On August 28th, China released the so-called ‘Standard Map of China’ for the year 2023 by their Ministry of Natural Resources. The Chinese media reported the release to be at an ‘opportune’ time as it coincides with “National Mapping Awareness Publicity Week”. The map is problematic on several counts. The map succeeded the announcement of the Chinese government which intended to “standardize’ 11 places in the Indian territory of Arunachal Pradesh. The current map distorts the Chinese territory extending it by several miles, inflaming the Asian neighbourhood as it has in the past as well. The map claims Arunachal Pradesh and the disputed land of Aksai Chin as well. It also extended the region of the South China Sea thereby offending the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam, and Taiwan. This showed the defiance of the ‘nine-dash line’. The island country of Taiwan was also claimed on the map.

PTI reported, “Of particular significance is the inclusion of Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin, both areas that have long been subject to conflicting claims between China and India. Arunachal Pradesh, despite China's assertions of it as South Tibet, has steadfastly remained an integral part of India. India has consistently reiterated this stance. India has repeatedly said that the state of Arunachal Pradesh has "always been" and will "always be" an integral part of India.”

This is coming at a time when India is organising the G20 Summit and expecting Chinese President Jingping to be in attendance. However, China along with Pakistan was one of the countries that showed their displeasure and opposition to India hosting the event. This seems to be a move indicating the same diplomatic defiance.

The Indian envoy was quick to respond to this apparent ‘standard map’. Arindam Bagchi asserted, “Arunachal Pradesh has always been, and will always be an integral part of India.”

He took to the ‘X’ platform posting, “We have today lodged a strong protest through diplomatic channels with the Chinese side on the so-called 2023 “standard map” of China that lays claim on India’s territory. We reject these claims as they have no basis. Such steps by the Chinese side only complicate the resolution of the boundary question”

China’s perspective on global geography has made it enemies to several countries, as a result, India has along the way gained many diplomatic compadres as is the case of Taiwan. Taiwan is witnessing the FoxConn founder running for president, where he has expressed his sharp opposition to any sort of merging with China’s territory however has recognised it as a potential friend. What will their response be to this map? : Indian Air Force officially inducts first C-295 transport aircraft