Former Army chief Manoj Naravane criticizes Beijing with map showing the true depiction of China.

Former Indian Army Chief Mocks China’s Map Claiming Indian Territories

Former Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Naravane (retd) took a dig at China by sharing a map of China on X (formerly Twitter) and stating, “Finally someone has got the map of China as it really is.” The map clearly demarcates several regions, including Tibet, as ‘occupied’ areas. The dig was in response to China publishing a 2023 edition of its “standard map” that claims Indian territories of Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin, along with Taiwan and the disputed South China Sea.

India Lodges Protest and Rejects China’s Claims

Following China’s release of the new map, India lodged a strong protest with Beijing and asserted that such steps only complicate the resolution of the boundary question. The external affairs ministry rejected China’s claims as having “no basis.” External affairs minister S Jaishankar dismissed Beijing’s “absurd claims” and stated that putting out a map does not mean anything. In April this year, China had unilaterally “renamed” as many as 11 areas in northeast India, including mountain peaks, rivers, and residential areas.

Other Countries Reject China’s Map

Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam also criticized China for laying claim to territories of other nations. The Philippines foreign ministry stated that China’s claims have no basis under international law. Malaysia rejected China’s “unilateral claims” and emphasized that the map is not binding to the country. Vietnam said the claims violate its sovereignty and should be considered void. Taiwan, which China claims as its own, rejected the nine-dash line and Beijing’s South China Sea claims.

China’s Response

The Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin sidestepped questions regarding the changes in the map. He also didn’t directly address the protests over the map, saying the update was a routine practice every year. He added that they hope the relevant sides can see it in an objective and rational way.

• Former Indian Army Chief General Manoj Naravane mocks China’s map claiming Indian territories.
• India lodges protest and rejects China’s claims, calling them “absurd.”
• Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam also reject China’s map.
• China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin avoids addressing the protests and says the update was routine.