The Republic of China (Chinese 中華民國), known as Taiwan (臺灣) in East Asia with the capital Taipei, covers 36,179 km², 99% of which is the main island. Taiwan is separated from mainland China by the Formosa Strait in the Western Pacific. The term "Formosa" comes from the Portuguese and means "beautiful" island. From 1885, the name Taiwan (literally "terraced bay") became increasingly popular and is now the official name for the island.
From 1683 to 1895 and from 1945 to 1949, Taiwan was ruled from mainland China. From 1895 to 1945, Taiwan was one of the colonies of the Japanese Empire. After the defeat in the civil war against the Communist Party and the founding of the People's Republic of China on the mainland under the leadership of Mao Zedong (1893-1976), the government under Chiang Kai-shek (1887-1975), elites and armed forces of the Republic of China withdrew to Taiwan. Taiwan is claimed by the People's Republic of China. Taiwan's legal status is disputed and only recognised by a few states.
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