China proper

China proper refers to the historical heartlands of China in the context of that paradigm which contrasts these heartlands and frontier regions of Outer China (including sections of Inner Asia and other regions). Territories often considered to be outside "China proper" include Taiwan, Xinjiang, Tibet, and Inner Mongolia. The conception implicit within the term is the historical development of the Chinese political entity from a distinct "Chinese" social entity and historically later additions of other territories not originally forming part of this "Chinese" entity. Many consider the term to be a politically incorrect usage.

Related Topics:
Heartland - China - Taiwan - Xinjiang - Tibet - Inner Mongolia - Politically incorrect

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"China proper" is a controversial concept. Within the People's Republic of China (PRC) it is generally accepted that territories such as Taiwan, Xinjiang, and Tibet are just as much a part of China as any other part of the country in every way. As a result, the concept of "China proper" is seen as obsolete and redundant, if not downright offensive, as it implies that some of China's territory is not as "proper", which can be used to justify separatism, a generally reviled idea. On the other hand, proponents of Taiwanese, Tibetan, Uyghur, or Inner Mongolian separatism would support such a distinction, as they want to make clear the difference between the concept of "China proper" and "China", merely a political entity. They go on to call China proper "China", and the regions for which they want to see independence the colonial acquisitions of China, not a part of China at all. However, the potential offensiveness of the term may be mitigated in the eyes of many if it is taken to mean, as it often is, the historical and cultural-anthropological center of the Chinese people, and not an intrinsically divisive political reference. Indeed, the historical evolution of China from a historical core to a later, larger, entity, is an indisputable fact.

Related Topics:
People's Republic of China - Taiwan - Xinjiang - Tibet - Separatism - Colonial

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Generally speaking, the idea of "China proper" is quite volatile from time to time and its definition often changes depends on the context. Territories that are incorporated or ceded can affect the contemporary interpretation of "China Proper". It should be noted in this light that the government of the Republic of China (on Taiwan) has never formally rescinded its claim that the territory now forming Mongolia, an independent nation, is rightfully a part of China.

Related Topics:
Republic of China - Mongolia - China

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