Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • An island in southeastern Asia: A large island located approximately 100 miles (160 kilometers) off the southeastern coast of mainland China in the South China Sea.
   • A government on that island: The political entity governing the island of Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China (ROC), which was established there in 1949.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun (Geographical entity): Taiwan is known for its mountainous terrain and bustling cities. The island of Taiwan produces a significant amount of the world's semiconductors.

• Proper noun (Political entity): The economy of Taiwan is highly developed and export-oriented. Taiwan maintains its own democratically elected government.

Advanced Usage

• "the Taiwan issue" or "the Taiwan question": Refers to the complex political and diplomatic status of Taiwan, particularly the dispute over its sovereignty between the government in Taipei and the government in Beijing.

Variants and Related Words

• Taiwanese (adj): Of or relating to Taiwan or its people.
• Taiwanese (n): A person from Taiwan; also refers to the variety of Chinese (Minnan/Hokkien) commonly spoken on the island.

Synonyms

• Formosa: An older historical name for the island, used primarily in Portuguese and other European languages.
• Republic of China (ROC): The official name of the government that administers Taiwan and several smaller islands.

Related Phrases

• "Cross-strait relations": Refers to the interactions between Taiwan (governed by the ROC) and mainland China (governed by the People's Republic of China).

Noun

1. an island in southeastern Asia 100 miles off the coast of mainland China in the South China Sea
2. a government on the island of Taiwan established in 1949 by Chiang Kai-shek after the conquest of mainland China by the Communists led by Mao Zedong