🔗 Share this article China seizes 60,000 cartographic materials for 'improperly identifying' the island of Taiwan Border authorities intercepted a batch of maps destined for overseas markets, which they deemed "problematic" Chinese customs officers in the coastal province of Shandong have seized sixty thousand maps that "incorrectly labeled" the self-governed island of Taiwan, which Beijing considers part of its sovereign land. The maps, authorities said, also "omitted important islands" in the disputed South China Sea waters, where China's territorial assertions conflict with those of its neighbors, including the Philippine government and Vietnamese authorities. The "problematic" maps, c intended for foreign distribution, cannot be sold because they "compromise national unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity" of China, officials confirmed. Cartographic materials are a contentious issue for China and its rivals for coral formations, maritime features and rock formations in the South China Sea. Specific Violations Customs authorities explained that the maps also failed to include the nine-segment line, which demarcates Beijing's claim over the vast majority of the South China Sea. The boundary consists of nine segments which runs hundreds of miles south and east from its most southerly province of Hainan Island. The intercepted cartographic items also failed to indicate the oceanic demarcation between China and Japan, customs representatives stated. Cross-Strait Situation Authorities said the maps improperly identified "the Taiwan region", without clarifying what exactly the incorrect labeling was. The Chinese government sees self-governed Taiwan as its sovereign land and has not ruled out the use of force to take the island. But Taiwan sees itself as distinct from the Chinese mainland, with its own governing document and popularly chosen officials. Regional Disputes Disputes in the disputed maritime region sometimes intensify - most recently over the weekend, when vessels from Chinese authorities and the Philippines figured in another confrontation. Philippine authorities alleged a China's maritime craft of deliberately ramming and using water cannons at a official Philippine ship. But Chinese officials said the confrontation happened after the Philippine vessel ignored repeated warnings and "came too close to" the Chinese ship. Previous Precedents The Philippines and Vietnamese authorities are also highly vigilant to depictions of the South China Sea in maps. The Barbie movie from last year was prohibited in the Vietnamese market and edited in the Philippines for displaying a maritime chart with the controversial demarcation. The announcement from customs authorities did not indicate where the intercepted items were destined for sale. The country provides much of the global merchandise, from holiday decorations to stationery. The seizure of "problematic maps" by customs officials is not uncommon - though the quantity of the maps confiscated in Shandong substantially surpasses previous confiscations. Goods that do not meet standards at the border control are destroyed. In spring, customs officers at an air transportation hub in Qingdao seized a batch of 143 nautical charts that contained "obvious errors" in the territorial boundaries. In August, customs officers in the northern province seized two "problematic maps" that, in addition to other issues, included a "improper representation" of the Tibet's boundaries.