Google Maps removes Chinese name on disputed shoal, retains international name

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MANILA – Google listened to the outcry of about 2,000 petitioners urging the Internet giant to remove the Chinese name for the disputed Scarborough Shoal in its map service.

Prior the change, Scarborough Shoal was identified as part of the Zhongsha island chain within Chinese territory. Filipinos then began an online petition, asking Google to remove the Chinese label.

“China’s sweeping claim of (the) South China Sea under their nine-dash line purportedly historical boundary is illegal and is creating tension among nations,” the Change.org petition read.

“Google maps showing this is part of Zhongsha island chain gives credence to what is plainly a territory grab that peace loving nations should stand against,” the petition continued.

Google then quickly responded to the issue.

“We’ve updated Google Maps to fix the issue. We understand that geographic names can raise deep emotions which is why we worked quickly once this was brought to our attention,” Google’s Manila office said.