WEST PHILIPPINE SEA is now Recognized by U.S. Mapping Platform GOOGLE on their Digital Maps

The western section of the Philippine’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) has been properly labeled as West Philippine Sea on Google Maps. The labeling of West Philippine Sea on Google Maps reflected the growing acceptance of the waters as part of the country’s sovereignty, according to the National Maritime Council of the Philippines.
A quick inspection of Google Maps as of Monday April 14, social media users and government agencies, took notice that the digital mapping navigation platform, was using the West Philippine Sea designation in the western section of the country’s exclusive economic zone.
This initiative of Google Maps reflects the growing acceptance that the waters of the West Philippine Sea are within Manila’s sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction, in accordance with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or unclos, and the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award, and as bolstered by Republic Act 12064 or the Philippine Maritime Zones Act.
It is also a recognition of the practical value of Philippine Government’s national prerogative to name their own maritime zones, which will hopefully help encourage consistency in the term’s use by the international community and facilitate the upholding of the freedom of navigation in the West Philippines Sea, which is largely composed of the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone.
A Google Maps search on the Scarborough or Panatag Shoal, a common fishing ground which lies within the Philippines’ 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone, showed it is lying within the body of water identified as West Philippines Sea. Google further explained that West Philippines Sea has always been on Google Maps, but the label has recently been made easier to see.
It provides an internationally visible reference freely available to all across the globe and contributes to a stronger sense of national identity and unity among Filipinos, reinforcing pride in the country’s rights as a maritime and archipelagic nation. Its usage in other global mapping and navigation services would be most welcome.
The waters of the South China Sea within the western section of the Philippines’ EEZ was renamed as the West Philippine Sea in 2012 through an administrative order by then-President Benigno Aquino III.
Meanwhile, China is contesting the West Philippine Sea label that has recently become searchable in Google Maps. During the regular press conference of Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian on Tuesday, April 15, the official reiterated that the name South China Sea has long been recognized by the international community.
Let me point out that South China Sea is the geographic name that has long been used, recognized and accepted by the international community, including countries worldwide and international organizations such as the United Nations, the spokesperson said.
In response to media reports that said Google Maps now shows the label "West Philippine Sea," whereas it previously displayed "South China Sea," the Chinese embassy to the Philippines on Wednesday responded that such change does not conform to international practices and is not conducive to the efforts of international geographical names standardization.
It will in no way affect China's sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea. The embassy has lodged solemn representations with the relevant parties, urging them to respect international practices and take measures to correct the error.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines welcomed the inclusion of the West Philippine Sea on Google Maps, saying that it affirmed international recognition of the country’s sovereign rights and jurisdiction.


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