Editing History of Taiwan (section)

=== Democratic reforms ===

After Chiang Kai-shek died in April 1975, he was succeeded to the [[President of the Republic of China|presidency]] by [[Yen Chia-kan]], while his son [[Chiang Ching-kuo]] succeeded to the leadership of the Kuomintang and became president in 1978. Formerly the head of the feared [[secret police]], Chiang Ching-kuo recognized that gaining foreign support to secure the ROC's future security required reform. His administration saw a gradual loosening of political controls, a transition towards democracy, and moves toward the [[Taiwanization]] of the regime.{{sfnp|Hu|2005|pp=26–27}} Opponents of the Nationalists were no longer forbidden to hold meetings or publish papers. Though opposition political parties were still illegal, when the [[Democratic Progressive Party]] was established as the first opposition party in 1986, President Chiang decided against dissolving the group or persecuting its leaders. Its candidates officially ran in elections as independents in the [[Tangwai movement]]. In the following year, Chiang ended martial law and allowed family visits to [[mainland China]].{{sfnp|Hu|2005|pp=32–43}} Chiang selected [[Lee Teng-hui]] to be his vice president. The move followed other reforms giving more power to native born citizens and calmed anti-KMT sentiments.{{sfnp|Hu|2005|pp=33–34}}