China Seizes Thousands of Maps with 'Incorrect Labeling' of Taiwan

Chinese authorities have seized 60,000 maps in Shandong province for containing an 'incorrect label' for Taiwan, which Beijing considers part of its territory.

The maps, intended for export, did not correctly mark Taiwan and, furthermore, 'omitted important islands' in the South China Sea, where Beijing's claims overlap with those of neighboring countries.

According to authorities, the maps 'endanger China's national unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.' The maps also did not contain the nine-dash line, which demarcates Beijing's claims in the South China Sea, nor the maritime border between China and Japan.

Taiwan considers itself a state separate from mainland China, with its own constitution and democratically elected leaders. The Philippines and Vietnam are also sensitive to depictions of the South China Sea on maps.