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[[File:Map of the Chinese Diaspora in the World.svg|thumb|Countries with a significant population with Chinese ancestry.<br>
[[File:Map of the Chinese Diaspora in the World.svg|thumb|Countries with a significant population with Chinese ancestry.<br>
{{Legend|#000000|Greater China ([[mainland China|mainland]], Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan)}}
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The '''Chinese people''' or simply '''Chinese''', are people or ethnic groups identified with [[Greater China|China]], usually through ethnicity, nationality, citizenship, or other affiliation.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Harding |first=Harry |year=1993 |title=The Concept of "greater China": Themes, Variations and Reservations |journal=The China Quarterly |volume=136 |issue=136 |pages=660–86 |doi=10.1017/S030574100003229X |jstor=655587 |s2cid=154522700 }}</ref>
The '''Chinese people''', or simply '''Chinese''', are people or ethnic groups identified with [[Greater China|China]], usually through ethnicity, nationality, citizenship, or other affiliation.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Harding |first=Harry |year=1993 |title=The Concept of "greater China": Themes, Variations and Reservations |journal=The China Quarterly |volume=136 |issue=136 |pages=660–86 |doi=10.1017/S030574100003229X |jstor=655587 |s2cid=154522700 }}</ref>


Chinese people are either known as '''Zhongguoren''' ({{zh|s=中国人|t=中國人|p=|labels=no}}) or as '''Huaren''' ({{zh|s=华人|t=華人}}) or Hua people by Chinese language speakers, including among Chinese speakers living in Greater China as well as overseas Chinese. Although both terms are [[Synonym|synonyms]] (referring to Chinese people), their usage depends on the person and context. The former term is commonly used to refer to the citizens of the People's Republic of China - especially mainland China - or ethnic Chinese living in China, although its definition can include all ethnic Chinese, regardless of citizenship or place of residency, as it was used historically.<ref>https://www.zdic.net/hans/%E4%B8%AD%E5%9B%BD%E4%BA%BA 生息、繁衍,居住在中国的本地人或者海外有中国血统的侨胞 Local people who live, reproduce, reside in China, or people of Chinese descent living overseas.</ref><ref>https://cwn.ling.sinica.edu.tw/_process.asp?inputword=%A4%A4%B0%EA%A4H&radiobutton=1 普通名詞。中華民族的族人或中國大陸的人民。 noun, ethnic groups of Zhonghua Minzu, or people of China</ref><ref name=pan>{{cite encyclopedia|editor1-last=Pan|editor1-first=Lynn|editor1-link=Lynn Pan|article=Huaqiao|encyclopedia=The Encyclopedia of the Chinese Overseas|publisher=[[Harvard University Press]]|date=April 1999|access-date=17 March 2009|isbn=0674252101|lccn=98035466|url=http://www.hup.harvard.edu/features/reference/panenc/huaqiao.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090317060519/http://www.hup.harvard.edu/features/reference/panenc/huaqiao.html|archive-date=17 March 2009}}</ref><ref name="chang">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vouLBQAAQBAJ&pg=PA162 |title=Language, Politics and Identity in Taiwan: Naming China |author= Hui-Ching Chang |author2=Richard Holt | pages= 162–64 |isbn=978-1-135-04635-4|publisher=Routledge |date=20 November 2014 }}</ref> The term '''Huaren''' is used to refer to ethnic Chinese, and is more often used for those who reside overseas or are non-citizens, and is less commonly used to refer to citizens of the Chinese state.
Chinese people are known as '''Zhongguoren''' ({{zh|s=中国人|t=中國人|first=t}}) or as '''Huaren''' ({{zh|s=华人|t=華人|first=t}}) by speakers of [[Standard Chinese]], including those living in [[Greater China]] as well as overseas Chinese. Although both terms both refer to Chinese people, their usage depends on the person and context. The former term is commonly (but not exclusively) used to refer to the citizens of the People's Republic of China'''—'''especially mainland China.<ref>https://www.zdic.net/hans/%E4%B8%AD%E5%9B%BD%E4%BA%BA {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220327152957/https://www.zdic.net/hans/%E4%B8%AD%E5%9B%BD%E4%BA%BA |date=27 March 2022 }} 生息、繁衍,居住在中国的本地人或者海外有中国血统的侨胞 Local people who live, reproduce, reside in China, or Chinese nationals of Chinese descent living overseas.</ref><ref>https://cwn.ling.sinica.edu.tw/_process.asp?inputword=%A4%A4%B0%EA%A4H&radiobutton=1 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221001085940/https://cwn.ling.sinica.edu.tw/_process.asp?inputword=%A4%A4%B0%EA%A4H&radiobutton=1 |date=1 October 2022 }} 普通名詞。中華民族的族人或中國大陸的人民。 noun, ethnic groups of Zhonghua Minzu, or people of China</ref><ref name=pan>{{cite encyclopedia|editor1-last=Pan|editor1-first=Lynn|editor1-link=Lynn Pan|article=Huaqiao|encyclopedia=The Encyclopedia of the Chinese Overseas|publisher=[[Harvard University Press]]|date=April 1999|access-date=17 March 2009|isbn=0674252101|lccn=98035466|url=http://www.hup.harvard.edu/features/reference/panenc/huaqiao.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090317060519/http://www.hup.harvard.edu/features/reference/panenc/huaqiao.html|archive-date=17 March 2009}}</ref><ref name="chang">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vouLBQAAQBAJ&pg=PA162 |title=Language, Politics and Identity in Taiwan: Naming China |author=Hui-Ching Chang |author2=Richard Holt |pages=162–64 |isbn=978-1-135-04635-4 |publisher=Routledge |date=20 November 2014 |access-date=13 October 2018 |archive-date=30 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930190823/https://books.google.com/books?id=vouLBQAAQBAJ&pg=PA162#v=onepage&q&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref> The term '''Huaren''' is used to refer to ethnic Chinese, and is more often used for those who reside overseas or are non-citizens of China.


