September 17, 1988 – October 2, 1988
Seoul hosts the Summer Olympics, marking South Korea's economic and international emergence.
Chinese and Vietnamese naval forces clash at Johnson South Reef in the Spratly Islands; about 64 Vietnamese sailors are killed.
Nationwide protests force South Korea's government to accept direct presidential elections, ushering in democracy.
Chiang Ching-kuo lifts 38 years of martial law, opening the way to Taiwan's democratisation.
Weeks of student-led protests in Beijing end when troops suppress them on the night of 3–4 June.
Peaceful protests lead to the end of one-party rule and multiparty elections in Mongolia.
Vietnam and China normalise relations after more than a decade of hostility.