1923 : The Panchen Lama disputes his tax liability and flees to China.
1940 : Tenzin Gyatso, the present Dalai Lama, enthroned in Lhasa.
1941-44 : Tibet remains neutral during World War II.
1947 : Tibet nearly plunges into civil war as former Regent Reting attempts coup.
1949 : Peoples Republic of China formed. The Peoples Liberation Army announces intention to "liberate Tibet from foreign imperialists".
1950 :The Dalai Lama takes charge of the Tibetan government. China invades Tibet.
1951: Tibetans sign 17-Point Agreement with the Chinese under duress.
1956 : The CIA gets involved in Tibet.
1957 :Revolt in eastern Tibet. Birth of the Tibetan resistance movement. Chinese driven out of southern Tibet.
1959 : National uprising against Chinese rule. The Dalai Lama and 1 lakh other Tibetans flee to India. China imposes military government in Tibet headed by the Panchen Lama and begins "democratic reforms".
1965 : The Chinese begin to systematically destroy Tibetan monasteries and culture.
1976 : The Chinese acknowledge "past mistakes in Tibet".
1979 : China invites Dalai Lama to return from exile. He sends a fact-finding team to Tibet.
1980 : Chinese party secretary Hu Yaobang visits Tibet and initiates liberalisation.
1983 : Depleted Tibetan economy is reoriented around tourism.
1987 : Dalai Lama proposes a Five Point Peace Plan during a visit to the US Congress.
1988 : Dalai Lama makes Strasbourg Proposal - offering China control of Tibetan foreign policy and defence in return for full internal autonomy.
1989 : Police open fire on demonstrators in Lhasa. The Chinese impose martial law. Dalai Lama is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
1990 : Martial law lifted but restrictions continue against foreigners and journalists. European Parliament appoints Rapporteur on Tibet.
1991 : Dalai Lama withdraws Strasbourg Proposal.
1992 : 17th Karmapa recognised by the Dalai Lama and Chinese authorities.
1995 : Panchen Lama arrested by the Chinese authorities, who appoint another one in his place.
2000 : `17th Kamarpa crosses over to India.
