In the intricate world of international relations, the way Taiwan refers to China carries significant weight. It transcends mere words, reflecting deeply ingrained political ideologies and aspirations. So, does Taiwan call China “China” or “The Mainland”? Let’s unravel the complexities of this terminology.
Context: What Does “Mainland China” Refers to?
Taiwan, officially the Republic of China (ROC), shares a long and contentious history with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) on the other side of the strait. This history shapes the language used by Taiwanese people and their political stance.
“Mainland China” is a geopolitical term referring to the territory under the direct control of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). It’s important to distinguish it from a couple of other areas:
- Taiwan and other islands: Mainland China excludes Taiwan and some surrounding islands governed by the Republic of China (ROC).
- Hong Kong and Macau: While formerly colonies, Hong Kong and Macau are now Special Administrative Regions within China, but not considered part of mainland China.
Here’s a breakdown:
- Mainland China: The territory governed by the People’s Republic of China, including some nearby islands like Hainan.
- Taiwan and ROC Islands: Governed by the Republic of China, including Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu islands.
The term arose after the Chinese Civil War, when the PRC took control of most of mainland China. It’s a way to distinguish the mainland territory from other parts claimed by China.
The term used by Taiwan is actually “free area of the Republic of China“. It refers to the territories under the actual control of the Taiwanese government.
The “free area” encompasses these island groups:
- Taiwan (main island)
- Penghu (Pescadores Islands)
- Kinmen (Quemoy Islands)
- Matsu Islands
- Some minor islands
There’s also a shorter term, “Tai-Peng-Kin-Ma Area“, which excludes some minor islands and the South China Sea holdings (Pratas Island and Taiping Island).
Historical Shifts
Historically, before the 1970s, Taiwan commonly referred to itself as “China.” However, as tensions escalated and Taiwan’s identity evolved, its preferred terminology did as well.
Today, Taiwan primarily uses terms like “Taiwan” or “the Republic of China” to assert its distinct identity. When referring to mainland China, “the Mainland” is the politically correct term, emphasizing the geographical and political separation between the two regions.
Factors Shaping Terminology
Several factors influence this terminology choice:
- One-China Policy: This policy, asserting a single sovereign China, influences Taiwan’s navigation. Calling mainland China “China” might suggest recognition of PRC sovereignty over Taiwan, contradicting the island’s pursuit of independence.
- Domestic Politics: Taiwan’s internal landscape plays a crucial role. The independence movement advocates for separate terminology to affirm Taiwan’s sovereignty and distinct identity from mainland China.
- International Relations: Taiwan’s diplomatic relations are heavily influenced by how it frames its relationship with China. The chosen terminology can impact Taiwan’s standing in the international community and its ability to engage globally.
Variations and Nuances
While “the Mainland” is the preferred term, variations exist:
- Some individuals, as a statement of support for Taiwanese independence, intentionally call mainland China “China.” While not politically correct, it reflects pride and defiance.
- Notably, using “the Mainland” doesn’t necessarily indicate a lack of support for independence. Many Taiwanese who use this term still advocate for Taiwan’s sovereignty and autonomy.
Bonus: Chinese Vocabulary
| Chinese | Bopomofo | Pinyin | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| 中華民國 | ㄓㄨㄥ ㄏㄨㄚˊ ㄇㄧㄣˊ ㄍㄨㄛˊ | Zhōnghuá mínguó | Republic of China |
| 中華人民共和國 | ㄓㄨㄥ ㄏㄨㄚˊ ㄖㄣˊ ㄇㄧㄣˊ ㄍㄨㄥˋ ㄏㄜˊ ㄍㄨㄛˊ | Zhōnghuá rénmín gònghéguó | People’s Republic of China |
| 中國大陸 | ㄓㄨㄥ ㄍㄨㄛˊ ㄉㄚˋ ㄌㄨˋ | Zhōngguó dàlù | Mainland China |
| 自由地區 | ㄗˋ ㄧㄡˊ ㄉㄧˋ ㄑㄩ | Zìyóu dìqū | Free Area of the Republic of China |
| 臺澎金馬地區 | ㄊㄞˊ ㄆㄥˊ ㄐㄧㄣ ㄇㄚˇ ㄉㄧˋ ㄑㄩ | Tái-Pēng-Jīn-Mǎ dìqū | Tai-Peng-Kin-Ma Area |
The terminology employed by Taiwan to refer to mainland China is a nuanced reflection of its complex history, political aspirations, and international relations. While “the Mainland” is the preferred politically correct term, variations in usage reflect the diverse perspectives within Taiwanese society. Ultimately, understanding this terminology is crucial for navigating the intricate dynamics of Taiwan-China relations.
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