Asia 797
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (None)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: By the summer of 1995, Taiwan was nearing declaring its independence
from mainland China. China responded with various threats and force to try to intimi-
date the island’s leadership. The incidents including moving missiles to the area, con-
ducting military exercises, intercepting Taiwanese vessels, and various shows of force
by both naval and air forces.
The United States responded on December 19 by sending an aircraft carrier into the
Taiwan Straits; however, by March 1996 they announced their support of a one-China
policy after months of tensions and threats of war.
Taiwan committed to a unified China policy on March 23, 1996.
Coding changes: End Date changed from March 28, 1996.
MID#4088
Dispute Number: 4088
Date(s): February 10, 1999 to April 26, 2000
Participants: 710 China/2 United States of America, 713 Taiwan
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (None)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: On February 10, 1999, Taiwan confirmed that China had deployed more
than 100 ballistic missiles within firing range of the island. The Taiwan defense min-
ister’s acknowledgment was pointing, saying that this development posed a social and
military threat. On July 28, Chinese news sources reported that mobilization exercises
would be conducted along the southern cost across from Taiwan. On August 2, China
announced the testing of a long-range missile capable of reaching the United States.
During the announcement, the Chinese official stated that the United States “needs to
be aware of the seriousness and danger of arms sales to Taiwan.” On February 11,
2000, a new Chinese warship passed through the Taiwan Strait. Then, in March, the
Chinese government renewed its warning to Taiwan that a declaration of indepen-
dence would mean war with the mainland. On April 26, China increased its military
exercises for bombers and other warplanes on its eastern coast across from Taiwan,
but no additional incidents immediately followed.
Coding changes: Start day changed from Missing. End day changed from Missing.
MID#4281
Dispute Number: 4281
Date(s): March 27, 2001 to August 2001
Participants: 710 China/2 United States of America, 713 Taiwan
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (None)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: China threatened to declare war on March 27, 2001, as Taiwan began
moves toward declaring its independence from the mainland. China again threatened
force on August 1, and Taiwan responded with air force exercises (helicopters) on
August 21. China followed the next day with military exercises of its own, near