Taiwan Area

The Taiwan Area is a term used to describe the territories that are under the control of the Republic of China, which is commonly known as Taiwan. This term has been used officially since May 1, 1991, when changes to the Constitution of the Republic of China were made. The Taiwan Area includes the main island of Taiwan along with smaller island groups such as Penghu, Kinmen, Matsu, and some minor islands.

People often refer to these areas together as "Tai-Peng-Kin-Ma," which covers Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu, but not every tiny island like Wuqiu, Dongsha Island, or Taiping Island. The Taiwan Area is considered separate from the "Mainland Area," which is controlled by the People's Republic of China, also known as China. Even though the Republic of China’s constitution does not clearly define its borders, it still claims to represent all of China.

The government of the People's Republic of China also uses the term "Taiwan area" to talk about Taiwan and its people, based on its belief that there is only one China. This means that while China does not control Taiwan directly, it still sees Taiwan as part of its country and handles its relationship with Taiwan through special offices.

Background

The term "free area" or "Free China" was used during the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937–45) to describe the parts of China controlled by the Kuomintang led Nationalist government in Chungking (now Chongqing). This was different from the 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 still used in laws today. It was added to the Constitution in 1991, allowing people living there to elect the President and Legislature. This change happened because people wanted the government to represent more of the local population, not just a few leaders.

The term "free area" was used instead of "Taiwan" to keep the idea that the Republic of China includes more than just Taiwan. In everyday use, 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.