Which phrase correctly identifies a group of ancient people?

The phrase "Chinese" correctly identifies a group of ancient people because it serves as both an adjective and a noun. When used as a noun, "Chinese" refers to the people of China, encompassing their culture, language, and heritage. It is an appropriate collective term that is commonly accepted in English to refer to individuals or groups belonging to this nationality or ethnic group.

Using "The Chinese" is also acceptable and would not be incorrect, as it specifies the group, but the question seeks the most concise and straightforward answer. The other options—“The Chineses” and “Chineses”—are not standard in English usage, as they do not correctly reflect the accepted form for referring to the people of China. In summary, "Chinese" captures the term effectively and appropriately for identifying this group.