What kind of map has been released by China?
On 28th August 2023, the Chinese government released the 2023 edition of the standard map of China. It shows the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh and the Aksai Chin as part of China. China’s Ministry of Natural Resources released the map.
Other than the Indian state, China has shown Taiwan and the disputed South China Sea as part of the country’s region. The new map has raised concerns among many, including India.
What has India said about the new map?
India protested against the new map. External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said it's silly to think that Indian lands are part of China. The map was released days after Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi met with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss solving India and China’s boundary dispute.
Mr Jaishankar said that just because China put it on their map doesn't mean India's land is China's. India knows very well what places are theirs. Even the Congress party criticised China for the map. Taiwan, Malaysia, and the Philippines have also criticised China’s map.
What is China’s response to the criticism?
China said that releasing the map is something they do regularly, and there's no need to be worried. The Chinese Embassy in India's spokesperson, Wang Xiaojian, said everyone should stay calm and not overthink about it.
India and China have long faced boundary disputes with each other. Both governments have held talks to fix the situation. However, releasing such maps can harm relations between both countries.
