July 1998
After many years of encouragement from Lee Teng-hui (李登輝), Liberty Times founder Lin Rong-san (林榮三) establishes the English newspaper the Taipei Times. He brings in Lee Chang-kuei (李長貴) of the NTU College of
Management, and senior journalist Antonio Chiang (江春男) to commence preparatory work on the newspaper.
Nov. 1, 1998
Antony Lawrence and Laurence Eyton join the preparatory team and begin recruiting overseas editorial talent.
March 1, 1999
Training begins for the first batch of journalists to be brought on by the Taipei Times.
June 15, 1999
The Taipei Times officially begins publication. Japan's Mainichi Shinbun and Kyodo News, France's Le Monde and other international media outlets devote special reports to the establishment of Taiwan's third English newspaper.
July 9, 1999
Lee Teng-hui shocks the world when he declares the “special state-to-state” policy as the basis for cross-strait relations; in the month following, the Taipei Times is extensively quoted in the international
media on this issue.
Aug. 31, 1999
TheTaipei Times Web site goes online and begins to exert international influence.
Sep. 21, 1999
An earthquake measuring 7.3 on the Richter scale hits Taiwan, killing over 2,000 people and injuring over 8,000. The Taipei Times dedicates many pages to reporting on the event.
Dec. 30 1999
Taiwan and Palau establish diplomatic relations.
* Feb. 28, 2000
The Taipei Times wins an Awards of Excellence and World's Best-Designed Newspaper Finalist from the Society for News Design.
Jan. 24, 2000
Democratic Progressive Party presidential candidate Chen Shui-bian visits the Taipei Times office.
Mar. 18 2000
Taiwan has its second direct presidential election. Chen Shui-bian is elected in Taiwan's first transition of power between political parties. KMT supporters demonstrate in front of party headquarters and force Lee Teng-hui
to step down as party chairman. The Taipei Times produces an eight-page election special report.
May 20, 2000
Chen Shui-bian's inauguration. Chen makes his“Taiwan stands up”speech, emphasizing the pledge of the “five noes”as the basis of cross-strait relations.
*June 15, 2000
The Taipei Times e-commerce section begins operation.
July 22, 2000
The Pachang Creek flood takes four lives and the government is criticized for incompetence in rescue operations.
Sept. 15, 2000
The Taipei Times produces four full pages of dedicated daily coverage throughout the Sydney Olympics.
Oct. 06, 2000
Antonio Chiang, co-founder and chief editor of the Taipei Times is appointed deputy secretary-general of the National Security Council by President Chen Shui-bian.
Oct. 27, 2000
The Government halts work on the Fourth Nuclear Power Plant. It is criticized by both the ruling party and the opposition and impeachment of the President and Vice-President is discussed.
Oct. 31, 2000
A Singapore Airlines flight crashes at CKS Airport,killing 82 dead and injuring 49.
Dec. 2000
Over the course of the year, the TAIEX hits a high above 10,000 and, later, a low below 5,000.
Jan. 1, 2001
The “small three links” are introduced. Direct transportation begins between Taiwan's Kinmen and Matsu and China's Fuzhou and Xiamen.
Feb. 14, 2001
Premier Chang Chun-hisung (張俊雄) announces continuation of construction of the Fourth Nuclear Power Plant.
* Feb. 28, 2001
The Taipei Times wins the grand prize as World's Best-Designed Newspaper in the 22nd Annual“Best of Newspaper Design”competition held by the Society for News Design (SND).
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