Analysts at the CIA write that "the National Government remains politically stable and the economy of Taiwan continues gradually to improve. The military establishment is growing stronger, but Nationalist forces alone could not defend their territories against a full-scale Chinese Communist attack."

This National Intelligence Estimate concludes that "the Government of the Republic of China continues to exercise firm political control on Taiwan. With US assistance, an expanding economy has been maintained and the strength of the armed forces has been increased. At the same time, however, the international position of the National Government has declined, causing an increased feeling of insecurity and concern for the future."

A CIA memorandum evaluating the domestic politics and international relations of Taiwan in 1974. 

This version of "Nationalist China Revisited" was declassified by the CIA on September 25, 1999. An alternate version was declassified on September 28, 2004. The release from 1999 includes fewer redactions than the version declassified five-years later.

A CIA memorandum evaluating the domestic politics and international relations of Taiwan in 1974. 

This version of "Nationalist China Revisited" was declassified by the CIA on September 28, 2004. An alternate version was declassified on September 25, 1999. The release from 1999 includes fewer redactions than the version declassified five-years later.

The Office of East Asian Analysis at the CIA concludes that Taiwan is moving away from its "lowkey diplomacy" and reverting to a tougher and more aggressive stance in defending its international standing.

A group of senior CCP officials outline how the Party can both plan for a "military resolution while striving to achieve a peaceful resolution" with regards to Taiwan.

The CCP Central Committee outlines its strategy toward Taiwan and how provincial and municipal level bodies in the PRC can effectively contribute to undermining Chiang Kai-shek's rule.

Zhou Enlai met with Tanaka Kakuei, the Japanese Prime Minister and shared opinions regarding the diplomatic normalization. Zhou claimed that "it is unlikely for us to liberate Taiwan by force."

Wu Lengxi, a member of the CCP Central Committee, recalls events in August 1958 when Chinese Communist forces along the Fujian coast began an intensive artillery bombardment of the Nationalist-controlled Jinmen Island. He recalls a Politburo Standing Committee meeting in which Mao states that the bombardment was in part motivated by events in the Middle East.