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Customs authorities in China in eastern Shandong province have intercepted 60,000 maps that "incorrectly labeled" the self-governed island of Taiwan, which Chinese authorities considers part of its territory.

The maps, customs representatives explained, also "failed to include important islands" in the South China Sea, where China's territorial assertions overlap with those of its neighbors, including the Philippines and Vietnamese authorities.

The "non-compliant" maps, meant for export, cannot be sold because they "endanger national unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity" of the People's Republic of China, customs representatives stated.

Cartographic materials are a sensitive topic for Chinese authorities and its rivals for coral formations, maritime features and outcrops in the South China Sea.

Specific Violations

China Customs explained that the maps also did not contain the nine-dash boundary, which demarcates Beijing's claim over almost the whole South China Sea.

The line comprises nine segments which extends a significant distance south and east from its southernmost province of Hainan.

The seized maps also failed to indicate the sea border between China and the Japanese archipelago, authorities said.

Cross-Strait Situation

Customs representatives explained the maps incorrectly labeled "Taiwan province", without clarifying what exactly the incorrect labeling was.

The Chinese government considers self-ruled Taiwan as its territory and has kept open the possibility of the use of military action to take the island. But Taiwanese authorities sees itself as distinct from the mainland China, with its own constitution and elected leadership.

Geopolitical Disputes

Conflicts in the South China Sea sometimes intensify - most recently over the weekend, when vessels from China and the Philippines figured in another confrontation.

Philippine authorities alleged a China's maritime craft of purposefully hitting and using water cannons at a government-owned Philippine craft.

But Beijing claimed the confrontation happened after the Philippine ship disregarded multiple alerts and "came too close to" the China's maritime craft.

Previous Precedents

The Philippine government and Vietnamese authorities are also especially concerned to portrayals of the South China Sea in maps.

The popular motion picture from 2023 was banned in Vietnam and modified in the Philippines for depicting a South China Sea map with the nine dash line.

The statement from China Customs did not say where the intercepted items were planned for distribution. China supplies much of the global merchandise, from holiday decorations to stationery.

The interception of "violating charts" by customs officials is frequently occurring - though the amount of the maps seized in Shandong substantially surpasses previous confiscations. Merchandise that fail inspection at the customs are disposed of.

In spring, border authorities at an air transportation hub in Qingdao intercepted a shipment of 143 marine maps that included "apparent inaccuracies" in the national borders.

In late summer, border authorities in Hebei province intercepted two "problematic maps" that, in addition to other issues, contained a "improper representation" of the the Tibet region's limits.