Proper noun
China
1. A nation in East Asia, officially named The Republic of China, having its capital in Nanking. Also know as "China Proper"
2. The Chinese SSR, a Republic of Soviet Union, having its capital in Beijing
3. "Greater China" a region of Asia corresponding to the historical territory of the Chinese Empire. Most commonly cited as including the Uyghur, Mongol and Chinese SSRs, The Japanese colonies of Korea, Manchukuo, and Taiwan, and the Republic of China. The Tibetan Empire is sometimes included under this definintion See also: The Chinas
4. The Chinese civilization.