January 3rd - January 9th
The British governor, Hubert Elvin Rance, and Burma's first president, Sao Shwe Thaik, stand at attention as the new nation's flag is raised on January 4, 1948.
By Staff | Stars and Stripes January 3, 2021
January 4th, 1948 – Burma becomes an independent republic when it gains its independence from the United Kingdom.
January 4th, 1951 – Korean War: During the Third Battle of Seoul, Chinese and North Korean forces capture the city.
January 5th, 1970 – The 7.1 Mw Tonghai earthquake occurs in Yunnan province, China and kills between 10,000 and 15,000 people.
January 7th, 1979 – The Vietnamese army captures Phnom Penh and drives out Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge.
January 7th, 1985 – Sakigake, the first deep space probe by any country outside of the United States or the Soviet Union, is launched by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.