evidence: On October 1, 1949, Mao Zedong (1893-1976) stood on the rostrum of Tian’anmen (The Gate of Heavenly Peace) and announced the establishment of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in his strong Hunanese accent. This momentous announcement marked the end of China’s chaotic era of foreign domination since the mid-18th century and of frequent governmental upheavals after 1911. [...] By the end of 1949, the CCP secured its victory by winning key battles, including taking control of significant cities such as Nanjing and Shanghai. The KMT retreated to Taiwan, where Chiang established a rival government. [...] The defeated Nationalists inherited the name of the previous Republic of China (ROC). This division created the "Two Chinas" situation, with the PRC and the ROC claiming to be the only legitimate government in China. Although the PRC gradually secured control over the mainland, the KMT maintained significant military and economic strength in Taiwan.