China
Some of the apparent "exonyms" for China are the result of change in romanization of Chinese to modern pinyin. For example the change from "Tientsin" to "Tianjin." Other apparent exonyms are the result of differences in regional pronunciation, for example old "Canton" is still nearer the local name than modern "Guangzhou" the northerners' way of pronouncing the southern city.
Read more about this topic: English Exonyms
Famous quotes containing the word china:
“In a country where misery and want were the foundation of the social structure, famine was periodic, death from starvation common, disease pervasive, thievery normal, and graft and corruption taken for granted, the elimination of these conditions in Communist China is so striking that negative aspects of the new rule fade in relative importance.”
—Barbara Tuchman (1912–1989)
“Consider the China pride and stagnant self-complacency of mankind. This generation inclines a little to congratulate itself on being the last of an illustrious line; and in Boston and London and Paris and Rome, thinking of its long descent, it speaks of its progress in art and science and literature with satisfaction.... It is the good Adam contemplating his own virtue.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
“The awakening of the people of China to the possibilities under free government is the most significant, if not the most momentous, event of our generation.”
—Woodrow Wilson (1856–1924)