China (Republic of China)
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| China (Republic of China) | |
|---|---|
| Conventional long name | Republic of China |
| Native name | 中華民國 |
| Capital | Taipei |
| Largest city | New Taipei |
| Official languages | Mandarin |
| Government type | Semi-presidential republic |
| Area km2 | 36197 |
| Population estimate | 23 million |
| Currency | New Taiwan dollar |
| Calling code | +886 |
China (Republic of China) The Republic of China is a de facto sovereign state on the island of Taiwan and nearby islands, with its political center in Taipei. It maintains distinct institutions such as the Presidency of the Republic of China, the Legislative Yuan, and the Judicial Yuan and sustains robust relations with selected states and organizations including informal ties to the United States, Japan, and members of the European Union. Its modern status traces to the 1912 founding by the Kuomintang and subsequent relocation after the Chinese Civil War.
Etymology and Names
The English name "Republic of China" reflects the 1912 proclamation by Sun Yat-sen and the 1947 Constitution promulgated by the Nationalist Government (Republic of China). The Chinese name 中華民國 derives from the concept of Zhonghua as a cultural nation used in republican debates alongside terms like Taiwan and Formosa, the latter appearing in maps produced by Dutch East India Company and referenced in the Treaty of Shimonoseki. Alternative usages appear in diplomatic practice such as references to "Taiwan" in United Nations contexts and the One-China policy asserted by the People's Republic of China.
History
The Republican era began with the Xinhai Revolution ending the Qing dynasty and the inauguration of the Provisional Government of the Republic of China. The Warlord Era and the Northern Expedition led by the Kuomintang under Chiang Kai-shek preceded cooperation and later conflict with the Chinese Communist Party during the Second Sino-Japanese War aligned with the Allies of World War II. After defeat in the Chinese Civil War, the Nationalist leadership retreated to Taiwan and established a government in exile while the People's Republic of China controlled the mainland. Martial law under the Temporary Provisions Effective During the Period of Communist Rebellion ended during the era of leaders such as Chiang Ching-kuo and Lee Teng-hui, paving the way for democratization, the first direct presidential election involving Chen Shui-bian and later administrations including Ma Ying-jeou and Tsai Ing-wen.
Politics and Government
The political system is defined by the Constitution of the Republic of China (1947) and institutions created in the Five-Power Constitution framework. Executive authority is exercised by the President of the Republic of China (Taiwan), while the Executive Yuan administers ministries including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Taiwan) and the Ministry of National Defense (Republic of China). Legislative power rests with the Legislative Yuan, and the Control Yuan performs oversight functions. Political parties with major roles include the Kuomintang, the Democratic Progressive Party, and the People First Party, with elections regulated by the Central Election Commission (Taiwan). Cross-strait issues involve entities such as the Straits Exchange Foundation, and international representation often engages the World Health Organization and the International Olympic Committee under varying designations.
Geography and Environment
Territory under effective administration includes the main island of Taiwan (island), the Penghu Islands, the Kinmen Islands, and the Matsu Islands. Topography features the Central Mountain Range, peaks like Yushan, and plains such as the Taipei Basin. Climatic influences include the East Asian monsoon and phenomena like Typhoon Haiyan-class storms affecting the region. Biodiversity hotspots host endemic species such as the Formosan black bear and the Formosan sika deer, with conservation efforts linked to organizations like the Council of Agriculture (Taiwan) and protected areas including Shei-Pa National Park.
Economy and Infrastructure
The economy is export-oriented with strengths in sectors represented by companies such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Hon Hai Precision Industry (Foxconn), and Acer Inc. Financial institutions include the Central Bank of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and exchanges like the Taiwan Stock Exchange. Industrial clusters in Hsinchu Science Park, Kaohsiung, and Taichung underpin manufacturing in semiconductors, electronics, and petrochemicals tied to firms such as MediaTek and Formosa Plastics Group. Transport infrastructure comprises the Taiwan High Speed Rail, Taiwan Railways Administration, Taoyuan International Airport, and major ports like Kaohsiung Port. Energy policy engages entities like the Atomic Energy Council (Republic of China) and disputes over imports involve partners such as Saudi Arabia and Australia.
Demographics and Society
The population includes Han subgroups such as Hoklo people, Hakka people, and descendants of migrants from Fujian and Guangdong, alongside indigenous Austronesian groups recognized as Taiwanese indigenous peoples including the Amis and Atayal. Languages in use include Taiwanese Hokkien, Hakka language, and Taiwanese Mandarin with media outlets like China Times and United Daily News. Social policy and institutions involve the Ministry of Health and Welfare (Taiwan), the National Health Insurance program, and civil society organizations including Taiwan Foundation for Democracy. Population trends interact with immigration from countries such as Philippines and Vietnam.
Culture and Education
Cultural life draws on traditions like Taiwanese opera, Buddhism, Taoism, and modern expressions in Mandopop and film by directors such as Ang Lee and Hou Hsiao-hsien. Festivals include the Lunar New Year and the Dragon Boat Festival while culinary scenes feature dishes like beef noodle soup and xiao long bao. Higher education institutions include National Taiwan University, National Tsing Hua University, and National Chengchi University; research collaborations involve institutes such as the Academia Sinica and partnerships with foreign universities including Harvard University and University of Cambridge. Cultural preservation intersects with heritage sites like the Fort Zeelandia ruins and the National Palace Museum collections stemming from the imperial collection relocated during the 20th century.