China has dismissed the recent decision by Google to rename parts of the disputed South China Sea, which now labels maritime areas near the Philippines as the West Philippine Sea.
This change, made on Google Maps on Monday, has sparked mixed reactions, with the Philippines welcoming the shift, while China maintains its stance over the region.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian addressed the matter on Tuesday, stating that the term "South China Sea" has been universally recognized and used by the international community, including the United Nations and various international organizations. "The South China Sea has long been used as a universal location name recognized by the international community," Lin said, dismissing the renaming as a minor change.
Despite the update, the South China Sea label still appears on Google Maps to the north and west of the newly designated West Philippine Sea area.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) expressed support for the update, calling it a positive step towards accurate representation. "As defenders of national sovereignty, the AFP sees this as a valuable contribution to truthful representation and public awareness," said AFP spokeswoman Francel Margareth Padilla, as reported by the state-run Philippine News Agency.
Meanwhile, tensions continued to simmer in the region. China accused the Philippine Coast Guard of provoking a confrontation near Huangyan Dao, known as Panatag Shoal in the Philippines. China's state-run Xinhua News Agency reported that a Philippine vessel allegedly maneuvered close to a Chinese patrol ship, attempting to stage photographs. The Chinese Coast Guard stated that the Philippine vessel crossed near its ship four times before being ordered out of the area.
The South China Sea remains a hotly contested region, with overlapping territorial claims from China, the Philippines, and other Southeast Asian nations. China asserts control over nearly the entire area, which includes vital shipping lanes and potential underwater resources.
U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing the Secretary of Commerce to launch an investigation into the country’s heavy reliance on imported critical minerals.
President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim met to strengthen China-Malaysia ties during Xi’s Southeast Asia tour.
Nvidia has announced it expects a $5.5 billion financial impact after new US government export restrictions barred it from selling its advanced H20 AI chips to China without a license.
UK Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has suggested that the government may consider Chinese investment in British Steel, but he emphasized that any such bids would be subject to thorough scrutiny, particularly due to national security and economic concerns.
China has accused the United States National Security Agency (NSA) of conducting "advanced" cyberattacks during the Asian Winter Games in February, targeting key industries in the northeastern city of Harbin.
Japan is set to engage in crucial tariff negotiations with the United States on Wednesday, marking one of the first tests of President Donald Trump’s willingness to adjust the sweeping import duties that have sent shockwaves through global markets and stoked fears of an impending recession.
The Kremlin has confirmed that it will announce when the moratorium on strikes against each other’s energy infrastructure between Russia and Ukraine, brokered by the United States, will come to an end.
U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing the Secretary of Commerce to launch an investigation into the country’s heavy reliance on imported critical minerals.
The presidents of Azerbaijan and Georgia held talks in Baku, reaffirming their centuries-old friendship, strategic partnership, and commitment to regional peace, stability and cooperation.
A small plane crashed near Kopake, New York, on April 13, killing at 6 people. The Mitsubishi MU-2B aircraft, carrying six people, went down under unclear circumstances. This marks the second aviation accident in New York in a week, raising safety concerns.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 10th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
A quiet Thursday afternoon at St. Peter’s Basilica turned into something extraordinary, as visitors caught a rare glimpse of Pope Francis — not in his familiar white papal robes, but dressed in black trousers and a striped blanket.
In a dramatic about-face, U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced a 90-day pause on newly implemented tariffs for dozens of countries — a move that eased market turmoil but further escalated tensions with China.
Several regions in Ukraine faced heightened alert on Palm Sunday, as reports of explosions and missile threats drew public attention and official responses.
A new wave of attacks targeting French prisons has emerged overnight, with cars set on fire at several facilities, including at the Tarascon prison in southern France.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi is set to visit Russia on Thursday, ahead of a second round of talks between Tehran and the United States regarding Iran's nuclear program. According to Russia’s RIA state news agency, Araqchi will meet with senior Russian officials during the visit.
Greece has submitted its long-awaited maritime spatial plan to the European Union, outlining how it will organize various maritime activities such as fishing, tourism, offshore energy, and more.
Three U.S. senators are visiting Taiwan this week to discuss a range of issues, including trade, security, and regional concerns, as Taiwan continues its tariff talks with Washington.
Canada’s general election, set for April 28, 2025, is shaping up to be a close race between Prime Minister Mark Carney's ruling Liberal Party and the official opposition Conservatives, led by Pierre Poilievre.
Japan is set to engage in crucial tariff negotiations with the United States on Wednesday, marking one of the first tests of President Donald Trump’s willingness to adjust the sweeping import duties that have sent shockwaves through global markets and stoked fears of an impending recession.
The Kremlin has confirmed that it will announce when the moratorium on strikes against each other’s energy infrastructure between Russia and Ukraine, brokered by the United States, will come to an end.
U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing the Secretary of Commerce to launch an investigation into the country’s heavy reliance on imported critical minerals.
The presidents of Azerbaijan and Georgia held talks in Baku, reaffirming their centuries-old friendship, strategic partnership, and commitment to regional peace, stability and cooperation.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment