On this day in 1972, the ROC severed diplomatic relations with Japan after Tokyo established diplomatic ties with Beijing.
On this day in 1988, the space shuttle Discovery was launched, marking the first space shuttle launch since the explosion of the Challenger shortly after takeoff in January 1986.
On this day in 1992, the ROC was granted observer status in the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), forerunner to the World Trade Organization. GATT also resolved to accept the ROC's application for entry into GATT under the designation "Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu."