Stubborn China releases distorted map again after Xi-Modi talk, ahead of G20 summit

In a resolute display of its intentions, China has once again introduced its "standard" map, the 2023 edition, further asserting its territorial assertions over disputed areas, encompassing the entirety of Arunachal Pradesh and portions of Ladakh.

Formally released by the Chinese Ministry of Natural Resources on August 28, the map bolsters China's contentious stance on territorial conflicts, including the Taiwan issue and disputes in the South China Sea.

This unveiling follows a mere four days after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, during the BRICS Summit, agreed to expedite disengagement efforts and reduce tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in western Ladakh.

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Incidentally, Jinping will be visiting New Delhi in less than ten days, on September 9, to participate in the upcoming G-20 Summit in New Delhi.

Distorted map

• Notably, the Chinese map continues to depict the entire State of Arunachal Pradesh as part of China, despite India's strong assertions to the contrary.
• China also maintains its control over the Aksai Chin region, a source of historical dispute between India and China.
• China's release of the map follows its April announcement regarding the standardisation of names for 11 places in Arunachal Pradesh, including a town near the capital, Itanagar.
• Additionally, the map places a "tenth dash" east of Taiwan, symbolising China's persistent claims over the island, a point of contention in cross-strait relations.

• This claim is hotly disputed by several countries in the region, including Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan.

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This 'renaming of towns in Arunachal Pradesh' move is perceived by observers as a response to India's hosting of events leading up to the G-20 summit in the state. It would be interesting to see how the Indian foreign office takes up the matter with the visiting Chinese delegation in the coming days.

As of now, the Ministry of External Affairs has not officially responded to this development. 

India has consistently stressed that Arunachal Pradesh and the Union Territory of Ladakh an inseparable and perpetual parts of India.

Making the claims concrete

• In addition to the map, the Ministry of Natural Resources will also release digital maps and navigation tools for various applications, including location-based services, precision agriculture, platform economy, and intelligent connected vehicles.
• The release of the 2023 standard map coincides with China's "National Mapping Awareness Publicity Week," showcasing the importance that the government places on mapping and territorial claims.

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Borders under Xi

• Under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, China has been implementing stricter control measures in its border regions.
• In 2022, a new border law was enacted, outlining responsibilities for civilian and military authorities to safeguard national sovereignty, emphasising border education, and calling for the Chinese military to conduct border drills and prevent any perceived "invasions, encroachments, and provocations."

China's release of the 2023 standard map, with its reaffirmation of territorial claims, comes at a sensitive time in international relations, particularly with India. It adds to existing diplomatic challenges and underscores the complexity of regional disputes in Asia.

The state of Arunachal Pradesh and the union territory of Ladakh are integral parts of India.