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.

Accidents & Tragedies

Collision of Min Ping Yu No. 5202 with Naval Vessel

August 13th, 1990 34 years ago

A collision occurred involving the mainland Chinese fishing boat Min Ping Yu No. 5202 and a Taiwanese naval vessel during a repatriation operation for Chinese immigrants. The incident resulted in the sinking of the boat and the tragic deaths of 21 individuals aboard. This happened less than one month after a similar incident involving another fishing vessel, Min Ping Yu No. 5540, which raised serious safety and operational concerns in the contentious waters between Taiwan and mainland China.

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Crime & Law

Tragic Suffocation of Illegal Immigrants

July 21st, 1990 34 years ago

In an incident involving the military police of Taiwan, 25 illegal immigrants from mainland China died from suffocation while being repatriated on the fishing vessel Min Ping Yu No. 5540. The military police forced these individuals into sealed holds of the boat, aiming to transport them back to Fujian province. The lack of air and cramped conditions led to a tragic outcome during this enforcement operation.

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Accidents & Tragedies

China Airlines Flight 204 crash in Taiwan

October 26th, 1989 35 years ago

China Airlines Flight 204, a domestic flight from Hualien Airport in Taiwan, tragically crashed shortly after taking off, resulting in the loss of all 54 individuals aboard. The aircraft, a McDonnell Douglas MD-80, was on a routine flight to Kaohsiung when it encountered difficulties shortly after takeoff. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the plane spiral before crashing into a mountainous area near Hualien, raising immediate concerns about the cause of the accident. Rescue efforts were hampered by challenging terrain and inclement weather conditions.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

People's Liberation Army Suppresses Protests

June 4th, 1989 35 years ago

In 1989, large-scale protests took place in Beijing's Tiananmen Square, primarily led by students advocating for political reform and democratic freedoms. The demonstrations gathered significant national and international interest, attracting thousands of participants who camped in the square for weeks. However, the Chinese government deemed the movement a threat to its authority. On June 4, armed forces were deployed to forcibly clear the area, resulting in a violent crackdown with varying estimates of casualties ranging from hundreds to thousands.

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Politics & Government

Lee Teng-hui Becomes First Native Taiwanese President

January 13th, 1988 37 years ago

Lee Teng-hui was inaugurated as the President of the Republic of China, marking a significant moment in Taiwan's history as he became the first native Taiwanese to hold the position. The inauguration took place following the death of former President Chiang Ching-kuo, which prompted a series of changes in Taiwan's political landscape. Lee’s leadership signaled a shift towards greater democratization and the affirmation of Taiwanese identity within the context of Taiwan's political status. His presidency began a new chapter in the pursuit of democratic reforms in Taiwan.

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Military & Warfare

Taiwanese Military Attacks Vietnamese Refugees

March 7th, 1987 38 years ago

On March 7, 1987, Taiwanese military forces conducted an operation in Donggang, Lieyu, Kinmen, resulting in the deaths of 19 unarmed Vietnamese refugees. The refugees were aboard a boat and were attempting to reach Taiwan when they were intercepted. The incident raised significant human rights concerns and drew international attention to Taiwan's treatment of refugees.

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Politics & Government

DPP's Formation Marks New Political Era

September 28th, 1986 38 years ago

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) was formed in Taiwan, marking a significant shift in the political landscape. Established by pro-democracy activists, the DPP aimed to promote democratic values and oppose the long-standing Kuomintang (KMT) regime. The gathering showcased various groups united under the banner of democracy, advocating for political reforms. This event took place in Taipei, and it laid the foundation for future electoral competition in Taiwan, reflecting growing public demand for political reform.

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Accidents & Tragedies

China Airlines Flight 2265 Pacific Ocean Crash

February 16th, 1986 39 years ago

China Airlines Flight 2265 was a domestic flight from Taipei to Makung that tragically crashed into the Pacific Ocean near Penghu Airport, resulting in the loss of all 13 individuals on board. The flight was a scheduled service employing an Airbus A300. Eyewitness accounts reported seeing flames and smoke before the aircraft lost altitude and entered the water. The cause of the crash was investigated, focusing on potential mechanical failures.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Far Eastern Air Transport Flight 103 Crash

August 22nd, 1981 43 years ago

Far Eastern Air Transport Flight 103 disintegrated in mid-air near Sanyi Township, Miaoli County, Taiwan, leading to the deaths of all 110 individuals on board. The DC-8 aircraft experienced a catastrophic failure shortly after takeoff. Investigation concluded that a faulty fuel system and a series of misjudgments contributed to this devastating event.

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