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Cartographic Confusion Draws Attention
Sources from the State Oceanic Administration (SOA) say that cartographic confusions with regard to China's boundary lines are shown by some Chinese publications, printed matters, books, newspapers, magazines, adornment of showcase exhibitions, commercials, films and TV programs and these have caused serious concern of related state departments in China.
The spokesman of SOA said recently that it should be none a problem for various publications, printed matters and news media to avoid all possible cartographic problems in China. But such an important issue concerning China's sovereignty and marine belt has reported errors time and again. For example, some publications simply leave out all South China Sea islands, some the Diaoyu Island, and some even the island of Taiwan.
Besides, he also listed some other circumstances as of neglecting oceanic territories of a similar kind. For example, islands on the South China Sea were left out on a stamp issued during the Cultural Revolution years, New "Three Characters Primer"has shown a complete drop of seas of China and no seas can even be seen on the China Centenary Altar.
In view of this, SOA reiterates cartographic rules on map publication and management promulgated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the State Bureau of Surveying and Mapping recently:
1. The latest version of map of the People's Republic of China published by the China Map Publishing House shall be followed, and special attention shall be paid to correct map drawing of islands of South China Sea and the boundaries of Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR;
2. All publications carrying maps with regard to China's boundary lines shall be sent to the State Bureau of Surveying and Mapping and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for examination and approval;
3. Chinese maps to be used on Internets shall follow the map on the webpage of the National Fundamental Geographic Information Center;
4. Any cartographic products involving map making of China's territories from abroad shall be sent to the two said departments for approval before being manufactured, processed, sold or exhibited in China.
The spokesman stressed that "reiterating relevant provisions on Chinese maps is very important as it concerns China's national sovereignty, territories and marine belt."
By PD Online staff member Deng Gang
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