China’s new map unleashes furyBy Manik MehtaThere was already considerable pent-up resentment among several Asian countries about China’s ambitions for world domination, but its recently released “standard map” showing sovereign territories of several countries as part of it has unleashed outrage and suspicion. China’s distortion has also upset other neighbors, particularly those claiming oil and mineral-rich islands in the South China Sea. China’s “nine-dash line,” which covers the disputed territories, has now become a “10-dash line” with Taiwan included. China’s claims, based on “historical facts,” do not have any validity before international bodies; the Permanaent Court of Arbitration in The Hague rejected China’s claims in the case of the South China Sea islands claimed by the Philippines. China’s leadership should realize that China could become isolated, with many countries becoming fearful and distrustful of it.
