Nilanjan
China has recently released the 2023 edition of its “standard map”, which shows parts of India, Taiwan, and the South China Sea as its own territory.
This provocative move has triggered strong reactions from India and other countries that have disputes with China over these areas.
What does China’s new map show?
China’s new map, which was officially released on Monday and launched on the website of the standard map service hosted by the Ministry of Natural Resources, is based on the drawing method of the national boundaries of China and various countries in the world.
The map displays Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims as South Tibet, and Aksai Chin, which China occupied in the 1962 war, as part of China. India has repeatedly asserted that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India and that Aksai Chin belongs to India.
The map also incorporates Taiwan, which China claims as part of its mainland and vows to reunify with by force if necessary. Taiwan, however, considers itself a sovereign nation and rejects China’s claims.
Moreover, the map shows the nine-dash line, which claims a large part of the South China Sea as China’s historical waters. The nine-dash line has been rejected by an international tribunal and challenged by several countries that have overlapping claims with China in the region, such as Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan.
Why did China release the new map?
China’s new map is seen as a way of asserting its territorial claims and sending a message to its rivals that it will not back down from its stance. China has been involved in several border disputes and maritime conflicts with its neighbors in recent years, which have escalated tensions and raised concerns over regional stability and security.
Some analysts believe that China’s new map is also a response to the Quad summit that took place in March this year, where the leaders of the US, India, Japan, and Australia discussed ways to counter China’s growing influence and aggression in the Indo-Pacific region.
Another possible reason for China’s new map is to boost its domestic nationalism and legitimacy ahead of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China next year, where President Xi Jinping is expected to seek a third term in power. By portraying itself as a strong and defiant nation that can defend its sovereignty and interests against external threats, China may hope to rally public support and loyalty to its leadership.
How did India and other countries react to China’s new map?
China’s new map has sparked outrage in India and other countries that have disputes with China over the areas shown in the map. India has lodged a strong protest with China over the map, calling it “unilateral” and “illegal” . India has also reiterated that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India and that it does not accept any attempts by China to alter the status quo along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), which is the de facto border between the two countries.
India’s opposition parties have also slammed the government for its “weak” and “ineffective” response to China’s new map, accusing it of failing to protect India’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. They have demanded that the government take concrete actions to counter China’s aggression and restore India’s control over the areas occupied by China along the LAC .
Taiwan has also rejected China’s new map, stating that it has no legal basis and does not reflect reality. Taiwan has affirmed its sovereignty over its territory and urged the international community to support its democratic values and way of life against China’s coercion.
The countries that have disputes with China in the South China Sea have also expressed their concerns over China’s new map, which they view as a violation of their sovereign rights and interests. They have called for a peaceful resolution of the disputes in accordance with international law and norms.
Conclusion
China’s new map is a controversial move that has provoked strong reactions from India and other countries that have disputes with China over the areas shown in the map. The map reflects China’s assertive stance on its territorial claims and its willingness to challenge its rivals in the region. The map also raises questions about China’s intentions and ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.
India and other countries have rejected China’s new map as illegal and unacceptable and have reaffirmed their sovereignty and rights over their territory. They have also urged China to respect international law and norms and to engage in dialogue and cooperation to resolve the disputes peacefully and constructively.
