Political problems of China
The People's Republic of China claims that the island of Taiwan is part of its territory, but the Republic of China (which was the government that controlled all of China from 1911 to 1949) still claims the land as theirs, and does still control Taiwan.
Many people say the government stops people from having freedom of speech, freedom of religion and other political rights that people in other countries have. China still has one-party rule, and is not a democracy.
Territorial disputes[change | change source]
The following territories are claimed by China (PRC and/or ROC) and by another country or more.
- Diaoyu Islands (with Japan)
- Nansha Archipelago (with Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia, and the Philippines)
- Xisha Archipelago (with Republic of China and Vietnam)
- South Tibet - parts of Arunachal Pradesh (with Republic of India)
- Aksai Chin - part of Kashmir (with Republic of India)
Lost territories (Unequal treaties)[change | change source]
Unequal treaties were forced onto Asian countries when European imperialism reached Asia. The list includes claims from PRC and ROC, as well as unofficial historical claims. Note: Japan's and Korea's unequal treaties have been resolved since the end of WWII.
- Mongolia (lost to independence)
- Tuva (lost to Russian Empire)
- Outer Manchuria (lost to Russian Empire)
- Kyrgyzstan (lost to Russian Empire)
- parts of Kazakhstan (lost to Russian Empire)
- parts of Myanmar (lost to British Empire)
- Bhutan (lost to British Empire)
- Hong Kong (lost to British Empire) (returned to PRC with effect from 1 July 1997 under the Sino-British Joint Declaration)
- Macau (lost to Portugal) (transferred to PRC on 20 December 1999)
- Tonkin & Northern Annam (lost to France)
- Ryukyu Islands (lost to Japanese Empire)