Seventy-five years ago today, on January 6, 1950 (November 18, 1949), London recognized the People's Republic of China. Britain's recognition of the People's Republic of China caused international tensions. The United States and France were angered by Britain's recognition of the Communist regime, especially as the Chinese People's Liberation Army was still battling Chiang Kai-shek's Nationalist forces. Western nations, led by the United States, have been Chiang's supporters and helpers during the past four years of civil war. In response to the anger expressed by the Allies, Britain pointed out that the Chinese Communist Party has controlled almost the entire Chinese mainland. The British Foreign Office also said that the Chinese Communist Party has the support of the Chinese people and has recently established the People's Republic of China. The Chinese Communist Party won the support of farmers, who make up more than 80 percent of China's population, by implementing land reform and distributing land to farmers. The Chinese Communist Party-led People's Liberation Army expanded from its old base in northern China and spread across the country, driving Kuomintang troops to Taiwan.