Google Maps labels West Philippine Sea, China disputes name

Updated Wed, April 16, 2025 at 11:59 AM Published Mon, April 14, 2025 at 3:17 PM

Google Maps and Google Earth now display the "West Philippine Sea" label, which Google states has always been on the map but has recently been made "easier to see" at certain zoom levels.

China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian reiterated that "South China Sea" is the internationally recognized name, contesting the label.

A diplomacy expert views Google's cartographic update as a symbolic win, legitimizing the Philippines' rights over the disputed waters.

Searching for the West Philippine Sea on Google Maps shows it encompasses the Scarborough Shoal, a common fishing ground within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.

Google has temporarily restricted new reviews for the location, citing policy violations.

The Philippine government officially designated these maritime areas as the West Philippine Sea in 2012 via Administrative Order No. 29.

A 2016 arbitral ruling affirmed the Philippines' exclusive economic zone and declared Scarborough Shoal a common fishing ground.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) welcomed the inclusion of the West Philippine Sea label, noting it affirmed international recognition of the country's sovereign rights.

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