Manilla:
A recent Google Maps scan has revealed a significant change in the body of water west of the Philippines, now displaying the name “West Philippine Sea” more prominently. Previously, this name was only visible to users who specifically searched for it, as noted by AFP journalists who compared screenshots from earlier searches.
While the name “South China Sea” still appears to the north and west of the newly identified “West Philippine Sea,” the Philippines government’s preference for the naming of this disputed waterway is now more prominently displayed.
Despite China’s claims over the entire South China Sea, an international ruling has dismissed these claims as baseless. China’s aggressive actions, including deploying navy and coast guard vessels to assert control over strategic reefs and islands in the region, have led to tensions and confrontations with the Philippines.
Philippine armed forces spokesperson Francel Margareth Padilla welcomed the inclusion of “West Philippine Sea” on Google Maps, emphasizing the significance of accurate representation and public awareness in the region.
The renaming of the area as the West Philippine Sea was initiated by former Philippine President Benigno Aquino in 2012 during a standoff with Beijing over the Scarborough Shoal. This directive encompassed the Luzon Sea, waters surrounding the Kalayaan Island Group, and Bajo De Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal).
Previous observations on Google Maps revealed that the name “West Philippine Sea” was only visible when specifically searched for, raising questions about visibility and recognition. The recent update that now prominently displays this name signifies a significant shift in the platform’s representation of the region.
The reasons behind Google’s decision to make this change are not immediately clear, and inquiries to Google, the Philippine Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Chinese Embassy in Manila have not yet been addressed.
(This article is based on a syndicated feed and has not been edited by NDTV staff.)
