China shows Bolshoy Ussuriysky island as its territory, stretching its map misadventures to Russia

China has defended its recent release of the "standard map" for 2023, which includes territories disputed with India, by urging New Delhi to avoid "overinterpretation", after India lodged a "strong protest" citing the move as an unnecessary complication in the already tense relations between the two countries.

The map in question, published by China's Ministry of Natural Resources, claimed the entirety of the Indian State of Arunachal Pradesh, parts of Eastern Ladakh and even the entire South China Sea within China's borders.

Turns out, the map not only infringed upon the territorial integrity of its adversaries but also showed a 350-square kilometre island in the Amur River in Eastern Siberia as China's.

Routine practice, really?

• When asked about India's protest, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin downplayed the situation, stating that such map releases were "routine" and part of China's sovereignty exercise. He further urged India to "stay objective and calm" and avoid overinterpreting the situation.
• Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, on the other hand, emphasised India's clear stance on its territory, stating that "making absurd claims does not make other people’s territories yours".

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Aggression towards an ally

• Interestingly, China's map isn't just causing diplomatic ripples with India. It has also raised concerns as Russia, a nation that has a close relationship with China, has also been on the receiving end of this misadventure this time around.
• The map designates the Bolshoy Ussuriysky Island in the Amur River as part of Chinese territory, that has been shared by the two since 2008.
• This move makes the former superpower, Russia, appear subordinate in the relationship.

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This development begs the question: Will Russia react similarly to China as India did?

Well, it hasn't so far!

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Why not?

• Given the current relationship between the two, it remains to be seen whether Russia will take a similar approach to China's cartographic aggression.
• As Western sanctions have made Russia increasingly dependent on economic relations with China following its economic isolation, Moscow might have chosen the path of silence.
• Russian stance shows that even if Kremlin is displeased, it might not loudly complain due to its economic reliance on the Red Dragon.
• The speculation around Russia being the junior partner in the Sino-Ruso alliance is finally coming true.
• More than that, it makes Vladimir Putin, who is already facing a tough time, and his stature look puny.
• To sum it up, this Chinese action looks to be similar to what Russia did to Ukraine, but on a piece of paper.

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