People's Republic of China

A sovereign state founded in 1949 and governed by the Chinese Communist Party. It claims authority over mainland China and considers Taiwan part of its territory.

Chinese Communist Party: The political party that has governed the People's Republic of China since its founding in 1949. The party leads the state and controls the principal institutions of government.
Chinese Civil War: The conflict between the Chinese Nationalists and Communists that ended with Communist victory on the mainland in 1949. The Communist victory made possible the proclamation of the People's Republic.
Great Leap Forward: A campaign from 1958 to 1962 that sought rapid industrialization and collectivization, contributing to a devastating famine. It shows the human cost of a major state-directed economic campaign.
Taiwan: An island governed by the Republic of China, with a political status disputed by the People's Republic of China. The People's Republic claims Taiwan, but has never governed it.
National People's Congress: China's national legislature and highest organ of state power under its constitution. It formally enacts laws and appoints senior state officials within the party-led system.
Mao Zedong: A Chinese Communist revolutionary who led the People's Republic from its founding until his death in 1976. He proclaimed the new state in Beijing on October 1, 1949.
Cultural Revolution: A political campaign launched by Mao Zedong in 1966 that caused widespread upheaval and persecution. It reveals how party struggles could mobilize society and destabilize state institutions.
One-China policy: A diplomatic approach recognizing or acknowledging one China, with differing interpretations among governments. It shapes how other states manage relations with the People's Republic and Taiwan.
State Council of the People's Republic of China: China's central government, led by the premier and responsible for administering national policy. It carries out the state's executive and administrative work.
Chinese Revolution: The upheaval that ended imperial rule and produced a republic, followed by decades of political conflict and social transformation. The People's Republic emerged from the revolutionary struggle that reshaped China after the Qing dynasty.

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