Historical Events tagged with "taiwan"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Natural Disasters

Devastating Chi-Chi Earthquake Strikes Taiwan

September 21st, 1999 25 years ago

A powerful earthquake struck central Taiwan, registering a magnitude of 7.7, which caused devastating destruction, particularly in the town of Chi-Chi. The earthquake struck in the early hours, leading to significant damage to buildings and infrastructure. The immediate aftermath saw rescue operations launched, with thousands of people trapped under rubble. This disaster resulted in approximately 2,400 fatalities and thousands more injured, highlighting the urgent need for disaster preparedness and response.

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Accidents & Tragedies

China Airlines Flight 676 Crash Near Taipei

February 16th, 1998 27 years ago

China Airlines Flight 676, operating from Taipei to Hong Kong, crashed while attempting to land at Chiang Kai-shek International Airport. The Boeing 747 collided with a road and residential area shortly after takeoff, resulting in the deaths of all 196 people on board and six individuals on the ground. High winds were reported in the area at the time of the accident, contributing to visibility issues and navigational challenges for the crew.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Fatal Crash of Formosa Airlines Flight 7601

August 10th, 1997 27 years ago

Formosa Airlines Flight 7601 crashed near Beigan Airport, resulting in the deaths of sixteen individuals. The aircraft encountered severe weather conditions during its approach to the airport in the Matsu Islands of Taiwan. This tragic incident highlighted the challenges of aviation safety in adverse weather, particularly in remote locations like the Matsu Islands, which have limited access and infrastructure. The crash remains one of the notable aviation disasters in Taiwan's history.

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Crime & Law

Kidnapping and Murder of Pai Hsiao-yen

April 14th, 1997 27 years ago

Pai Hsiao-yen, daughter of Taiwanese actress Pai Bing-bing, was kidnapped on her way to school in Taipei. The abduction drew significant media attention, capturing public outrage and prompting investigations into child safety. Unfortunately, her lifeless body was later discovered, leading to widespread mourning and demand for justice.

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Politics & Government

Taiwan's First Direct Presidential Elections

March 23rd, 1996 28 years ago

In a landmark event, Taiwan held its first direct presidential elections, ushering in a new era of democracy. Lee Teng-hui, the candidate from the Kuomintang party, emerged victorious, securing a significant majority. This event marked a major turning point in Taiwan's political landscape, reflecting the island's transition from authoritarian rule to democratic governance. The elections were characterized by vibrant campaigning and active voter participation, showcasing a growing sense of civic duty among the Taiwanese people.

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Military & Warfare

PLA Missile Tests in Taiwan Strait Escalation

July 21st, 1995 29 years ago

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) initiated missile exercises in the waters north of Taiwan, marking a significant increase in military tension between China and Taiwan. These actions were a direct response to Taiwan's political climate and were designed to demonstrate China's military capabilities. The drills involved the firing of multiple missiles and were perceived as a warning against any moves toward Taiwanese independence.

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Politics & Government

Taiwan's Historic Local Elections Take Place

December 3rd, 1994 30 years ago

Taiwan held its first full local elections, marking a significant step towards democratic governance on the island. James Soong was elected as the first and only directly elected Governor of Taiwan, while Chen Shui-bian became the first directly elected Mayor of Taipei and Wu Den-yih won as the first directly elected Mayor of Kaohsiung. This pivotal event illustrated the advancements in Taiwan's electoral system, highlighting the growing influence of direct democracy in local governance.

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Accidents & Tragedies

China Airlines Flight 140 crashes at Nagoya Airport

April 26th, 1994 30 years ago

China Airlines Flight 140, an Airbus A300, crashed during its landing approach at Nagoya Airport in Japan. The aircraft was carrying 271 people, including passengers and crew. As the plane attempted to land, it overran the runway and struck a drainage ditch, resulting in a significant loss of life. Out of the 271 individuals on board, 264 were killed, with only seven survivors emerging from the wreckage. The incident raised concerns about aviation safety protocols.

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Politics & Government

China and Taiwan Sign Kinmen Agreement

September 12th, 1990 34 years ago

In Kinmen, representatives of the Red Cross organizations from mainland China and Taiwan reached a significant agreement addressing the repatriation of illegal immigrants and criminal suspects. Following two tragic incidents related to repatriation that occurred in the preceding months, the talks aimed to establish a more humane and efficient process for handling such cases. This agreement marks a pioneering effort by non-governmental organizations to resolve cross-strait issues, symbolizing a rare instance of cooperation.

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