Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
2006
Chiang Kai-shek International Airport is renamed Taoyuan International Airport as part of a gen-
eral movement to erase homages to the former dictator.
2007
Taiwan's High Speed Rail (HSR) begins operation to much fanfare and publicity. With speeds of
up to 350km/h, the HSR cuts rail travel from Taipei to Kaohsiung to 90 minutes.
2008
Former Taipei mayor and long-time KMT favourite Ma Ying-jeou is elected president, regaining
control of the executive branch after eight years of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) rule.
2008
As part of the Ma government's opening to China, regularly scheduled direct flights between
the two countries begin. Ma also declares that Taiwan, as the Republic of China, is part of China.
2009
Typhoon Morakot causes severe damage to the island, particularly in the southern counties.
The storm kills hundreds and causes billions of dollars in damage.
2009
Former president Chen Shui-bian is sentenced to life imprisonment (later reduced to 20 years)
on corruption charges; supporters of the former president claim the charges are politically mo-
tivated.
2010
President Ma signs the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA), a trade agree-
ment between the PRC and ROC governments, lowering economic barriers between the two
sides.
2012
Ma Ying-jeou wins a second term as president, promising to continue policies of opening
Taiwan's economy to China. Within months his popularity has sunk to 15%.
2012
Taiwan's economy is stalled. Foreign Direct Investment is the second lowest in the world. With
wages stagnated for over a decade, many young people are looking to emigrate.
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