Google Maps Label West Philippine Sea In Major Update, Irks China | Spotlight | N18G

Google Maps Label West Philippine Sea In Major Update, Irks China

In an unannounced update, Google Maps and Google Earth now officially label the "West Philippine Sea" — a Filipino maritime area which Beijing claims as its own despite a 2016 international tribunal ruling against it. Previously viewable only through direct searches, the label is now fully integrated into the map, appearing prominently west of the Philippine archipelago. Filipino officials, including lawmakers and the military, have welcomed the move as a recognition of the country's sovereign rights and a symbolic win against Chinese expansionism. The update aligns with the Philippine Maritime Act of 2024, which asserts control over areas like the Kalayaan Island Group and Scarborough Shoal. China, unsurprisingly, has pushed back, continuing to assert its claims over the same waters. As the Marcos administration strengthens its stance on territorial sovereignty, this map change by Google is being hailed as a digital affirmation of international law.

West Philippine Sea | Google Maps update | South China Sea | Philippines | China | Scarborough Shoal | Kalayaan Island Group | Philippine sovereignty | Marcos administration | Xi Jinping | Firstpost | News Live | World News | Latest News | Global News | International News | News | Trending News

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