The [[Han Chinese]] are the largest [[ethnic group]] in China, comprising approximately 92% of its [[Mainland China|Mainland population]].<ref name="ciastat">[https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/china/ CIA Factbook]: "Han Chinese 91.6%" out of a reported population of 1,379&nbsp;billion (July 2017 est.)</ref> They comprise approximately 95% of the population of Taiwan,<ref name="中華民國國情簡介2016">{{cite web |language=zh-TW |url=http://www.ey.gov.tw/state/News_Content3.aspx?n=7C222A52A60660EC&s=FFD5D521BBC119F8 |script-title=zh:中華民國國情簡介 |trans-title=ROC Vital Information |date=2016 |website=Executive Yuan |access-date=23 August 2016 |quote={{lang|zh-TW|臺灣住民以漢人為最大族群,約占總人口97%}} |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218124716/http://www.ey.gov.tw/state/News_Content3.aspx?n=7C222A52A60660EC&s=FFD5D521BBC119F8 |archive-date=18 February 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=Yearbook2014>{{cite book |year=2014 |title=The Republic of China Yearbook 2014 |author=Executive Yuan, R.O.C. |url=http://www.ey.gov.tw/Upload/UserFiles/YB%202014%20all%20100dpi.pdf |access-date=11 June 2016 |isbn=978-986-04-2302-0 |page=36}}</ref> 92% in Hong Kong,<ref>{{Cite report|date=February 2016 |title=2016 Population By-census – Summary Results |url=http://www.bycensus2016.gov.hk/en/bc-mt.html |publisher=[[Census and Statistics Department (Hong Kong)|Census and Statistics Department]] |page=37 |access-date=14 March 2017}}</ref> and 89% in [[Macau]].<ref>{{Cite report |url=https://www.dsec.gov.mo/getAttachment/e20c6bab-ada4-4f83-9349-e72605674a42/E_ICEN_PUB_2016_Y.aspx |title=2016 Population By-Census Detailed Results |date=May 2017 |publisher=[[Statistics and Census Service]] |access-date=25 July 2019 |ref={{harvid|Population By-Census|2016}}}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Population By-Census|2016|p=47}}.</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=Source says "Chinese" rather than "Han Chinese" for Hong Kong, Macau, and Singapore.|date=January 2021}} They are also the [[List of contemporary ethnic groups|world's largest ethnic group]], comprising approximately 18% of the [[World population|global human population]].<ref name=zhang>{{cite journal |last1 = Zhang |first1 = Feng |last2=Su |first2=Bing |last3=Zhang |first3=Ya-ping |last4=Jin |first4=Li |title=Genetic Studies of Human Diversity in East Asia |pmc=2435565 |journal=Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences|volume=362 |issue=1482 |pages=987–996 |date=22 February 2007|pmid=17317646 |doi=10.1098/rstb.2007.2028 }}</ref><ref name=zhao>{{cite journal|last1=Zhao|first1=Yong-Bin|last2=Zhang|first2=Ye|last3=Zhang|first3=Quan-Chao|last4=Li|first4=Hong-Jie|last5=Cui|first5=Ying-Qiu|last6=Xu|first6=Zhi|last7=Jin|first7=Li|last8=Zhou|first8=Hui|last9=Zhu|first9=Hong|title=Ancient DNA Reveals That the Genetic Structure of the Northern Han Chinese Was Shaped Prior to three-thousand Years Ago |journal=[[PLOS One]]|year=2015|volume=10|issue=5|pages=e0125676|doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0125676|pmid=25938511|pmc=4418768 |bibcode=2015PLoSO..1025676Z |doi-access=free}}</ref>
The [[Han Chinese]] are the largest [[ethnic group]] in China, comprising approximately 92% of its [[Mainland China|Mainland population]].<ref name="ciastat">[https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/china/ CIA Factbook] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213122152/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/china/ |date=13 February 2021 }}: "Han Chinese 91.6%" out of a reported population of 1,379&nbsp;billion (July 2017 est.)</ref> They comprise approximately 95% of the population of Taiwan.<ref name="中華民國國情簡介2016">{{cite web |language=zh-TW |url=http://www.ey.gov.tw/state/News_Content3.aspx?n=7C222A52A60660EC&s=FFD5D521BBC119F8 |script-title=zh:中華民國國情簡介 |trans-title=ROC Vital Information |date=2016 |website=Executive Yuan |access-date=23 August 2016 |quote={{lang|zh-TW|臺灣住民以漢人為最大族群,約占總人口97%}} |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218124716/http://www.ey.gov.tw/state/News_Content3.aspx?n=7C222A52A60660EC&s=FFD5D521BBC119F8 |archive-date=18 February 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=Yearbook2014>{{cite book |year=2014 |title=The Republic of China Yearbook 2014 |author=Executive Yuan, R.O.C. |url=http://www.ey.gov.tw/Upload/UserFiles/YB%202014%20all%20100dpi.pdf |access-date=11 June 2016 |isbn=978-986-04-2302-0 |page=36 |publisher=Government Information Office |archive-date=20 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170820161048/http://www.ey.gov.tw/Upload/UserFiles/YB%202014%20all%20100dpi.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> They are also the [[List of contemporary ethnic groups|world's largest ethnic group]], comprising approximately 18% of the [[World population|global human population]].<ref name=zhang>{{cite journal |last1 = Zhang |first1 = Feng |last2=Su |first2=Bing |last3=Zhang |first3=Ya-ping |last4=Jin |first4=Li |title=Genetic Studies of Human Diversity in East Asia |pmc=2435565 |journal=Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences|volume=362 |issue=1482 |pages=987–996 |date=22 February 2007|pmid=17317646 |doi=10.1098/rstb.2007.2028 }}</ref><ref name=zhao>{{cite journal|last1=Zhao|first1=Yong-Bin|last2=Zhang|first2=Ye|last3=Zhang|first3=Quan-Chao|last4=Li|first4=Hong-Jie|last5=Cui|first5=Ying-Qiu|last6=Xu|first6=Zhi|last7=Jin|first7=Li|last8=Zhou|first8=Hui|last9=Zhu|first9=Hong|title=Ancient DNA Reveals That the Genetic Structure of the Northern Han Chinese Was Shaped Prior to three-thousand Years Ago |journal=[[PLOS One]]|year=2015|volume=10|issue=5|pages=e0125676|doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0125676|pmid=25938511|pmc=4418768 |bibcode=2015PLoSO..1025676Z |doi-access=free}}</ref>


Outside China, the terms "Han Chinese" and "Chinese" are often conflated since those identifying or registered as Han Chinese are the dominant ethnic group in China.<ref name="Chinese people" /><ref name=":0" /> There are 55 officially-recognized [[ethnic minorities in China]] who may also identify as "Chinese".
Outside China, the terms "Han Chinese" and "Chinese" are often wrongly conflated since those identifying or registered as Han Chinese are the dominant ethnic group in China.<ref name="Chinese people" /><ref name=":0" /> However, there are also 55 officially-recognized [[ethnic minorities in China]] who are also Chinese by nationality.


People from Taiwan, officially the Republic of China (ROC), may also be referred to as "Chinese" in various contexts, though they are usually referred to as "[[Taiwanese people|Taiwanese]]". The territory of Taiwan is [[Political status of Taiwan|disputed]] and the ROC has [[Foreign relations of Taiwan|limited recognition of its sovereignty]].
People from Taiwan, officially the Republic of China (ROC), may also be referred to as "Chinese" in various contexts, though they are usually referred to as "[[Taiwanese people|Taiwanese]]". The territory of Taiwan is [[Political status of Taiwan|disputed]] and the ROC has [[Foreign relations of Taiwan|limited recognition of its sovereignty]].


The term "[[Overseas Chinese]]" is used to refer to the extensive Chinese [[diaspora]] and/or its ethnic Chinese descendants.
The term "[[Overseas Chinese]]" is used to refer to people of Chinese origin living overseas as well as Chinese citizens residing outside China, but more commonly the former.


