Taiwan Area

The Taiwan Area is a term for the lands ruled by the Republic of China, which is often called Taiwan. This name has been used officially since May 1, 1991, after changes to the Constitution of the Republic of China.

The Taiwan Area includes the big island of Taiwan and smaller islands like Penghu, Kinmen, Matsu, and some minor islands.

People sometimes call these areas "Tai-Peng-Kin-Ma," which means Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu. But this does not include very small islands such as Wuqiu, Dongsha Island, or Taiping Island.

The Taiwan Area is different from the "Mainland Area," which is ruled by the People's Republic of China, also called China. The Republic of China’s constitution does not clearly state its borders, but it still claims to speak for all of China.

The government of the People's Republic of China also uses the term "Taiwan area" for Taiwan and its people. This is because they believe there is only one China. So, even though China does not control Taiwan directly, they still see Taiwan as part of their country.

Background

The term "free area" or "Free China" was used during the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937–45) to describe parts of China controlled by the Kuomintang led Nationalist government in Chungking (now Chongqing). This was different from areas under Japanese occupation, such as Nanking (now Nanjing).

After the Japanese occupation ended in 1945, the term "Free China" took on a new meaning during the early Cold War. When the Communist Party won the Chinese Civil War in 1949, they took control of mainland China. The Kuomintang government moved to Taiwan and made Taipei the temporary capital of the Republic of China. The areas still under Nationalist control were called the "Free Area" of China, also known as "Nationalist China" or "Free China." This special period ended on 1 May 1991 when the government put into place the Additional Articles of the Constitution.

Before the Battle of Dachen Archipelago in 1955, the Free Area also included islands near Zhejiang. These islands are now managed by the People's Republic of China.

Nomenclature

Different names are used to talk about a special area in the world. These names include the Taiwan Area, the Taiwan Area of the Republic of China, the free area of the Republic of China, and the "Tai-Min Area (Taiwan and Fuchien)".

Legal use

The term "free area of the Republic of China" is used in laws today. It was added to the Constitution in 1991. This lets people living there choose the President and Legislature.

The term "free area" was used instead of "Taiwan" to show that the Republic of China includes more than just Taiwan. People often say "Taiwan Area". The People's Republic of China uses terms like "Taiwan area" to avoid suggesting Taiwan is independent. This term includes areas such as Kinmen and Matsu islands.