze River after peace negotiations fail, opening the final drive into Nationalist-held southern China.

Acts as liaison between the Kuomintang and government while continuing to influence Nationalist strategy after leaving the presidency.

Communist forces capture Nanjing, ending Nationalist control of the former capital.

Communist forces begin the final campaign for Shanghai, one of the last major Nationalist strongholds on the mainland coast.

Communist forces capture Shanghai after heavy fighting, removing the Nationalists from China’s largest city.

The United States publishes its China White Paper amid declining confidence in the Nationalist mainland war effort.

Mao Zedong proclaims the People’s Republic of China in Beijing while Chiang’s Nationalist government continues retreating south.

Nationalist forces defeat a Communist landing attempt at Kuningtou on Kinmen, preserving ROC control of the offshore island.

The Republic of China central government relocates to Taipei as Communist victory on the mainland becomes irreversible.

Leaves Chengdu for Taipei as the Nationalist government completes its relocation to Taiwan.

Promulgates standards requiring military court cases to be submitted for presidential review, expanding his direct involvement in military justice.

Resumes the presidency of the Republic of China in Taipei.

The United States sends the Seventh Fleet into the Taiwan Strait after the Korean War begins, reducing the immediate threat of a Communist invasion of Taiwan.

Requests an extension of legislators’ terms because nationwide elections cannot be held while the mainland remains under Communist control.

Advances land reform policies intended to reduce tenant burdens, broaden land ownership and strengthen the rural economy in Taiwan.

The United States announces plans to establish a Military Assistance Advisory Group in Taiwan to strengthen Nationalist defense capabilities.

The San Francisco Peace Treaty is signed without Republic of China participation, creating new diplomatic challenges for Chiang’s government.

Presides over the first major military affairs conference of his restored presidency in Taiwan.

The Republic of China and Japan sign the Treaty of Taipei, formally ending the state of war between them.

The Republic of China and Japan establish embassies following the Treaty of Taipei.

Becomes chairman of the newly established China Youth Anti-Communist National Salvation Corps.

The Executive Yuan announces the first Four-Year Economic Development Plan, beginning a sustained program of state-directed economic development.

Promulgates the Land-to-the-Tiller Act, transferring farmland from large landowners to tenant farmers under compensated reform.

Attends the opening of Xiluo Bridge, a major infrastructure project completed with substantial American assistance.

The United States ends its policy of neutralizing the Taiwan Strait, allowing Chiang’s forces greater freedom of action against the mainland.

Is re-elected President for a second constitutional term, with Chen Cheng serving as Vice President.

The Republic of China and United States sign the Sino-American Mutual Defense Treaty, formalizing American security commitments to Taiwan.

General Sun Li-jen is placed under house arrest after a conspiracy investigation involving one of his subordinates, reflecting the authoritarian security system.

Communist attacks on Nationalist-held offshore islands intensify pressure that leads to the evacuation of the Dachen Islands.

Communist forces capture Yijiangshan Island during the First Taiwan Strait Crisis.

US President Dwight Eisenhower signs the Formosa Resolution authorizing protection of Taiwan and the Penghu islands during the Taiwan Strait crisis.

US Admiral Arthur Radford visits Taiwan amid American efforts to deter further Communist attacks in the Taiwan Strait.

Construction begins on the Central Cross-Island Highway, a major infrastructure project linking eastern and western Taiwan.

The Eighth Kuomintang National Congress retains Chiang as Director-General, reinforcing his control of the ruling party during Taiwan’s early Cold War period.

Communist artillery begins intensive shelling of Kinmen, opening the major phase of the Second Taiwan Strait Crisis.

Issues a joint communiqué with US Secretary of State John Foster Dulles emphasizing political principles rather than force as the principal means of mainland recovery.

Oversees expansion of local electoral institutions in Taiwan, including directly elected local representatives, magistrates and city mayors.

The National Assembly amends the Temporary Provisions so the incumbent President and Vice President may seek additional terms.

Is elected President for a third term after constitutional emergency provisions are amended.

The Central Cross-Island Highway opens to traffic, completing one of Taiwan’s most ambitious infrastructure projects of the period.

Welcomes US President Dwight Eisenhower to Taiwan and issues a joint communiqué affirming opposition to Communist expansion.

Calls a meeting to discuss the case of Lei Chen and the Free China journal amid a wider crackdown on political dissent.

Meets US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Lyman Lemnitzer to discuss military cooperation and security in the Taiwan Strait.

Receives USAID administrator Fowler Hamilton for discussions on American economic assistance and development policy.

Taiwan begins agricultural and economic cooperation programs with eleven African countries as part of the government’s diplomatic strategy.

The Ninth Kuomintang National Congress renews his party leadership as Taiwan balances economic development with continuing security confrontation across the strait.

The US State Department announces that regular American economic aid to Taiwan will end in 1965 as the island’s economy strengthens.

Authorities arrest Peng Ming-min and associates after they prepare a declaration advocating political reform and Taiwanese self-determination.

Meets South Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Cao Ky and discusses cooperation between the Republic of China and South Vietnam.

Promotes the Chinese Cultural Renaissance Movement in Taiwan as an ideological and cultural response to the Cultural Revolution on the mainland.

Receives US Vice President Hubert Humphrey during his visit to Taiwan.

The National Assembly expands the Temporary Provisions, allowing the President to establish a body for policies concerning suppression of Communist rebellion.

Wins another presidential term after emergency constitutional provisions are expanded, continuing in office with Yen Chia-kan as Vice President.

Abolishes the National Defense Council and establishes the National Security Council during the Period of Communist Rebellion.

Taipei is elevated to the status of a special municipality under the central government.

Implements nine-year compulsory education, extending the previous six-year system and broadening access to secondary schooling.

Promulgates regulations allowing supplementary elections for additional national representatives while old mainland-elected seats remain in place.

The Tenth Kuomintang National Congress again confirms his leadership while the government begins limited supplementary elections for national representative bodies.

Receives US Vice President Spiro Agnew during an official visit to Taiwan.

Receives South Vietnamese Prime Minister Tran Thien Khiem as Taipei and Saigon maintain close anti-Communist relations.

Chairs a National Security meeting and issues a public statement urging calm, dignity and self-reliance amid mounting diplomatic pressure.

UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 transfers China’s United Nations representation to the People’s Republic of China, ending ROC membership.

The US-PRC Shanghai Communiqué alters the diplomatic environment facing Chiang’s government and deepens Taiwan’s international isolation.

The National Assembly revises the Temporary Provisions, giving the President broader authority to adjust central government administrative and personnel structures.

Is re-elected President for a fifth term together with Vice President Yen Chia-kan.

The Republic of China severs diplomatic relations with Japan after Tokyo establishes formal diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China.

Premier Chiang Ching-kuo announces major national construction projects intended to strengthen transport, industry and infrastructure during Chiang Kai-shek’s presidency.

Dies of a heart attack at his Shilin residence in Taipei.