1927    The Nanchang Uprising marks the first significant battle in the Chinese Civil War between the Kuomintang and Communist Party of China. This day is commemorated as the anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army.

1949    Chinese Civil War: The People's Liberation Army begins its siege of Chengdu, the last Kuomintang-held city in mainland China, forcing President of the Republic of China Chiang Kai-shek and his government to retreat to Taiwan.

1950    The People's Liberation Army takes control of the town of Qamdo; this is sometimes called the "Invasion of Tibet".

1954    The People's Liberation Army begins shelling the Republic of China-controlled islands of Quemoy.

1958    Chinese Civil War: The Second Taiwan Strait crisis begins with the People's Liberation Army's bombardment of Quemoy.

1962    The Chinese People's Liberation Army declares a unilateral cease-fire in the Sino-Indian War.

1995    Third Taiwan Strait Crisis: The People's Liberation Army begins firing missiles into the waters north of Taiwan.

2001    An EP-3E United States Navy surveillance aircraft collides with a Chinese People's Liberation Army Shenyang J-8 fighter jet. The Navy crew makes an emergency landing in Hainan, People's Republic of China and is detained.