Taiwan Area

The Taiwan Area, also called the Taiwan Area of the Republic of China, the free area of the Republic of China, and the "Tai-Min Area (Taiwan and Fuchien)", is a term used to refer to the territories under the effective control of the Republic of China (ROC, commonly known as "Taiwan"). It has been in official use since the Additional Articles of the Constitution of the Republic of China took effect, ending temporary anti-communist provisions on 1 May 1991. The term is also used in the 1992 Cross-Strait Act. The area currently under the definition consists of the island groups of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, Matsu and some minor islands. The collective term "Tai-Peng-Kin-Ma" is literally equivalent except that it only refers to the geographical areas of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu Area, to the exclusion of Wuqiu, Dongsha Island, and Taiping Island. The term is complementary to "Mainland Area", which is practically viewed as being synonymous to Mainland China under the control of the People's Republic of China (PRC, commonly known as "China"). This is despite the fact that the Republic of China's constitution never defined specific territorial boundaries. Although acknowledging the reality of the Taiwan Strait, technically the Republic of China still claims to be the sole representative of China with its constitution. The government of the People's Republic of China similarly uses the terms "Taiwan area" and "Taiwan resident" to refer the territory and population of the ROC under its One China Principle. The PRC recognizes its lack of control over Taiwan and maintains no government in exile or shadow administration, instead operating its relation with the ROC via the Taiwan Affairs Office.