==Ethnic groups in China and associated territories==
==Ethnic groups in China and associated territories==
{{Further|Ethnic minorities in China|List of ethnic groups in China|Unrecognized ethnic groups in China}}
{{Further|Ethnic minorities in China|List of ethnic groups in China|Unrecognized ethnic groups in China}}
A number of ethnic groups as well as other racial minorities of China are referred to as Chinese people.<ref name="MWD">{{cite encyclopedia|title=Chinese |encyclopedia=Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary |edition=Tenth |publisher=Merriam-Webster |year=1993}}</ref>
[[File:Beijing-Niujie-Minzu-Tuanjie-Da-Jiating-3666.jpg|thumb|right|Portion of a mural in Beijing depicting the 56 [[List of ethnic groups in China|recognized ethnic groups]] of China]]

A number of ethnic groups within China, as well as people elsewhere with ancestry in the region, may be referred to as Chinese people.<ref name="MWD">{{cite encyclopedia|title=Chinese |encyclopedia=Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary |edition=Tenth |publisher=Merriam-Webster |year=1993}}</ref>


=== Ethnic groups in China ===
=== Ethnic groups in China ===
[[File:China ethnolinguistic 1967.jpg|thumb|260px|Communist China Map Folio. U.S. Central Intelligence Agency, Directorate of Intelligence, Office of Basic Geographic Intelligence, 1967]]
Han Chinese people, the largest ethnic group in China, are often referred to as "Chinese" or "ethnic Chinese" in English.<ref name="Chinese people">[http://www.huayuqiao.org/articles/shcheong/shcheong02.htm Who are the Chinese people?] {{in lang|zh}}. Huayuqiao.org. Retrieved on 26 April 2013.</ref><ref name=":0">{{cite encyclopedia|title=Han |encyclopedia=Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary |edition=Tenth |publisher=Merriam-Webster |year=1993}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |title=Learning to Be Tibetan: The Construction of Ethnic Identity at Minzu |last=Yang |first=Miaoyan |publisher= Lexington Books |year=2017 |isbn=978-1498544634 |publication-date=17 March 2017 |pages=7}}</ref> The Han Chinese also form a majority or notable minority in other countries, and they comprise approximately 18% of the global human population.<ref name="zhang" /><ref name="zhao" />
Han Chinese people, the largest ethnic group in China, are often wrongly referred to as "Chinese" or "ethnic Chinese" in English.<ref name="Chinese people">[http://www.huayuqiao.org/articles/shcheong/shcheong02.htm Who are the Chinese people?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210906143301/http://www.huayuqiao.org/articles/shcheong/shcheong02.htm |date=6 September 2021 }} {{in lang|zh}}. Huayuqiao.org. Retrieved on 26 April 2013.</ref><ref name=":0">{{cite encyclopedia|title=Han |encyclopedia=Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary |edition=Tenth |publisher=Merriam-Webster |year=1993}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |title=Learning to Be Tibetan: The Construction of Ethnic Identity at Minzu |last=Yang |first=Miaoyan |publisher= Lexington Books |year=2017 |isbn=978-1498544634 |publication-date=17 March 2017 |pages=7}}</ref> The Han Chinese also form a majority or notable minority in other countries, and they comprise approximately 18% of the global human population.<ref name="zhang" /><ref name="zhao" />


Other ethnic groups in China include the [[Zhuang people|Zhuang]], [[Hui people|Hui]], [[Manchu people|Manchus]], [[Uyghur people|Uyghurs]], and [[Miao people|Miao]], who make up the five largest ethnic minorities in mainland China, with populations of approximately 10 million or more. In addition, the [[Yi people|Yi]], [[Tujia people|Tujia]], [[Tibetan people|Tibetans]] and [[Mongols in China|Mongols]] each have populations between five and ten million.
Other ethnic groups in China include the [[Zhuang people|Zhuang]], [[Hui people|Hui]], [[Manchu people|Manchus]], [[Uyghur people|Uyghurs]], and [[Miao people|Miao]], who make up the five largest ethnic minorities in mainland China, with populations of approximately 10 million or more. In addition, the [[Yi people|Yi]], [[Tujia people|Tujia]], [[Tibetan people|Tibetans]] and [[Mongols in China|Mongols]] each have populations between five and ten million.
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China, officially the People's Republic of China (PRC), recognizes 56 native Chinese ethnic groups. There are also several [[unrecognized ethnic groups in China]].
China, officially the People's Republic of China (PRC), recognizes 56 native Chinese ethnic groups. There are also several [[unrecognized ethnic groups in China]].


==== Ethnic groups in the Qing dynasty of China (1644–1911) ====
==== Ethnic groups in dynastic China ====
During the [[Qing dynasty]] the term "Chinese people" ({{zh|links=no|t=中國之人|l=People of China}} {{lang|zh-Latn-pinyin|Zhōngguó zhī rén}}; Manchu: ''Dulimbai gurun i niyalma'') was used by the Qing government to refer to all traditionally native subjects of the empire, including Han, Manchu, and Mongols.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Zhao |first=Gang |year=2006 |title = Reinventing China: Imperial Qing ideology and the rise of Modern Chinese national identity in the early twentieth century |url = https://webspace.utexas.edu/hl4958/perspectives/Zhao%20-%20reinventing%20china.pdf|url-status=unfit |journal = Modern China |publisher=Sage |volume=32 |issue=3 |pages=3–30 |doi = 10.1177/0097700405282349|s2cid=144587815 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140325231543/https://webspace.utexas.edu/hl4958/perspectives/Zhao%20-%20reinventing%20china.pdf |archive-date = 25 March 2014 |access-date = 29 May 2016 }}</ref>
The term "Chinese people" ({{zh|links=no|t=中國之人|l=People of China}} {{lang|zh-Latn-pinyin|Zhōngguó zhī rén}}; Manchu: ''Dulimbai gurun i niyalma'') was used by the Qing government to refer to all traditionally native subjects of the empire, including Han, Manchu, and Mongols.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Zhao |first=Gang |year=2006 |title = Reinventing China: Imperial Qing ideology and the rise of Modern Chinese national identity in the early twentieth century |url = https://webspace.utexas.edu/hl4958/perspectives/Zhao%20-%20reinventing%20china.pdf|url-status=unfit |journal = Modern China |publisher=Sage |volume=32 |issue=3 |pages=3–30 |doi = 10.1177/0097700405282349|s2cid=144587815 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140325231543/https://webspace.utexas.edu/hl4958/perspectives/Zhao%20-%20reinventing%20china.pdf |archive-date = 25 March 2014 |access-date = 29 May 2016 }}</ref>


