Beijing is using maps to reinforce its claim over the South China Sea. Reports say the Chinese government, under President Xi Jinping, has renamed almost 100 islands and shoals in the region as part of a broader strategy to assert symbolic sovereignty.
The new names appear on a standard map released by China’s Ministry of Natural Resources in August 2023. That map not only shows the well‑known “nine‑dash line” but also adds a new “ten‑dash” area east of Taiwan, making it look like a natural part of China. The change is a non‑military way to influence how other countries see the disputed waters.
The move comes after a series of confrontations with Philippine ships. In September, Chinese coast guard boats used high‑pressure water cannons and collided with a Philippine supply ship near Scarborough Shoal. The incident left several sailors injured and sparked public outcry in Manila. Beijing’s officials branded Scarborough Shoal a “protected marine area,” a claim that limits Philippine fishing and research access while framing the move as environmental protection.
Analysts say the pattern is clear: China is turning contested waters into a playground for its forces. They point to “buildup” on artificial islands, routine coast guard patrols, and aggressive enforcement as signs of a deliberate expansion policy. The Chinese state argues that words like “peaceful development” and “mutual trust” are meant to soften the world’s perception, but critics argue that the evidence shows the opposite.
The recent clashes have cost regional stability. The Philippines has responded by publicising the incidents and calling out China’s “might‑makes‑right” approach. In short, China’s cartographic maneuvers and aggressive enforcement are raising tensions in the South China Sea, a hotspot that remains a global challenge.
Source: ianslive
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