How many individuals does the figure of 14 million primarily refer to in this context?

The figure of 14 million primarily refers to the deaths in China during World War II, a period marked by significant conflict and tragedy due to the Japanese invasion and subsequent battles. Historical records indicate that the war caused immense suffering and loss of life among the Chinese population, resulting in a conservative estimate of approximately 14 million deaths from combat, famine, and other war-related causes. This number highlights the scale of human tragedy experienced by China during this time, which was shaped by both military conflicts and the social repercussions of war.

In contrast, the other options—such as casualties of the Indian Ocean Tsunami or the population of Roanoke Colony—do not relate to this specific context, as they pertain to different events or situations, each with their own distinct historical significance and statistics. Hence, the choice indicating deaths in China during World War II aligns with the provided figure.