Phl slams China’s ‘ambitious expansionism’ in new map

Wikipedia Photo

MANILA — Calling it an “ambitious expansionism,” the Department of Foreign Affairs criticized China’s release of a new map which included the contested isles and reefs in the West Philippine Sea as part of their territory.

“We should also take note that no other country recognizes China’s previously nine-dash line claim so publishing a new map does not make the territories that they claim,” Foreign Affairs spokesperson Charles Jose, said in an interview with ANC on Wednesday night.

The map, which was released by a Chiese publishing house uses the “nine-dash line” defining 80 percent of the waterway within its sovereignty.

Recognized by Beijing, the map included Philippine-claimed Spratly (Kalayaan) Islands and the Vietnam-claimed Paracel Islands as part of China.

“Islands in South China Sea share the same scale with mainland and are better shown than traditional maps,” Beijing-owned Xinhua News Agency said, describing the map.

While China has earlier rejected the arbitration case, the Philippines is still hoping to resolve the maritime dispute through the international courts.