Many Nations Unite to Reject China’s New Map

Many Nations Unite to Reject China’s New Map: Taking a Strong Stand for Territorial Integrity

A discussion about territorial claims in the Asia-Pacific region has been sparked by China’s most recent public chart, which has received criticism from a number of countries. The fact that the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Taiwan, and the government of India have all rejected the map shows how serious the issue is and how adamantly they are defending their sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Concerning Development

China’s latest interpretation of its public chart, previously labeled as “problematic” by Beijing itself, has triggered a strong negative reaction. These nations are now embroiled in territorial disputes with China because they vehemently object to the new map. They claim that China has obstinately proclaimed its claim to their lands and waterways.

India’s Firm Displeasure

India initiated the rejection of China’s map, expressing strong dissatisfaction with China’s claims regarding Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin. The resolution of long-standing boundary disputes between the two countries is made more difficult by this diplomatic dispute. China’s assertions have been emphatically rejected by India’s Ministry of External Affairs because they are unfounded.

S Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister, stated, “Making absurd claims doesn’t make someone else’s property yours.” This sentiment encapsulates the concerns of all the countries rejecting China’s new map.

Philippines: Rejecting the Inclusion of Their Features

One of the loudest opponents of China’s map has been the Philippine government. The 2023 edition of China’s “standard chart” still includes Philippine geographical elements in the West Philippine Sea. The Philippine Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Hon. Teresita Daza strongly criticized this inclusion.

Referring to a 2016 arbitration award, Daza highlighted that China’s claims contradict international conventions. China has been requested by the Philippines to uphold its obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and respect the arbitral ruling from 2016.

Malaysia’s Strong Warning

The South China Sea claims made by China have also received a harsh warning from Malaysia. Foreign Minister Dr. Zambri Abdul Kadir firmly reiterated Malaysia’s refusal to accept China’s stance presented in the “China Standard Map Version 2023.” This action aligns with Malaysia’s consistent approach to dealing with such territorial matters.

Vietnam’s Defiant Position

Vietnam has emphatically restated its sovereignty over the Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) islands. Vietnam’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman Pham Thu Hang categorically rejected China’s maritime claims based on the “Nine-Dash Line” in the East Sea.

The territorial allocation shown in China’s map contradicts Vietnam’s sovereignty and autonomous rights. In accordance with the terms of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), Vietnam has always upheld its sovereign rights.

Taiwan: Asserting Independence

With emphasis on Taiwan’s autonomy and independence, Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry vehemently condemned China’s characterization of Taiwan as being under its domination. The political sensitivity surrounding Taiwan’s status internationally is highlighted by this viewpoint.

China’s Resolute Stand

China, though, has not changed its stance. Reiterating its consistent stance on the South China Sea conflicts, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. To make its territorial claims simpler to comprehend and identify, it regularly publishes standardized charts. Wang Wenbin, a spokesman for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, predicts that the concerned parties would approach the situation with ideal and logical thinking.