China-Taiwan relations

As China launches three days of military drills around Taiwan, AFP looks at the history of relations between the self-ruled island and Beijing:

1949: Separation

Mao Zedong's communists take power in Beijing in October 1949 after defeating Chiang Kai-shek's Kuomintang (KMT) nationalists in a civil war. The KMT flee to the island of Taiwan and form their own government in Taipei in December, cutting off contacts with mainland China. In 1950, Taiwan becomes an ally of the United States, which is at war with communist China in Korea. The United States deploys a fleet in the Taiwan Strait to protect its ally from possible attack.

1971: Beijing gets UN, US nods

In October 1971, Beijing takes over China's seat at the United Nations, previously held by Taipei. In 1979, the United States cuts formal ties with Taiwan and establishes diplomatic relations with Beijing instead. The United States maintains trade and military ties with Taipei. It opposes both Taiwanese independence and any attempt by China to forcibly take the island.

1987-2004: relations improve

In late 1987, Taiwan residents are permitted to visit mainland China for the first time, allowing families to reunite. Taiwan lifts emergency rule in 1991, unilaterally ending a state of war with China. The first direct talks between the two sides are held in Singapore two years later.

2005-2015: threats and talks

Beijing adopts a law in March 2005 authorising the use of force if Taiwan declares independence. In April, KMT chairman Lien Chan makes a landmark visit to Beijing for talks with Chinese leader Hu Jintao. In 2014 hold the first government-to-government talks since separation.

2016: honeymoon over

Tsai Ing-wen, from the traditionally pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party, wins presidential elections in January 2016. In June, China suspends all communications with Taiwan after the new government fails to acknowledge the "One China" policy.

2022-present: tensions spike

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi lands in Taiwan on August 2 after days of speculation and stern warnings from Beijing. A furious China vows "punishment" and launches its largest-ever military exercises in the area, encircling Taiwan on August 4. Tsai makes two stops in the US on her way to and from Latin America, meeting House Speaker Kevin McCarthy on the return leg in California on April 5.