[blasdel]

You don't understand the problem at all.

Both PRC and ROC say that Taiwan is entirely under Chinese control, that there's only one China, and that they govern all of its territory.

[marshray]

But it's an interesting question how much of that is really a facade and how much it's relevant.

Obviously, Taiwan has no plans to reconquer the mainland any time soon. However, PRC China threatens that if Taiwan formally declares independence it's back to a shooting war.

So yes, Taiwan still maintains governors for the areas of the mainland (last I heard they're all very old as they obviously are not standing for reelection back in their home district). This surprises people when they first learn of it.

It seems to a lot of outsiders like it is more about preserving the very carefully kept status quo than it is about a serious territorial claim.

But I don't really know that much about it. This topic tends to bring out strong opinions in people on one side or the other and I haven't come across many people who do know both sides who will chat freely.

[mrtron]

That is oversimplified to the point of inaccuracy.

Taiwan is a democracy, and one of the major parties firmly opposes any concept of Chinese rule and seeks recognition of Taiwan. The other party leans towards being the sole leader of all of China. However in practice (being currently elected) they just improve economic ties with China while opposing unification or formal recognition of Taiwan.

The PRC sees Taiwan as a province of China that they should rule, as you mentioned.

[est]

> The PRC sees Taiwan as a province of China

FYI the ROC also sees Taiwan as a province of China. There is another province called FuJian province, ROC.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fujian_Province,_Republic_of_Ch...