evidence: Both the PRC and their predecessors the Kuomintang (ROC) had always maintained that Tibet was a part of China.[49] The PRC also proclaimed an ideological motivation to "liberate" the Tibetans from a theocratic feudal system.[52] In September 1949, shortly before the proclamation of the People's Republic of China, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) made it a top priority to incorporate Tibet, Taiwan Island, Hainan Island, and the Penghu Islands into the PRC,[53][54] peacefully or by force.[55] China viewed incorporating Tibet as important to consolidate its frontiers and address national defense concerns in the southwest.[56] Because Tibet was unlikely to voluntarily give up its de facto independence, Mao in December 1949 ordered that preparations be made to march into Tibet at Qamdo (Chamdo), in order to induce the Tibetan Government to negotiate.[55] The PRC had over a million men under arms[55] and had extensive combat experience from the recently concluded Chinese Civil War.[citation needed]