China’s Ministry of Natural Resources unveiled the “China Standard Map Edition 2023” on August 28, 2023, triggering widespread concerns and protests across the region as several countries including South-East Asia have strongly protested their claims over other countries’ territories.
The 9-Dash Line Controversy
At the heart of this controversy lies China’s infamous “nine-dash line,” a disputed demarcation that extends its territorial claims over approximately 90% of the South China Sea.
This ambitious assertion has faced international backlash and was notably rejected at a 2016 Arbitral Award ruling and by the 1982 United Nations Conventions on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Despite these rulings, China continues to disregard them and has been increasing its military presence in these contested waters, causing escalating tensions.
M’sia kena
Among the nations most affected by China’s aggressive territorial claims, Malaysia was the first to officially reject China’s new map on August 30, 2023, according to The Star.
Malaysia’s foreign ministry stressed that the map holds no binding authority over their maritime areas in Sabah and Sarawak, reiterating that they do not recognize China’s claims in the South China Sea.
India also kena
India swiftly followed suit, lodging a “strong protest” on August 29, 2023. The map displayed Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin, both disputed regions along the Himalayan border, as part of China’s territory.
India firmly rejected these claims, emphasizing their lack of basis and their detrimental impact on resolving border disputes.
Philippines also kena
The Philippines also expressed their concerns on August 31, 2023, urging China to act responsibly and abide by its obligations under UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award.
This appeal came after the Philippines accused the Chinese military of obstructing military resupply efforts to troops stationed on a reef in the disputed South China Sea.
Vietnam also kena
Vietnam, on August 31, claimed that China’s new map “violated” its sovereignty over the Spratly and Paracel islands, along with the corresponding sea regions as determined by UNCLOS, according to VN Express.
The Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly rejected these claims, deeming them “invalid” and further escalating tensions in the region.
Indonesia also kena
Indonesia joined the chorus of protests on September 1, 2023, as they voiced their disapproval of China’s claim over the Natuna islands.
The Indonesian foreign ministry emphasized the importance of adhering to UNCLOS 1982 in any territorial disputes, asserting their consistent position on sovereignty.
Close friend Russia also kena
Even Russia, known for its close relationship with China, had to address the map’s claim over a portion of its territory.
The map asserted Chinese sovereignty over Bolshoi Ussuriysky Island, situated at the confluence of the Ussuri and Amur rivers, which separate Russia and China.
Russia’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, stated on August 31, 2023, that the territorial dispute had been settled through bilateral agreements 15 years ago.
China defends its claims
In response to the growing protests, China’s foreign ministry defended the new map on August 30, 2023, describing it as a “routine practice” in the exercise of its sovereignty.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin urged relevant parties to remain objective and calm, discouraging over-interpretation of the issue.
This recent controversy adds another layer to the complex web of territorial disputes in the South China Sea. As neighboring countries continue to voice their concerns and disapproval, tensions in the region remain high. It remains to be seen how this issue will evolve and whether diplomatic efforts will lead to a resolution.