1993 - Lien Chan (above, left), a US-educated political scientist whose nomination triggered intense infighting within the governing Nationalist Party, was confirmed as Taiwan’s new premier. The move was part of a transfer of power from old guard nationalists to a younger generation of liberals. The legislative Yuan, Taiwan’s parliament, voted 109-33 to confirm Lien, 56, scion of a wealthy family and the island’s provincial governor since 1990, to succeed Hau Pei-tsun, 73. Confirmation of Taiwan’s first native Taiwanese prime minister could lead to a change in the country’s policy from asserting its right to rule mainland China towards a separatist stance. Lien said he supported the idea of an “independent Republic of China”.
Other important events
1861 - American president-elect Abraham Lincoln arrives secretly in Washington to take office.
1901 - Britain and Germany agree on boundary between German East Africa and Nyasaland.
1903 - Cuba’s Guantanamo leased to US.
1905 - The Rotary Club is established.
1917 - February revolution begins in Russia.
1920 - The world’s first wireless telegraph broadcasting service is transmitted in Chelmsford, England.
1933 - Japan begins occupation of China north of the Great Wall.
1938 - First oil discovery in Kuwait.
1947 - The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) is founded in Geneva, Switzerland.
1982 - Saudi Arabia signs a comprehensive internal security pact with Oman.
1990 - Prince Sihanouk returns to Cambodia after 11 years in exile.
1991 - US and allied forces start ground offensive against Iraq.
1996 - Two sons-in-law of Iraqi President Saddam Hussain are killed by clan members.
1997 - A devastating fire at a religious ceremony kills more than 250 people in Orissa (now Odisha), India.
1999 - An avalanche hits the village of Galtur, Austria, killing more than 30 people.
2006 - The snow-covered roof of a large Moscow market collapses, killing at least 66.
2007 - Forty-six countries sign a declaration in Oslo pushing for a global ban on cluster bombs.
2008 - B-2 stealth bomber crashes shortly after taking off from an air base in Guam, the first time such an aircraft crashes.
2010 - Sudan signs a ceasefire deal with main Darfur rebel group to end seven-year war.
2012 - At least 49 people are killed and more than 600 injured in the worst train crash in Argentina in 40 years.
2014 - Hala Shukrallah is elected as head of Constitution Party, becomes first Egyptian woman to lead a political party.
2016 - UAE imposes Lebanon travel ban on citizens following Saudi disapproval of Hezbollah’s hostile positions towards the kingdom.
