China Seizes Exports Over Incorrect 'Daeman' Map Labeling

Chongqing Customs: Maps Violating the 'One China' Principle Are Illegal
Up to 200,000 Yuan Fine or Business Suspension for Violating China's Map Management Regulations

[Asia Economy Senior Reporter Cho Young-shin] Chinese customs authorities have seized export goods over the labeling of Taiwan (Taiwan) on maps.

Photo by Renminwang Capture

Since Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, visited Taiwan, China has conducted large-scale military exercises and published a Taiwan white paper, declaring that it will not tolerate any political or military actions that threaten the "One China" principle, targeting the U.S. and Taiwan.

According to Chinese media including People’s Daily on the 12th, Chongqing Wuzhou Customs seized 24 maps from export cargo bound for Europe departing from Chongqing. Wuzhou Customs sent the seized items to the China National Administration of Surveying, Mapping and Geoinformation to determine whether they violated the "Map Management Regulations."

According to Article 54 of the Map Management Regulations of China, using or providing unreviewed and unapproved maps may result in a fine of up to 200,000 yuan. Illegal profits obtained through incorrect maps can be confiscated, and administrative orders such as business suspension are also possible.

Chinese media reported that maps with incorrect labeling of Taiwan and its affiliated islands were identified, and customs authorities seized those maps.

They also pointed out incorrect labeling of Diaoyudao (Japanese name Senkaku Islands) and Tsuei Island (Taisho Island). They added that maps showing the Aksai Chin region (the Kashmir area effectively controlled by China) near the India border and the southern border line of Tibet were also illegal due to incorrect labeling.

Photo by Renminwang Capture

Wuzhou Customs stated that correct national maps symbolize sovereignty and territorial integrity, and that the export and import procedures of maps must be conducted under customs supervision.

In January, the China National Administration of Surveying, Mapping and Geoinformation imposed a fine of 150,000 yuan and issued administrative orders to Seven-Eleven China for using maps that labeled Taiwan as an independent country, omitted Diaoyudao and Tsuei Island, and incorrectly labeled the Aksai Chin region and the southern border of Tibet.

Meanwhile, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has denied the existence of the median line in the Taiwan Strait, which it had tacitly recognized since 1955, and is pressuring Taiwan. It also published a white paper titled "The Taiwan Issue and China's Reunification in the New Era," threatening to achieve reunification by force in the worst-case scenario.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.