China, Taiwan

The issue of Taiwan and mainland China is complex. The People's Republic of China claims sovereignty over Taiwan. Although Taiwan functions independently, its government has never formalized independence, and Taiwan is not recognized as independent by the United Nations or most countries, including the U.S.

Geographic maps show China and Taiwan in the same color, and use provincial type for Taiwan and an autonomous capital symbol (open bull's-eye) for Taipei. In NG atlases, the area figure given for China does not include Taiwan.

For Taiwan generally use Wade-Giles system for personal names and place-names. For well-known names, pinyin may be given within parentheses.

See also People's Republic Of China.