mainland China n. The People's Republic of China, also called Communist China, in distinction from Nationalist China, the government located on the island of Taiwan. Both governments claim to represent the entire people of China, but the People's republic is recognized as China by the United Nationss and most of its member states.
... Taiwan currently enjoys de facto independence and - whatever the ultimate outcome regarding reunification or independence - that Taiwan's people must have the deciding voice; advocates of Taiwan independence oppose the stand that the island will eventually unify with mainland China; goals of the Taiwan independence movement include establishing a sovereign nation on Taiwan and entering the UN; other organizations supporting Taiwan independence include the World United Formosans for Independence and the Organization for Taiwan ... — The 2003 CIA World Factbook • United States. Central Intelligence Agency
... representation of the opposition Democratic Progressive Party in Taiwan's legislature have opened public debate on the island's national identity; advocates of Taiwan independence, including within the DPP, oppose the ruling party's traditional stand that the island will eventually reunify with mainland China; goals of the Taiwan independence movement include establishing a sovereign nation on Taiwan and entering the UN; other organizations supporting Taiwan independence include the World United Formosans for Independence and the Organization for Taiwan ... — The 1997 CIA World Factbook • United States. Central Intelligence Agency.