China’s new ‘Standard Map’ irks its neighbours: After India, Malaysia and Philippines slam Beijing

Sep 01, 2023

New Delhi, September 01 (ANI): China's new national map has angered its neighbours India, Malaysia and the Philippines. After India and Malaysia, the Philippines joined the row and objected by releasing strongly-worded statements accusing Beijing of claiming their territory. In a statement, the Philippines called Beijing's attempt to "legitimise sovereignty" as having " no basis under International Law. The Philippines said it “rejected” the map because of its inclusion of a dashed line around contested areas of the South China Sea. On the other hand, Malaysia on Aug 30 echoed India and rejected the new map of China that encroaches on its maritime territory. India was the first country to reject claims made by Beijing in the so-called “standard map” and lodged a strong protest against China. In response to media queries, MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that steps from the Chinese side would only complicate the resolution of the boundary question. The map released on August 28 by Beijing shows Arunachal Pradesh which China claims as South Tibet, Aksai Chin occupied by it in 1962 war, as part of its territory. The map also stakes claim over Taiwan and the disputed South China Sea. Recently, PM Modi and Chinese Prez Xi Jinping met on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra had said that during a conversation between both leaders PM Modi highlighted India’s concerns on unresolved issues along the Line of Actual Control. Notably, China’s provocation comes ahead of crucial G20 Leaders’ Summit scheduled to be held in Delhi. Earlier this year, China unilaterally attempted to “rename” as many as 11 locations of the Indian territory.