==== Zhonghua minzu (the "Chinese nation") ====
==== Zhonghua minzu (the "Chinese nation") ====
''[[Zhonghua minzu]]'' ({{zh|t=中華民族|s=中华民族|p=Zhōnghuá Mínzú}}), the "Chinese nation", is a [[supra-ethnic]] concept which includes all 56 ethnic groups living in China that are officially recognized by the government of the People's Republic of China. It includes established ethnic groups who have lived within the borders of China since at least the [[Qing dynasty]] (1644–1911).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chinatraveldepot.com/C247-Chinese-nationality|title=Brief Introduction Chinese nationality|website=Chinatraveldepot.com|access-date=23 July 2014|archive-date=1 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701041329/http://www.chinatraveldepot.com/C247-Chinese-nationality|url-status=dead}}</ref> The term ''zhonghua minzu'' was used during the Republic of China from 1911 to 1949 to refer to [[Five Races Under One Union|five primary ethnic groups]]{{Efn|The [[Han Chinese|Han]], the [[Manchu]], the [[Mongols]], the [[Hui]] (applied to Muslims as a whole), and the [[Tibetans]].}} in China.<ref>{{cite book|title=Eurasian Crossroads: A History of Xinjiang|last=Millward|first=James A.|publisher=Columbia University Press|year=2007|isbn=978-0-231-13924-3}}</ref> The term ''zhongguo renmin'' ({{zh|中国人民}}), "Chinese people", was the government's preferred term during the life of [[Mao Zedong]]; ''zhonghua minzu'' is more common in recent decades.<ref>{{cite book|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JWc9Ia7TcaMC&pg=PA252|title=China Since 1919: Revolution and Reform: a Sourcebook|last=Jenner|first=W.J.F.|publisher=Psychology Press|year=2004|isbn=978-0-415-25141-9|editor=Alan Lawrance|pages=252–255|chapter=Race and history in China}}</ref>
''[[Zhonghua minzu]]'' ({{zh|t=中華民族|s=中华民族|p=Zhōnghuá Mínzú}}), the "Chinese nation", is a [[supra-ethnic]] concept which includes all 56 ethnic groups living in China that are officially recognized by the government of the People's Republic of China. It includes established ethnic groups who have lived within the borders of premodern China.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chinatraveldepot.com/C247-Chinese-nationality|title=Brief Introduction Chinese nationality|website=Chinatraveldepot.com|access-date=23 July 2014|archive-date=1 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701041329/http://www.chinatraveldepot.com/C247-Chinese-nationality|url-status=dead}}</ref> The term ''zhonghua minzu'' was used during the Republic of China from 1911 to 1949 to refer to [[Five Races Under One Union|five primary ethnic groups]]{{Efn|The [[Han Chinese|Han]], the [[Manchu]], the [[Mongols]], the [[Hui]] (applied to Muslims as a whole), and the [[Tibetans]].}} in China.<ref>{{cite book|title=Eurasian Crossroads: A History of Xinjiang|last=Millward|first=James A.|publisher=Columbia University Press|year=2007|isbn=978-0-231-13924-3}}</ref> The term ''zhongguo renmin'' ({{zh|中国人民}}), "Chinese people", was the government's preferred term during the early communist era; ''zhonghua minzu'' is more common in recent decades.<ref>{{cite book|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JWc9Ia7TcaMC&pg=PA252|title=China Since 1919: Revolution and Reform: a Sourcebook|last=Jenner|first=W.J.F.|publisher=Psychology Press|year=2004|isbn=978-0-415-25141-9|editor=Alan Lawrance|pages=252–255|chapter=Race and history in China|access-date=19 October 2015|archive-date=17 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117124208/https://books.google.com/books?id=JWc9Ia7TcaMC&pg=PA252|url-status=live}}</ref>


=== Ethnic groups in Taiwan ===
=== Ethnic groups in Taiwan ===
{{More citations needed section|date=December 2021}}
{{More citations needed section|date=December 2021}}
[[File:Taiwan aborigine amis dance.jpg|thumb|The [[Amis people]] are an indigenous Taiwanese ethnic group.]]
[[File:Taiwan aborigine amis dance.jpg|thumb|The [[Amis people]] are an indigenous Taiwanese ethnic group.]]
Taiwan, officially the Republic of China (ROC), recognizes 17 native Taiwanese ethnic groups as well as numerous other "New Immigrant" ethnic groups (mostly originating from Mainland China and Southeast Asia). Of the 17 native Taiwanese ethnic groups, 16 are considered to be [[Indigenous peoples|indigenous]] ([[Taiwanese indigenous peoples]]),<ref>{{cite book|last=Copper|first=John F.|title=Historical Dictionary of Taiwan (Republic of China)|year=2014|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield|isbn=978-1-4422-4307-1|page=53}}</ref> whereas one is considered to be non-native ([[Han Taiwanese]]).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.taiwan.gov.tw/about.php|title=About Taiwan|website=Taiwan (official website)|access-date=5 December 2019}}</ref> There are also several unrecognized indigenous ethnic groups in Taiwan.
Taiwan, officially the Republic of China (ROC), recognizes 17 native Taiwanese ethnic groups as well as numerous other "New Immigrant" ethnic groups (mostly originating from mainland China and Southeast Asia). Of the 17 native Taiwanese ethnic groups, 16 are considered to be [[Indigenous peoples|indigenous]] ([[Taiwanese indigenous peoples]]),<ref>{{cite book|last=Copper|first=John F.|title=Historical Dictionary of Taiwan (Republic of China)|year=2014|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield|isbn=978-1-4422-4307-1|page=53}}</ref> whereas one is considered to be non-native ([[Han Taiwanese]]).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.taiwan.gov.tw/about.php|title=About Taiwan|website=Taiwan (official website)|access-date=5 December 2019|archive-date=17 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211117020655/https://www.taiwan.gov.tw/about.php|url-status=live}}</ref> There are also several unrecognized indigenous ethnic groups in Taiwan.


The Han Taiwanese, who are Han Chinese people living in Taiwan, are usually categorized by the [[Government of the Republic of China|Taiwanese government]] into three main ethnic groups; the [[Hoklo Taiwanese|Taiwanese Hoklos]], [[Hakka people#Taiwan|Taiwanese Hakkas]], and ''[[waishengren]]'' (i.e. "[[Mainland Chinese]] people in Taiwan"). The [[Kinmenese people|Kinmenese]] and [[Matsu Islands|Matsunese]] peoples are two other significant Han Taiwanese ethnic groups.
The Han Taiwanese, who are Han Chinese people living in Taiwan, are usually categorized by the [[Government of the Republic of China|Taiwanese government]] into three main ethnic groups; the [[Hoklo Taiwanese|Taiwanese Hoklos]], [[Hakka people#Taiwan|Taiwanese Hakkas]], and ''[[waishengren]]'' (i.e. "[[Mainland Chinese]] people in Taiwan"). The [[Kinmenese people|Kinmenese]] and [[Matsu Islands|Matsunese]] peoples are two other significant Han Taiwanese ethnic groups.


