The Geopolitical Weaponization of Maps by China
Maps, traditionally considered reliable guides through the tapestry of global landscapes, serve as crucial instruments in shaping our understanding of geopolitical boundaries. While designed to illuminate the complexities between nations and territories, maps can, at times, be wielded as potent tools for political influence. In the contemporary geopolitical arena, China has encountered scrutiny for its release of maps that appear to deviate from established cartographic norms, potentially serving political and territorial agendas. This comprehensive investigative report by Investigative Journalism Reportika aims to scrutinize the contentious matter of Chinese maps throughout history, shedding light on the implications these cartographic representations may hold within the broader geopolitical landscape. Download the complete report: Link Chinese Maps Throughout History Embarking on a chronological journey through China’s rich dynastic history unveils the ever-changing territorial landscapes and the dynamics of power. From the Shang/Yin Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty, each era contributed to the geopolitical mosaic. Notably, maps from the Ming and Qing Dynasties exclude regions later claimed by modern China, with the Qing Dynasty’s celebrated depiction overlooking territories demarcated by the contentious “nine-dash line” in the South China Sea. Following is the expansion of the maps of the Chinese ancient dynasties in order, that ruled over China Download the complete report to get the maps of all the dynasties: Link Qing DynastyDate: 1636–1912 AD This map, often referenced by China as a historical source highlighting the largest Chinese empire omits contested territories that China claims in Bhutan, Nepal, India, and the South China Sea (indicated by the “nine-dash line”). The Context of Distorted Maps In 2023, China released an updated map, strategically timed during the “National Mapping Awareness Publicity Week.” This map, hosted on the Ministry of Natural Resources’ cartographic service website, extends territorial claims along China’s western border with India, the South China Sea, and Taiwan. The inclusion of a “ten-dash line” around the South China Sea and Taiwan further complicates maritime disputes, hinting at broader geopolitical maneuvers, especially in the context of China’s rivalry with the United States. The Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan, India, and Vietnam have rejected the map as baseless. In response to widespread rejection by numerous nations, China asserted that its maps should be considered with a rational and objective lens as it sought to justify the demarcations Read Investigative Journalism Reportika Report on Chinese Dubious Maritime Activities and Distant Water Fishing (DWF) to assert its claims in the South China Sea in the report: An Investigation into the Dubious Chinese Distant-Water Fishing Fleet (DWF) Country-Specific Case Studies What is the disputed area between China and Bhutan? China’s historical claims over Bhutan date back to the 1950s, with territorial disputes over areas like Doklam and Sinchulung. Recently, China asserted a territorial claim over the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary in Bhutan as well, contending that it falls within disputed areas between the two countries. This claim was brought to attention during a UNDP-led Global Environment Facility (GEF) conference in June 2020, where China attempted to halt funding for the sanctuary. The surprising aspect of China’s claim is its suddenness, as it had not previously objected to such funding and the fact that the Trashigang area, where the sanctuary is located, does not share a border with China. Which are the disputed areas with Nepal? In the past, there were allegations of Chinese encroachment into Nepal’s Humla district, marking the first-ever claims of Chinese incursion into Nepalese territory. Additionally, Chinese state media had asserted that Mount Everest falls inside Chinese territory in the region of the Tibet Autonomous Region. These past incidents raised concerns about security and geopolitical motives, shedding light on the potential weaponization of maps in the geopolitical landscape. What are the areas of conflict between India and China? The enduring border dispute between India and China is a deeply rooted and multifaceted issue, with historical origins dating back to the 19th century. This ongoing challenge has evolved, shaped by a complex interplay of historical events, diplomatic agreements, and geopolitical shifts. To unravel the layers of this intricate matter, let’s delve into a summary of its key points, providing insight into the complexities that continue to shape the dynamics between these two nations. In the Aksai Chin region, the Johnson Line, proposed by the British, placed Aksai Chin in India. Tensions escalated in the 1950s when China built a road through Aksai Chin, sparking the 1962 Sino-Indian War with clashes in Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh. China occupied Aksai Chin, ignoring the historical Johnson Line, while India continued to claim it. Arunachal Pradesh, claimed by India but disputed by China, is a source of occasional incursions and tensions. The McMahon Line, drawn by the British, placed Arunachal Pradesh in India, but it was not signed by China. Read the entire report to understand which area of India is disputed with China: Link In the eastern sector border, China claims the entire Arunachal Pradesh, considering it a part of Tibet, and occasional incursions and tensions are reported along the border. The India-China border, including areas in Ladakh and Sikkim, has witnessed occasional military standoffs beyond the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Negotiation attempts have not yielded a definitive solution, and tensions persist, as demonstrated by the Doklam incident in 2017. Historical complexities, with China’s disregard for agreements made during the British-India era, add a layer of tension to this complex issue. SN Disputed Area / Sector (Alternate Names) Chinese Province/Tibet Indian State/UT Operational Control 1 Trans-Karakoram Tract (Shaksgam) Xinjiang Ladakh China 2 Aksai Chin Xinjiang and Tibet Ladakh China 3 Demchok / Dêmqog (Demchok sector) Tibet Ladakh India / China 4 Chumar North Tibet Ladakh India 5 Chumar South Tibet Ladakh India 6 Kaurik (Sumdo) Tibet Himachal Pradesh India 7 Tashigang-Shipki La (Khab and Namgia) Tibet Himachal Pradesh India 8 Jadh Ganga Valley (also Mana Pass) Tibet Uttarakhand India 9 Bara Hoti Tibet Uttarakhand India 10 Part of Arunachal Pradesh (especially Tawang) Tibet Arunachal Pradesh India 11 Upper Siang Tibet Arunachal Pradesh India 12 West Siang Tibet Arunachal Pradesh India Areas of…
