Over the years, The New York Times has chronicled these important events, and by using past articles, the following timeline will attempt to provide a proper historical perspective. Mao Zedong formally declares the People's Republic of China.
Chinese troops enter the Korean War.
1959-1962 Widespread hunger resulting from the Great Leap For ward. Mao introduces the Cultural Revolution. 1966 Red Guards take control of local governments. The PRC replaces Taiwan in the United Nations. 1972 President Nixon visits China.