Israel Disappears from China's Online Maps: What Does It Mean?
China Erases Israel from Online Maps
China, a rising global power with growing influence in the Middle East, has apparently erased the name of Israel from its online maps, sparking confusion and criticism among internet users.
According to reports on social media, leading digital mapping platforms in China, such as Baidu and Alibaba, have removed the name of the state of Israel from their maps, while retaining the names of other countries in the region, such as Palestine, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon and Egypt.
The omission of Israel's name is especially noticeable on Baidu's Chinese language online maps, which demarcate the internationally recognized borders of Israel, as well as the Palestinian territories, plus key cities, but do not clearly identify the country by name. The same is true with online maps produced by Alibaba's Amap, where even small nations like Luxembourg are clearly marked.
Neither company responded to questions on Monday. It is unclear whether the development is new, though it has been discussed by Chinese internet users since war broke out between Israel and Hamas in May 2023.
The deletion of Israel's name from online maps in China contrasts with Beijing's attentiveness to maps generally, especially when it comes to its own territorial claims. China has over the years cried foul and levied fines over maps published elsewhere online, such as on hotel websites, for failing to strictly adhere to Beijing's territorial claims, like leaving off a nine-dotted line stretching around the South China Sea that is not internationally recognized.
Some observers have speculated that the removal of Israel's name from online maps in China may reflect Beijing's vague diplomacy in the region and its support for the Palestinian cause. China has maintained a policy of "anti-Western neutrality" since the time of Mao Zedong, a policy that does not condemn states or forces that undermine Western democracy. China has also expressed its willingness to mediate between Israel and Palestine and to host talks between their leaders.
However, some experts have argued that China's erasure of Israel from online maps may not be intentional or politically motivated, but rather a result of technical glitches or negligence. They point out that China has not officially changed its recognition of Israel as a sovereign state, nor has it altered its diplomatic relations with Israel. They also note that Israel's name still appears on other online platforms in China, such as Google Maps and Tencent Maps.
Regardless of the reasons behind China's removal of Israel from its online maps, the move has drawn criticism and ridicule from internet users in China and abroad. Some have accused China of being biased and hypocritical, while others have mocked China for being ignorant and incompetent. Some have also expressed concern that China's deletion of Israel from online maps may have negative implications for the peace and stability in the Middle East.
Conclusion
China's removal of Israel from its online maps has raised questions about Beijing's intentions and interests in the Middle East. While some see it as a sign of China's support for the Palestinian cause and its opposition to the West, others dismiss it as a technical error or a careless mistake. Whatever the case may be, China's deletion of Israel from online maps has provoked reactions from internet users and observers, who have criticized, ridiculed, or expressed concern over China's map-making practices.