A visit to the headquarters of the Nationalist Party, which has governed Taiwan for more than 50 years, erases any doubt about the party's proprietorial role in this island nation.

Mr. Lee said the vice president took the step to distinguish himself from President Lee, who has governed Taiwan for 12 years and is a commanding political figure.

It started out calling for moderate socialism and parliamentary democracy in China and, since 1949, has been governing Taiwan.

The P.R.C. never governed Taiwan, not even for one day.

The Republic of China, which governs Taiwan, believes wide usage of the renminbi would create an underground economy and undermine its sovereignty.

He challenged the Nationalists when they governed Taiwan as a one-party state and served time in prison in the 1970's for dissent.

Although Mr. Soong's move was widely expected, it exposed a fissure in the party, which has governed Taiwan for 50 years.

(The name change was not recognized by the Republic of China which has governed only Taiwan and some surrounding islands since 1949.)

Although the Dutch only governed Taiwan for 38 years, they greatly influenced the development of indigenous culture.

Mr. Chen took office in May, in the first transfer of power from the Nationalists, who had governed Taiwan for half a century.