A "rival government" refers to a political entity that competes with another government for authority or control over a specific territory or population. This situation often arises in cases of civil conflict, where factions may claim legitimacy and seek to govern independently from the recognized state. Rival governments can emerge in various contexts, such as during a revolution or in regions with ongoing disputes. They may have their own leaders, policies, and systems of governance, often leading to tensions and conflicts with the established government. Examples include the Syrian opposition during the Syrian Civil War and the Taiwanese government in relation to China.