communist china: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumFormal, Political, Historical, Journalistic
Quick answer
What does “communist china” mean?
A political term primarily referring to the People's Republic of China, founded in 1949, under the rule of the Chinese Communist Party.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A political term primarily referring to the People's Republic of China, founded in 1949, under the rule of the Chinese Communist Party.
The geopolitical entity and its socio-economic system, often used as a shorthand for the Chinese government, its policies, or its ideology. In some contexts, it distinguishes the current state from historical or non-communist entities in Chinese history.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is similar in frequency and meaning. American discourse may use it more often in historical or explicitly ideological contexts.
Connotations
Often carries a formal or slightly historical/ideological tone in both. Can be perceived as adversarial or descriptive, depending on context.
Frequency
More common in mid-to-late 20th century texts. Declining in formal usage in favor of 'China' or 'the PRC', but persists in political commentary.
Grammar
How to Use “communist china” in a Sentence
under Communist Chinasince the founding of Communist ChinaCommunist China's [policy/action]relations between [country] and Communist ChinaVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “communist china” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - Proper noun phrase
American English
- N/A - Proper noun phrase
adverb
British English
- N/A - Proper noun phrase
American English
- N/A - Proper noun phrase
adjective
British English
- N/A - Proper noun phrase. Can be used attributively: 'Communist China policy'.
American English
- N/A - Proper noun phrase. Can be used attributively: 'Communist China policy'.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, considered politically charged. 'The Chinese market' or 'our partners in China' are preferred.
Academic
Used in historical, political science, or Cold War studies to specify the period and ideology. 'The PRC' is more common in contemporary studies.
Everyday
Uncommon in casual conversation. Used mainly in news or historical discussion.
Technical
Used in political analysis, ideological comparison, or historical timeline specification.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “communist china”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “communist china”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “communist china”
- Using it interchangeably with 'China' in neutral modern contexts, which can sound anachronistic or polemical.
- Capitalizing 'communist' when it's not at the start of a sentence (it is part of a proper noun here, so it is capitalized).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The official name is the People's Republic of China (PRC). 'Communist China' is a descriptive term referencing its governing ideology.
It is not universally offensive but is politically marked. In diplomatic, formal, or modern business contexts, it can be seen as imprecise or carrying Cold War baggage. Using 'China' or 'the PRC' is safer and more neutral.
Both refer to the PRC. 'Red China' is older, more colloquial, and carries stronger anti-communist or sensationalist connotations. 'Communist China' is more formal but still ideologically explicit.
Yes, because it forms part of a specific proper noun phrase used as a name for a geopolitical entity, similar to 'South Korea' or 'United Kingdom'.
A political term primarily referring to the People's Republic of China, founded in 1949, under the rule of the Chinese Communist Party.
Communist china is usually formal, political, historical, journalistic in register.
Communist china: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒmjənɪst ˈtʃaɪnə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːmjənɪst ˈtʃaɪnə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Behind the Bamboo Curtain (historical, refers to Communist China)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a red flag (communism) planted firmly on a map of China in 1949.
Conceptual Metaphor
The state as an ideological project.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'Communist China' most appropriately used today?