China resorts to propaganda ahead of G20 summit: Disputed map released amid frustration

New Delhi: As the world gears up for the highly anticipated G20 Summit in New Delhi, tensions escalate as China deploys what Indian government sources describe as “all sorts of propaganda.” In an exclusive revelation by News18, their sources have disclosed that China has officially released its 2023 edition of the standard map, sparking fresh controversy with its inclusion of disputed territories, notably Arunachal Pradesh.

The timing of this contentious map’s release, just a week before President Xi Jinping’s arrival for the G20 Summit and on the heels of his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the BRICS Summit in South Africa, has raised eyebrows. The map in question asserts China’s claims over various disputed regions, including Arunachal Pradesh, Aksai Chin, Taiwan, and the contested South China Sea.

India has consistently reiterated its stance that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of its territory. In a clear message, top Indian government sources conveyed, “China is frustrated and doing all sorts of propaganda.” The official went on to stress that this move reflects China’s expansionist intentions and its track record of occupying territories illegally.

Critics point to the timing of this map’s release, suggesting it may be an attempt by China to deflect attention from pressing global matters and further its own agenda. The authoritative statement underscores that Arunachal Pradesh remains an integral part of India, dismissing China’s claims as unlawful.

China’s Ministry of Natural Resources officially launched the 2023 edition of its standard map, which is available on its standard map service website. The map purports to illustrate national boundaries based on China’s perspective, encompassing territories that are heavily disputed on the global stage.

Notably, the map showcases Arunachal Pradesh, referred to by China as South Tibet, and Aksai Chin, which China occupied during the 1962 war. India has repeatedly underscored that Arunachal Pradesh is an inalienable part of its sovereign territory. Additionally, the map highlights China’s aggressive claims over Taiwan and its vast assertion of sovereignty through the infamous nine-dash line, asserting control over significant portions of the South China Sea.

China’s assertive claims over Taiwan are part of a broader objective to integrate the island with the mainland, driven by President Xi Jinping’s vision. However, a number of neighboring nations, including Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan itself, counter China’s claims and assert their own rights in the South China Sea region.

As global leaders converge in New Delhi for the G20 Summit, China’s latest move is seen as an attempt to influence discourse and steer attention toward its territorial claims.