evidence: One key difference between the two is that while mainland China refers to the physical territory, the People’s Republic of China is the political entity that governs that territory. This means that while mainland China is a geographical concept, the PRC is a political one. [...] China, officially known as the People’s Republic of China, is a vast country located in East Asia. It is the world’s most populous country and the third-largest in terms of land area. Mainland China refers to the geographical area that encompasses the majority of China’s territory, excluding regions such as Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. [...] In conclusion, while the terms «China» and «mainland China» are often used interchangeably, there are key distinctions between the two. China refers to the entire country, including regions like Taiwan and Hong Kong, while mainland China specifically refers to the area controlled by the People’s Republic of China. Understanding these differences is important for accurately discussing the political, cultural, and geographical complexities of this diverse and dynamic nation.