In 2004, the Peoples' Republic of China banned Hearts of Iron for "distorting history and damaging China's sovereignty and territorial integrity" according to the Ministry of Culture. Specifically, this was due to Manchuria, West Xinjiang, and Tibet being portrayed as independent entities, and Taiwan being portrayed as a Japanese territory, in accordance with their respective historical boundaries during World War II when the game takes place. However, the Peoples' Republic of China has claimed long-term recognition of these territories as expanded provinces for varying reasons over the years while opposing numerous independence movements, leading to demands from the Ministry of Culture to immediately prohibit the game in mainland China.