1945-1949: After the Second World War the US backs nationalists.
1949: The Chinese Communist Party takes over mainland China.
1960: The USSR withdraws technical advisers from China.
1976: Tiananmen Square riots.
1979: US and PRC establish diplomatic relations.
1989: Troops open fire on demonstrators in Tiananmen Square. Leading to sanctions.
1992: Russia and China restore friendly ties.
1997: Hong Kong reverts to Chinese control.
1999: NATO bombs the Chinese embassy in Belgrade.
Chinese premier Jiang Zemin visits Britain.
2000: Britain and China explore ‘military cooperation’.
2001: Detention of a US spy plane and crew.
China admitted as member of the WTO.