The Hoklos and Hakkas are both considered to be "native" populations of Taiwan since they first began migrating to Taiwan in significant numbers from [[mainland China]] (mostly from [[Fujian]] and [[Guangdong]]) over 400 years ago (they first began migrating to Taiwan in minor numbers several centuries earlier). They are often collectively referred to in [[Taiwanese Mandarin]] as "Benshengren" (meaning "people from [[Taiwan Province|this province]]"). The Hoklos comprise approximately 70% of Taiwan's total population and the Hakkas comprise approximately 14% of Taiwan's total population.
The Taiwanese Hoklos and Hakkas are both considered to be "native" populations of Taiwan since they first began migrating to Taiwan in significant numbers from [[Fujian]] and [[Guangdong]] over 400 years ago (they first began migrating to Taiwan in minor numbers several centuries earlier). They are often collectively referred to in [[Taiwanese Mandarin]] as "Benshengren" (meaning "people from [[Taiwan Province|this province]]"). Those self-identifying as Hoklo culturally comprise approximately 70% of Taiwan's total population and the Hakkas comprise approximately 14% of Taiwan's total population.


Meanwhile, the so-called Mainlanders (Taiwanese) are mostly descended from people who migrated from mainland China to Taiwan during the 1940s and 1950s, usually in the context of the [[Second World War]], [[Second Sino-Japanese War]], and [[Chinese Civil War]]. They are often referred to in Taiwanese Mandarin as "Waishengren" (meaning "people from outside of this province"). The Mainlanders (Taiwanese) comprise approximately 14% of Taiwan's total population.
Meanwhile, the so-called Mainlanders (Taiwanese) are mostly descended from people who migrated from mainland China to Taiwan during the 1940s and 1950s. They are often referred to in Taiwanese Mandarin as "Waishengren" (meaning "people from outside of this province"). The Mainlanders (Taiwanese) comprise approximately 14% of Taiwan's total population.


Collectively, the various Taiwanese indigenous peoples comprise approximately 2% of Taiwan's total population. The various Taiwanese indigenous peoples are believed to have been living in Taiwan for up to 6000 years prior to the [[History of Taiwan|colonization of Taiwan]] by China which began during the 17th century ([[Common Era|CE]]).
Collectively, the various Taiwanese indigenous peoples comprise approximately 2% of Taiwan's total population. The various Taiwanese indigenous peoples are believed to have been living in Taiwan for up to 6000 years prior to the [[History of Taiwan|colonization of Taiwan]] by China which began during the 17th century ([[Common Era|CE]]).


==== Recognition by the Chinese government ====
==== Recognition by the Chinese government ====
The Han Taiwanese, Native Taiwanese (Benshengren), Hoklo Taiwanese, Hakka Taiwanese, Mainlander Taiwanese (Waishengren), Kinmenese, and Matsunese ethnic groups (all subtypes or branches of the Han Chinese ethnic group) are all unrecognized by the [[Government of China|Chinese government]]. Furthermore, the sixteen Taiwanese indigenous peoples that are officially recognized by the Taiwanese government are also all unrecognized by the Chinese government. The Chinese government also doesn't recognize the ethnic designation "New Immigrant".
The Han Taiwanese, Native Taiwanese (Benshengren), Hoklo Taiwanese, Hakka Taiwanese, Mainlander Taiwanese (Waishengren), Kinmenese, and Matsunese ethnic groups (all subtypes or branches of the Han Chinese ethnic group) are all unrecognized by the [[Government of China|Chinese government]]. Furthermore, the sixteen Taiwanese indigenous peoples that are officially recognized by the Taiwanese government are also all unrecognized by the Chinese government. The Chinese government also does not recognize the ethnic designation "New Immigrant".


The Chinese government instead has its own ethnic designations for Taiwanese people. Han Taiwanese people are considered to be Han Chinese people (no distinction is made), whereas the various recognized and unrecognized (by Taiwan) Taiwanese indigenous peoples are collectively recognized (by China) to be "[[Gaoshanren]]" (i.e. "High Mountain People"). The Gaoshanren are one of the [[Ethnic groups of China|56 officially-recognized ethnic groups of China]].
The Chinese government instead has its own ethnic designations for Taiwanese people. Han Taiwanese people are considered to be Han Chinese people (no distinction is made), whereas the various recognized and unrecognized (by Taiwan) Taiwanese indigenous peoples are collectively recognized (by China) to be "[[Gaoshanren]]" (i.e. "High Mountain People"). The Gaoshanren are one of the [[Ethnic groups of China|56 officially-recognized ethnic groups of China]].
Line 62: Line 62:
== Nationality, citizenship and residence ==
== Nationality, citizenship and residence ==
[[File:People of Tibet46.jpg|thumb|right|[[Tibetans]] in Qinghai]]
[[File:People of Tibet46.jpg|thumb|right|[[Tibetans]] in Qinghai]]
[[File:HuiChineseMuslim3.jpg|thumb|left|[[Hui people]] in Xinjiang]]
[[File:HuiChineseMuslim3.jpg|thumb|right|[[Hui people]] in Xinjiang]]


The [[Nationality law of the People's Republic of China]] regulates nationality within the PRC. A person obtains nationality either by birth when at least one parent is of Chinese nationality or by [[naturalization]]. All people holding nationality of the People's Republic of China are citizens of the Republic.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/constitution/constitution.html |title=Constitution of the People's Republic of China (Article 33) |website=People's Daily Online |date=2 May 1982|access-date=23 July 2014}}</ref> The [[Resident Identity Card]] is the official form of identification for residents of the People's Republic of China.
The [[Nationality law of the People's Republic of China]] regulates nationality within the PRC. A person obtains nationality either by birth when at least one parent is of Chinese nationality or by [[naturalization]]. All people holding nationality of the People's Republic of China are citizens of the Republic.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/constitution/constitution.html |title=Constitution of the People's Republic of China (Article 33) |website=People's Daily Online |date=2 May 1982 |access-date=23 July 2014 |archive-date=12 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100812000000/http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/constitution/constitution.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[Resident Identity Card]] is the official form of identification for residents of the People's Republic of China.


Within the People's Republic of China, a [[Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport]] or [[Macao Special Administrative Region passport]] may be issued to permanent residents of Hong Kong or Macao, respectively.
Within the People's Republic of China, a [[Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport]] or [[Macao Special Administrative Region passport]] may be issued to permanent residents of Hong Kong or Macao, respectively.


