China has expressed strong opposition to Google Maps’ recent labeling of parts of the South China Sea as the “West Philippine Sea,” a term officially used by the Philippines for waters within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Beijing contends that this designation undermines its territorial claims and questions the neutrality of international platforms in geopolitical matters.
In response to a media inquiry that Google Maps now shows the label “West Philippine Sea,” whereas it previously displayed “South China Sea,” with some reports claiming that this change helps protect the Philippines’ sovereignty, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Tuesday that the South China Sea has long been the widely recognized and commonly used geographical name by the international community.
“It is broadly accepted by countries all around the world and by international organizations, including the UN,” Lin said on Tuesday’s routine press briefing.
The term “West Philippine Sea” has been adopted by Manila to assert sovereignty over areas it claims within the South China Sea, particularly those falling under its EEZ. This nomenclature is part of the Philippines’ broader strategy to reinforce its maritime entitlements, especially following the 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which invalidated China’s expansive “nine-dash line” claim.
China’s reaction to Google’s labeling comes amid escalating tensions in the region. On April 15, both China and the Philippines accused each other of engaging in dangerous maneuvers near the contested Scarborough Shoal.
transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out”>The Philippine Coast Guard reported that a Chinese vessel obstructed a Philippine ship 36 nautical miles from the shoal, violating international sea safety regulations. Conversely, China’s Coast Guard claimed that the Philippine ship approached dangerously, attempting to fabricate a collision .
CHINA DOUBLE STANDARD
China is facing renewed criticism for what many international observers and legal experts describe as a double standard in its approach to the South China Sea dispute. This comes in the wake of its recent condemnation of Google Maps’ labeling of parts of the contested waters as the “West Philippine Sea”—a term officially used by the Philippines to denote its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Chinese officials defended their objection by citing that the “South China Sea” is the name recognized by the United Nations and used in international settings. However, critics have pointed out the irony in China’s appeal to UN authority, given its outright rejection of the 2016 arbitral ruling issued under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The 2016 decision by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled overwhelmingly in favor of the Philippines, declaring that China’s expansive “nine-dash line” claim has no legal basis under international law. Despite being a signatory to UNCLOS, China has refused to recognize or comply with the ruling.
“This is a textbook case of selective compliance,” said Dr. Julian Romero, a maritime law expert based in Singapore. “China uses the UN framework when it suits its narrative, but discards it when rulings go against its interests.”
The contradiction has fueled growing resentment among Southeast Asian nations, particularly the Philippines, which continues to push back against China’s increasingly aggressive behavior in its claimed waters. Filipino officials have emphasized that recognizing the arbitral ruling is essential for maintaining peace, stability, and the rule of law in the region.
Recently, tensions escalated further after Chinese and Philippine vessels were involved in another dangerous encounter near the Scarborough Shoal. These repeated confrontations, along with China’s use of military-grade lasers, water cannons, and blockades against Philippine vessels, have intensified global scrutiny of Beijing’s actions.
