Google Maps' change to South China Sea labeling is short-sighted:expert

By Guan Na

(ECNS) -- Google Maps recently labeled part of the western Philippine archipelago as the "West Philippine Sea" instead of the internationally recognized "South China Sea," sparking public concern.

"This move by Google is very unreasonable and an extremely short-sighted act," said Dai Fan, deputy dean of the School of International Studies at Jinan University, in an interview with China News Network.

Google will lose more than it gains by changing map labels unlawfully

Dai pointed out that if every country abandons internationally recognized naming conventions and relabels regions based on its own needs, "such behavior, if allowed to spread, will cause significant confusion among the international geography community."

"Google's actions amount to a political statement, which is highly unreasonable and will prove economically counterproductive," Dai argued.

As a globally recognized online map service provider, Google should uphold the principles of objectivity, fairness, and scientific accuracy in all its operations. The occurrence of such incidents is completely contrary to the company's longstanding commitment of "Don't be evil.".

Following the incident, Philippine military spokeswoman Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla said in a statement that the labelling by Google Maps "affirmed international recognition of the country's sovereign rights," and boasted that it was "a valuable contribution to truthful representation and public awareness."

China's response to this incident has been as calm and firm as ever. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated at a regular press conference that the "South China Sea" is the geographical name that has long been used, recognized, and accepted by the international community, including by countries around the world and international organizations such as the United Nations.

U.S. intentions behind frequent meddling in the South China Sea

In fact, as early as 2012, the Philippines began promoting the so-called "West Philippine Sea" naming campaign. Besides, the U.S. has frequently interfered in South China Sea affairs in recent years.

In Dai's view, the recent change by certain map service providers might be related to Manila's lobbying efforts and coordination with some Western governments and media outlets.

"The U.S. is likely exploiting the South China Sea issue and exaggerating its impact, using the Philippines as a 'flag-bearer' to sustain hype regarding the regional hotspot. While China and ASEAN prefer resolving disputes through peaceful and friendly means, the U.S. has consistently sensationalized the issue, using it as a tool to contain China," Dai said.

He noted that China-ASEAN relations are growing increasingly close, with bilateral ties further developing. Meanwhile, the Philippines, acting as a "vanguard cheering for the U.S.", is going against the regional trend of pursuing peace and development.

In early April, the U.S. approved the potential sale of 20 F-16 fighter jets to Manila. "This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a strategic partner that continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in Southeast Asia," the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said.

But is this really the case? The U.S. and its allies continue to muddy the waters in the South China Sea, deploying large quantities of weapons in the Philippines and selling it overpriced arms. What are the underlying motives?

Dai stated that the Philippines' purchases of expensive U.S. weapons could turn into a "bottomless pit" of continuous military spending for the country.

He believes that U.S. military aid to the Philippines carries clear strategic intentions, which can be analyzed from three perspectives:

U.S. actions "strengthen the Philippines' resolve to confront China on South China Sea issues."

The deployment of U.S. weapons in the Philippines undermines regional peace and stability while bolstering U.S. military deterrence capabilities in the Asia-Pacific.

The Philippines may grow "more emboldened and willing to provoke" in future South China Sea disputes, pushing the region toward a more volatile and dangerous situation where "accidental clashes" could easily occur.

Dai further emphasized, "National security is not solely guaranteed by ultra-modern weapons, but by a commitment to peace and mutual efforts by relevant countries to uphold it, which is far more conducive than merely purchasing more advanced arms."

"Many of the Philippines' actions are absurd and lack strategic vision. If it insists on aligning with the U.S. and actively involving itself in conflicts between major powers, it would be an extremely foolish move," he added

Dai urged the Philippines to correctly assess its own strength, set aside disputes and move forward with neighboring countries in the South China Sea.