The [[Nationality law of the Republic of China]] regulates nationality within the Republic of China (Taiwan). A person obtains nationality either by birth or by naturalization. A person with at least one parent who is a national of the Republic of China, or born in the ROC to stateless parents qualifies for nationality by birth.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://law.moj.gov.tw/Eng/LawClass/LawAll.aspx?PCode=D0030001 |title=Nationality Act |website=Laws & Regulations Database of the Republic of China|date=27 January 2006|access-date=23 July 2014}}</ref>
The [[Nationality law of the Republic of China]] regulates nationality within the Republic of China (Taiwan). A person obtains nationality either by birth or by naturalization. A person with at least one parent who is a national of the Republic of China, or born in the ROC to stateless parents qualifies for nationality by birth.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://law.moj.gov.tw/Eng/LawClass/LawAll.aspx?PCode=D0030001|title=Nationality Act|website=Laws & Regulations Database of the Republic of China|date=27 January 2006|access-date=23 July 2014|archive-date=21 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160121163554/http://law.moj.gov.tw/Eng/LawClass/LawAll.aspx?PCode=D0030001|url-status=live}}</ref>


The [[National Identification Card (Republic of China)|National Identification Card]] is an identity document issued to people who have [[Hukou system|household registration]] in Taiwan. The [[Resident Certificate]] is an identification card issued to residents of the Republic of China who do not hold a National Identification Card.
The [[National Identification Card (Republic of China)|National Identification Card]] is an identity document issued to people who have [[Hukou system|household registration]] in Taiwan. The [[Resident Certificate]] is an identification card issued to residents of the Republic of China who do not hold a National Identification Card.
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{{Main|Overseas Chinese}}
{{Main|Overseas Chinese}}


[[File:Melbourne China Town.jpg|thumb|right|[[Chinatown, Melbourne]] is the longest continuous Chinese settlement in the [[Western World]] and the oldest Chinatown in the [[Southern Hemisphere]].<ref>{{cite web |url = http://chinatownmelbourne.com.au |title = Chinatown Melbourne |access-date = 23 January 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/ABOUTMELBOURNE/HISTORY/Pages/multiculturalhistory.aspxt |title = Melbourne's multicultural history |publisher = [[City of Melbourne]] |access-date = 23 January 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://matadornetwork.com/trips/worlds-8-most-colorful-chinatowns/ |title = World's 8 most colourful Chinatowns |access-date = 23 January 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title = The essential guide to Chinatown |url = https://www.melbournefoodandwine.com.au/read-watch/latest-news/news/the-essential-guide-to-chinatown-920 |website = Melbourne Food and Wine Festival |publisher = Food + Drink Victoria |access-date = 11 February 2022 }}</ref>]]
[[File:Melbourne China Town.jpg|thumb|right|[[Chinatown, Melbourne]] is the longest continuous Chinese settlement in the [[Western World]] and the oldest Chinatown in the [[Southern Hemisphere]].<ref>{{cite web |url = http://chinatownmelbourne.com.au/ |title = Chinatown Melbourne |access-date = 23 January 2014 |archive-date = 25 January 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140125022815/http://chinatownmelbourne.com.au/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/ABOUTMELBOURNE/HISTORY/Pages/multiculturalhistory.aspxt |title = Melbourne's multicultural history |publisher = [[City of Melbourne]] |access-date = 23 January 2014 |archive-date = 30 September 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230930190838/https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/about-melbourne/melbourne-heritage/Pages/melbourne-heritage.aspx |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://matadornetwork.com/trips/worlds-8-most-colorful-chinatowns/ |title = World's 8 most colourful Chinatowns |access-date = 23 January 2014 |archive-date = 31 January 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140131130906/http://matadornetwork.com/trips/worlds-8-most-colorful-chinatowns/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title = The essential guide to Chinatown |url = https://www.melbournefoodandwine.com.au/read-watch/latest-news/news/the-essential-guide-to-chinatown-920 |website = Melbourne Food and Wine Festival |date = 3 February 2021 |publisher = Food + Drink Victoria |access-date = 11 February 2022 |archive-date = 14 February 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220214234525/https://www.melbournefoodandwine.com.au/read-watch/latest-news/news/the-essential-guide-to-chinatown-920 |url-status = live }}</ref>]]


Overseas Chinese refers to people of Chinese ethnicity or national heritage who live outside the People's Republic of China or Taiwan as the result of the continuing [[Chinese diaspora|diaspora]].<ref>{{cite book |last = Barabantseva |first = Elena |title = Overseas Chinese, Ethnic Minorities and Nationalism: De-Centering China |year = 2010 |publisher = Routledge |isbn = 978-1-136-92736-2 }}</ref> People with one or more Chinese ancestors may consider themselves overseas Chinese.<ref>{{cite book |last=Park |first = Yoon Jung |title = A Matter of Honour: Being Chinese in South Africa |year = 2008 |publisher = Lexington Books |isbn = 978-0-7391-3553-2 |page = 155 }}</ref> Such people vary widely in terms of [[cultural assimilation]]. In some areas throughout the world [[ethnic enclave]]s known as [[Chinatown]]s are home to populations of overseas Chinese.
Overseas Chinese refers to people of Chinese ethnicity or national heritage who live outside the People's Republic of China or Taiwan as the result of the continuing [[Chinese diaspora|diaspora]].<ref>{{cite book |last = Barabantseva |first = Elena |title = Overseas Chinese, Ethnic Minorities and Nationalism: De-Centering China |year = 2010 |publisher = Routledge |isbn = 978-1-136-92736-2 }}</ref> People with one or more Chinese ancestors may consider themselves overseas Chinese.<ref>{{cite book |last=Park |first = Yoon Jung |title = A Matter of Honour: Being Chinese in South Africa |year = 2008 |publisher = Lexington Books |isbn = 978-0-7391-3553-2 |page = 155 }}</ref> Such people vary widely in terms of [[cultural assimilation]]. In some areas throughout the world [[ethnic enclave]]s known as [[Chinatown]]s are home to populations of overseas Chinese.
Line 83: Line 83:
In Southeast Asia, people of Chinese descent call themselves {{lang|zh-Hant|華人}} ({{lang|zh-Latn-pinyin|Huárén}}) instead of ({{lang|zh-Hant|中國人}} {{lang|zh-Latn-pinyin|Zhōngguórén}}) which commonly refers to the citizens of the People's Republic of China or the Republic of China.<ref>{{cite book |last=Beeson|first=Mark|title=Contemporary Southeast Asia|year=2008|publisher=Palgrave Macmillan|isbn=978-1-137-06880-4|page=118}}</ref> This is especially so in the Chinese communities of Southeast Asia. The term ''Zhongguoren'' has a more political or ideological aspect in its use; while many in China may use ''Zhongguoren'' to mean the Chinese ethnicity, some in Taiwan would refuse to be called ''Zhongguoren''.<ref name="chang" />
In Southeast Asia, people of Chinese descent call themselves {{lang|zh-Hant|華人}} ({{lang|zh-Latn-pinyin|Huárén}}) instead of ({{lang|zh-Hant|中國人}} {{lang|zh-Latn-pinyin|Zhōngguórén}}) which commonly refers to the citizens of the People's Republic of China or the Republic of China.<ref>{{cite book |last=Beeson|first=Mark|title=Contemporary Southeast Asia|year=2008|publisher=Palgrave Macmillan|isbn=978-1-137-06880-4|page=118}}</ref> This is especially so in the Chinese communities of Southeast Asia. The term ''Zhongguoren'' has a more political or ideological aspect in its use; while many in China may use ''Zhongguoren'' to mean the Chinese ethnicity, some in Taiwan would refuse to be called ''Zhongguoren''.<ref name="chang" />


== See also ==
== See also==
{{Portal|China}}
{{Portal|China}}
{{div col |colwidth = 30em }}
{{div col |colwidth = 30em }}
; For countries with significant populations
; For countries with significant populations
* [[Chinese Malaysian]]
* [[Chinese Malaysians]]
* [[Chinese Singaporean]] ([[Chinese nationals in Singapore|Chinese Nationals]])
* [[Chinese Singaporean]]
* [[Han Taiwanese]]
* [[Chinese Thai]]landers


; For countries with noteworthy populations
; For countries with noteworthy populations
<!--4% or more of the population-->
<!--4% or more of the population-->
* [[Chinese Thai]]
* [[Chinese Australian]]
* [[Chinese Filipino]]
* [[Ethnic Chinese in Brunei|Chinese Bruneian]]
* [[Ethnic Chinese in Brunei|Chinese Bruneian]]
* [[Chinese Australian]]
* [[Chinese Canadian]]
* [[Chinese Canadian]]
* [[Chinese Filipino]]
* [[Chinese New Zealander]]
* [[Chinese New Zealander]]


; Other countries with Chinese populations
; Other countries with Chinese populations
<!--Under 4% of the population-->
<!--Under 4% of the population-->
* [[Chinese Indonesian]]
* [[Chinese people in Korea|Chinese Korean]]
* [[Chinese Vietnamese (disambiguation)|Chinese Vietnamese]]
* [[Chinese American]]
* [[Chinese American]]
* [[Chinese Argentine]]
* [[Chinese Brazilian]]
* [[British Chinese]]
* [[Chinese Burmese]]
* [[Chinese Burmese]]
* [[Chinese Cambodian]]
* [[Chinese Cambodian]]
* [[Chinese Laotian]]
* [[Ethnic Chinese in Russia|Chinese Russian]]
* [[Chinese people in Italy|Chinese Italian]]
* [[British Chinese]]
* [[Chinese Caribbean]]
* [[Chinese Caribbean]]
* [[Chinese Cuban]]
* [[Chinese Cuban]]
* [[Ethnic Chinese in the Dominican Republic|Chinese Dominican]]
* [[Ethnic Chinese in the Dominican Republic|Chinese Dominican]]
* [[Chinese Guyanese]]
* [[Chinese Guyanese]]
* [[Chinese Indonesian]]
* [[Chinese people in Italy|Chinese Italian]]
* [[Chinese Jamaican]]
* [[Chinese Jamaican]]
* [[Chinese Trinidadian and Tobagonian]]
* [[Chinese people in Korea|Chinese Korean]]
* [[Chinese Surinamese]]
* [[Chinese Laotian]]
* [[Chinese immigration to Puerto Rico|Chinese Puerto Rican]]
* [[Chinese Brazilian]]
* [[Chinese Argentine]]
* [[Chinese Mexican]]
* [[Chinese Mexican]]
* [[Chinese Peruvian]]
* [[Chinese Peruvian]]
* [[Chinese immigration to Puerto Rico|Chinese Puerto Rican]]
* [[Ethnic Chinese in Russia|Chinese Russian]]
* [[Chinese Surinamese]]
* [[Chinese Trinidadian and Tobagonian]]
* [[Chinese Venezuelan]]
* [[Chinese Venezuelan]]
* [[Chinese Vietnamese (disambiguation)|Chinese Vietnamese]]


; Related topics of interest
; Related topics of interest

Latest revision as of 20:36, 14 November 2024

Countries with a significant population with Chinese ancestry.
  Greater China (mainland, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan)
  + 1,000,000
  + 100,000
  + 10,000
  + 1,000
  No data

The Chinese people, or simply Chinese, are people or ethnic groups identified with China, usually through ethnicity, nationality, citizenship, or other affiliation.[1]

Chinese people are known as Zhongguoren (traditional Chinese: 中國人; simplified Chinese: 中国人) or as Huaren (traditional Chinese: 華人; simplified Chinese: 华人) by speakers of Standard Chinese, including those living in Greater China as well as overseas Chinese. Although both terms both refer to Chinese people, their usage depends on the person and context. The former term is commonly (but not exclusively) used to refer to the citizens of the People's Republic of Chinaespecially mainland China.[2][3][4][5] The term Huaren is used to refer to ethnic Chinese, and is more often used for those who reside overseas or are non-citizens of China.

The Han Chinese are the largest ethnic group in China, comprising approximately 92% of its Mainland population.[6] They comprise approximately 95% of the population of Taiwan.[7][8] They are also the world's largest ethnic group, comprising approximately 18% of the global human population.[9][10]

Outside China, the terms "Han Chinese" and "Chinese" are often wrongly conflated since those identifying or registered as Han Chinese are the dominant ethnic group in China.[11][12] However, there are also 55 officially-recognized ethnic minorities in China who are also Chinese by nationality.

People from Taiwan, officially the Republic of China (ROC), may also be referred to as "Chinese" in various contexts, though they are usually referred to as "Taiwanese". The territory of Taiwan is disputed and the ROC has limited recognition of its sovereignty.

The term "Overseas Chinese" is used to refer to people of Chinese origin living overseas as well as Chinese citizens residing outside China, but more commonly the former.

Ethnic groups in China and associated territories

A number of ethnic groups as well as other racial minorities of China are referred to as Chinese people.[13]

Ethnic groups in China

Communist China Map Folio. U.S. Central Intelligence Agency, Directorate of Intelligence, Office of Basic Geographic Intelligence, 1967

Han Chinese people, the largest ethnic group in China, are often wrongly referred to as "Chinese" or "ethnic Chinese" in English.[11][12][14] The Han Chinese also form a majority or notable minority in other countries, and they comprise approximately 18% of the global human population.[9][10]

Other ethnic groups in China include the Zhuang, Hui, Manchus, Uyghurs, and Miao, who make up the five largest ethnic minorities in mainland China, with populations of approximately 10 million or more. In addition, the Yi, Tujia, Tibetans and Mongols each have populations between five and ten million.

China, officially the People's Republic of China (PRC), recognizes 56 native Chinese ethnic groups. There are also several unrecognized ethnic groups in China.

Ethnic groups in dynastic China

The term "Chinese people" (Chinese: 中國之人; lit. 'People of China' Zhōngguó zhī rén; Manchu: Dulimbai gurun i niyalma) was used by the Qing government to refer to all traditionally native subjects of the empire, including Han, Manchu, and Mongols.[15]

Zhonghua minzu (the "Chinese nation")

Zhonghua minzu (simplified Chinese: 中华民族; traditional Chinese: 中華民族; pinyin: Zhōnghuá Mínzú), the "Chinese nation", is a supra-ethnic concept which includes all 56 ethnic groups living in China that are officially recognized by the government of the People's Republic of China. It includes established ethnic groups who have lived within the borders of premodern China.[16] The term zhonghua minzu was used during the Republic of China from 1911 to 1949 to refer to five primary ethnic groups[a] in China.[17] The term zhongguo renmin (Chinese: 中国人民), "Chinese people", was the government's preferred term during the early communist era; zhonghua minzu is more common in recent decades.[18]

Ethnic groups in Taiwan

The Amis people are an indigenous Taiwanese ethnic group.

