"Chinese" is a multifaceted term primarily referring to people connected with China, encompassing various identities. This includes the dominant Han Chinese ethnic group, the broader Zhonghua minzu (Chinese nation) concept, numerous ethnic minorities, nationals of both the People's Republic of China and the Republic of China, and the global Overseas Chinese diaspora. Beyond identity, "Chinese" denotes a major branch of the Sino-Tibetan language family, the Sinitic languages, predominantly spoken in China. These Chinese languages share a common written script—Chinese characters (in traditional and simplified forms)—with Standard Chinese (Mandarin) serving as the official form in mainland China. The term further extends to significant cultural aspects such as Chinese cuisine, celebrated worldwide for its rich diversity.