China releases new official map, showing territorial claims

China releases new official map, showing territorial claims


China has recently released the 2023 edition of its "standard map" that shows its territorial claims over several disputed areas, including Arunachal Pradesh, Aksai Chin, Taiwan and the South China Sea. The map, which was officially launched on the website of the Ministry of Natural Resources on Monday, is based on the drawing method of the national boundaries of China and various countries in the world.

The map has drawn criticism from India, which has repeatedly asserted that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India. China claims the northeastern state as South Tibet and has been issuing "renaming" lists of places in the region since 2017. The latest list was released in April this year, apparently in response to India holding events in the lead-up to the G-20 summit in Arunachal Pradesh, which Beijing had opposed. Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to attend the summit in New Delhi on September 9-10.

The map also shows Aksai Chin, a region that China occupied during the 1962 war with India, as part of its territory. The region is strategically important for both countries as it connects China's restive Xinjiang province with Tibet. India and China have been engaged in a tense border standoff since last year, with several rounds of military and diplomatic talks failing to resolve the issue.

Another contentious area that the map depicts is Taiwan, which China considers as a renegade province that must be reunited with the mainland by force if necessary. China has been ramping up its military and diplomatic pressure on Taiwan, which is a self-governing democracy with its own constitution, flag and currency. The map shows a "tenth dash" east of Taiwan, underlining Beijing's claims over the island.

The map also incorporates China's claims over the South China Sea, where it has drawn a "nine-dash line" that covers almost the entire waterway. China claims historical rights over the resource-rich sea, which is also claimed by Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan. China has been building artificial islands and military facilities in the sea, raising concerns among its neighbours and the international community.

The release of the new map coincides with what China calls the "National Mapping Awareness Publicity Week", which aims to promote the development and application of mapping services in various fields. The Ministry of Natural Resources said that it would also release digital maps and navigation and positioning services for use in location-based services, precision agriculture, platform economy and intelligent connected vehicles.

The new map reflects China's assertive stance on its territorial disputes with its neighbours and rivals. It also shows China's ambition to project its power and influence in the region and beyond. However, it also risks provoking more backlash and resistance from those who challenge China's claims and actions.

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(2) China releases new edition of ‘standard map’ showing its territorial claims. https://www.deccanherald.com/world/china-releases-new-edition-of-standard-map-showing-its-territorial-claims-2664117.
(3) Morning Digest | China releases new official map, showing territorial claims; Assam Rifles files defamation suit against Manipur politician, and more. https://www.thehindu.com/news/morning-digest-august-29-2023/article67245990.ece.
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