Taiwan, officially the Republic of China (ROC), recognizes 17 native Taiwanese ethnic groups as well as numerous other "New Immigrant" ethnic groups (mostly originating from mainland China and Southeast Asia). Of the 17 native Taiwanese ethnic groups, 16 are considered to be indigenous (Taiwanese indigenous peoples),[19] whereas one is considered to be non-native (Han Taiwanese).[20] There are also several unrecognized indigenous ethnic groups in Taiwan.

The Han Taiwanese, who are Han Chinese people living in Taiwan, are usually categorized by the Taiwanese government into three main ethnic groups; the Taiwanese Hoklos, Taiwanese Hakkas, and waishengren (i.e. "Mainland Chinese people in Taiwan"). The Kinmenese and Matsunese peoples are two other significant Han Taiwanese ethnic groups.

The Taiwanese Hoklos and Hakkas are both considered to be "native" populations of Taiwan since they first began migrating to Taiwan in significant numbers from Fujian and Guangdong over 400 years ago (they first began migrating to Taiwan in minor numbers several centuries earlier). They are often collectively referred to in Taiwanese Mandarin as "Benshengren" (meaning "people from this province"). Those self-identifying as Hoklo culturally comprise approximately 70% of Taiwan's total population and the Hakkas comprise approximately 14% of Taiwan's total population.

Meanwhile, the so-called Mainlanders (Taiwanese) are mostly descended from people who migrated from mainland China to Taiwan during the 1940s and 1950s. They are often referred to in Taiwanese Mandarin as "Waishengren" (meaning "people from outside of this province"). The Mainlanders (Taiwanese) comprise approximately 14% of Taiwan's total population.

Collectively, the various Taiwanese indigenous peoples comprise approximately 2% of Taiwan's total population. The various Taiwanese indigenous peoples are believed to have been living in Taiwan for up to 6000 years prior to the colonization of Taiwan by China which began during the 17th century (CE).

Recognition by the Chinese government

The Han Taiwanese, Native Taiwanese (Benshengren), Hoklo Taiwanese, Hakka Taiwanese, Mainlander Taiwanese (Waishengren), Kinmenese, and Matsunese ethnic groups (all subtypes or branches of the Han Chinese ethnic group) are all unrecognized by the Chinese government. Furthermore, the sixteen Taiwanese indigenous peoples that are officially recognized by the Taiwanese government are also all unrecognized by the Chinese government. The Chinese government also does not recognize the ethnic designation "New Immigrant".

The Chinese government instead has its own ethnic designations for Taiwanese people. Han Taiwanese people are considered to be Han Chinese people (no distinction is made), whereas the various recognized and unrecognized (by Taiwan) Taiwanese indigenous peoples are collectively recognized (by China) to be "Gaoshanren" (i.e. "High Mountain People"). The Gaoshanren are one of the 56 officially-recognized ethnic groups of China.

Nationality, citizenship and residence

Tibetans in Qinghai
Hui people in Xinjiang

The Nationality law of the People's Republic of China regulates nationality within the PRC. A person obtains nationality either by birth when at least one parent is of Chinese nationality or by naturalization. All people holding nationality of the People's Republic of China are citizens of the Republic.[21] The Resident Identity Card is the official form of identification for residents of the People's Republic of China.

Within the People's Republic of China, a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport or Macao Special Administrative Region passport may be issued to permanent residents of Hong Kong or Macao, respectively.

The Nationality law of the Republic of China regulates nationality within the Republic of China (Taiwan). A person obtains nationality either by birth or by naturalization. A person with at least one parent who is a national of the Republic of China, or born in the ROC to stateless parents qualifies for nationality by birth.[22]

The National Identification Card is an identity document issued to people who have household registration in Taiwan. The Resident Certificate is an identification card issued to residents of the Republic of China who do not hold a National Identification Card.

The relationship between ROC nationality and PRC nationality is disputed.[23]

Overseas Chinese

Chinatown, Melbourne is the longest continuous Chinese settlement in the Western World and the oldest Chinatown in the Southern Hemisphere.[24][25][26][27]

Overseas Chinese refers to people of Chinese ethnicity or national heritage who live outside the People's Republic of China or Taiwan as the result of the continuing diaspora.[28] People with one or more Chinese ancestors may consider themselves overseas Chinese.[29] Such people vary widely in terms of cultural assimilation. In some areas throughout the world ethnic enclaves known as Chinatowns are home to populations of overseas Chinese.

In Southeast Asia, people of Chinese descent call themselves 華人 (Huárén) instead of (中國人 Zhōngguórén) which commonly refers to the citizens of the People's Republic of China or the Republic of China.[30] This is especially so in the Chinese communities of Southeast Asia. The term Zhongguoren has a more political or ideological aspect in its use; while many in China may use Zhongguoren to mean the Chinese ethnicity, some in Taiwan would refuse to be called Zhongguoren.[5]

See also

References

  1. ^ Harding, Harry (1993). "The Concept of "greater China": Themes, Variations and Reservations". The China Quarterly. 136 (136): 660–86. doi:10.1017/S030574100003229X. JSTOR 655587. S2CID 154522700.
  2. ^ https://www.zdic.net/hans/%E4%B8%AD%E5%9B%BD%E4%BA%BA Archived 27 March 2022 at the Wayback Machine 生息、繁衍,居住在中国的本地人或者海外有中国血统的侨胞 Local people who live, reproduce, reside in China, or Chinese nationals of Chinese descent living overseas.
  3. ^ https://cwn.ling.sinica.edu.tw/_process.asp?inputword=%A4%A4%B0%EA%A4H&radiobutton=1 Archived 1 October 2022 at the Wayback Machine 普通名詞。中華民族的族人或中國大陸的人民。 noun, ethnic groups of Zhonghua Minzu, or people of China
  4. ^ Pan, Lynn, ed. (April 1999). "Huaqiao". The Encyclopedia of the Chinese Overseas. Harvard University Press. ISBN 0674252101. LCCN 98035466. Archived from the original on 17 March 2009. Retrieved 17 March 2009.
  5. ^ a b Hui-Ching Chang; Richard Holt (20 November 2014). Language, Politics and Identity in Taiwan: Naming China. Routledge. pp. 162–64. ISBN 978-1-135-04635-4. Archived from the original on 30 September 2023. Retrieved 13 October 2018.
  6. ^ CIA Factbook Archived 13 February 2021 at the Wayback Machine: "Han Chinese 91.6%" out of a reported population of 1,379 billion (July 2017 est.)
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  1. ^ The Han, the Manchu, the Mongols, the Hui (applied to Muslims as a whole), and the Tibetans.