The political status of Taiwan (or the "Taiwan Issue" as referred to by the People's Republic of China, or Mainland Issue or Taiwan Strait Issue as referred to by the Taiwan side) hinges on whether Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu should remain effectively independent as territory of the Republic of China (ROC); become unified with the territories now governed by the People's Republic of China (PRC) under the government of the People's Republic of China; formally declare independence and become the Republic of Taiwan;