1904 British occupy Lhasa in bid to prevent Russian influence in Tibet.
1910 China enforces its claim in Tibet by invading, but later withdraws amidst its own revolution.
1950 After almost four decades of self-proclaimed independence, Tibet is attacked by Mao Zedong's newly formed People's Republic of China. A 'Seventeen Point Agreement' guarantees Chinese military occupation and control over Tibet's external affairs in exchange for safeguarding its political system.
1959 Tibetan uprising crushed, and Dalai Lama - the head of state - escapes into India. A 'government-in-exile' is established. Dalai Lama has not returned since.
1965 Tibetan Autonomous Region established by Chinese, while Mao's Cultural Revolution sees many Buddhist monasteries vandalised or destroyed.
1982 China guarantees religious freedom in Tibet, but continues to be accused of persecuting nuns and priests.
1989 Dalai Lama receives Nobel Prize for Peace.
1995 China attempts to discredit the Dalai Lama's authority by recognising a different candidate for reincarnation of key religious figure the Panchen Lama. Dalai Lama's candidate taken into custody and his whereabouts remain unknown.
July 7, 2006 China completes rail line to Lhasa