Ancient Western maps reflect centuries-old European recognition of China's sovereignty over South China Sea

Ancient Western maps indicate that European recognition of China's sovereignty over the South China Sea dates back several centuries, according to cartography experts.

The issue has drawn renewed attention following controversy sparked by Google Maps, which recently relabeled parts of the South China Sea near the Philippines as the "West Philippine Sea." The move prompted a formal protest from China, which emphasized that the term "South China Sea" is internationally recognized and widely used by the United Nations and other global organizations.

In an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Xu Panqing, a professor at Shanghai University, noted that the South China Sea had been clearly marked on maps as early as 1730.

"As early as 1730, the South China Sea was marked on our maps. We have found over 50 maps in which the South China Sea's geographical scope and  area are essentially the same as they are today," said Xu.

These ancient Western maps reveal a fascinating historical pattern -- a consistent use of names for the South China Sea that are directly translated or transcribed from Chinese terms, including South China Sea, China Sea and most notably, the pinyin form "Nanhai."

The appearance of these designations on European maps can be traced back to the 18th century, drawing from China’s extensive cartographic efforts, particularly the renowned Kangxi Atlas -- a comprehensive map of the imperial territories commissioned by Emperor Kangxi.

"The Kangxi Emperor commissioned a comprehensive map of the empire, and Jesuit missionaries helped complete it. These maps were later taken to Europe, where they clearly labeled the South China Sea as 'Nan-Hai,' often followed by translations in Latin, French, or German. This practice demonstrates early international recognition of China’s naming and mapping of the region," Xu said.

Xu noted that ancient maps also illustrate China's maritime presence, with island names derived from Chinese. Such cross-cultural naming highlights the international recognition of China’s sovereignty, centuries before modern disputes arose. 

"For example, the name of Zhongyedao, 'Thitu', was derived from Chinese dialects. British researchers found that 'Thi' refers to fishing and 'Tu' refers to an island. The name likely described an island for subsistence fishing," Xu said.

Experts said these historical documents can serve as important legal evidence to support historical facts. 

"Ancient maps are historical witnesses. They demonstrate China's early and consistent sovereignty over the South China Sea and its islands. These maps serve as vital evidence in international discourse, corroborating historical facts through clear depictions of Chinese presence and governancem,” said Mi Chenxi, a researcher at China Institute for Marine Affairs (CIMA) of the Ministry of Natural Resources.

"The naming of the South China Sea stemmed directly from Chinese terms affirms China's historical discovery, naming and governance of the South China Sea, demonstrating enduring international recognition of its sovereignty," said Chen Xidi, an assistant researcher at CIMA.   While some in the West claim China only became aware of the South China Sea starting with Dongsha Qundao in 1907, experts say these fresh findings debunk the myth. 

"We've proven the Chinese people lived in the South China Sea region before 1730. Additionally, the Chinese were familiar with the Zhongyedao early on, as demonstrated by the example of Thitu Island," said Xu. 

Ancient Western maps reflect centuries-old European recognition of China's sovereignty over South China Sea

China will take more effective measures to improve people's wellbeing, especially in education, healthcare, and social security, an official said Thursday in Beijing at a press conference on the interpretation of this year's government work report, which was submitted to the national legislature for deliberation earlier in the day.

Shen Danyang, head of the government work report drafting team and director of the State Council Research Office, said centering on enhancing educational equity and quality, the report made arrangements for education at all educational stages and of all types.

"Regarding preschool education, the policy of free education in the year prior to entering primary school will continue to be implemented this year, which is commonly referred to as free admission to the senior class of kindergartens. So, how can the income reduction of kindergartens be addressed? Subsidies will be provided by both the central and local governments, with the central government taking the lion's share. This year, the funds allocated to support the development of preschool education will increase significantly by 37.8 percent to ensure the implementation of the beneficial policy," he said.

Regarding senior high school education, Shen said the report stated that the supply of regular senior high school places will be increased,

Specifically, for areas with a continuous net inflow of population, a number of regular high schools will be planned and constructed on an annual basis. For regions with a temporary shortage of school places, priority will be given to the renovation and expansion of existing teaching buildings, student dormitories and canteens, he said.

Shen said the report put forward many supportive measures in healthcare.

"For instance, it urged efforts to strengthen coordination in drug use at the grassroots level, which mean improving the list of essential drugs, and optimizing the channels for drug supply and drug use coordination between upper- and lower-level medical and health institutions to make it more convenient for the public to use drugs at their doorstep. Besides, the report has made arrangements for supporting the development of innovative drugs for the third consecutive year. This year, China will strengthen the coordination of supportive policies in an all-round way, further address issues such as the barriers facing innovative drugs entering hospitals, and better meet the diverse medical and medication needs of the people," he said.

In terms of social security, Shen said the report proposed to continue raising the minimum standard of basic pensions for urban and rural residents -- a policy will benefit over 180 million elderly people.

"The central government will allocate 1.25 trillion yuan (about 181.25 billion U.S. dollars) in subsidy funds to ensure the timely and full payment of pensions. In response to the insufficient protection of the rights and interests of people engaging in new occupations, the report proposed to steadily and orderly expand the scale of the pilot program for occupational injury insurance. This year, the policy will cover 31 provincial-level regions across the country and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps. Meanwhile, enterprises specializing in travel, instant delivery and intra-city freight delivery will be included in the pilot program, which will ensure the safety of more laborers, such as food delivery workers and online car-hailing drivers," he said.

China to improve people's wellbeing in education, healthcare, social security: official