Ex-Army Gen Manoj Naravane shares 'map of China' as 'it really is', jibes map provocation

Former Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Naravane (retd) took a pointed jab at China on Tuesday in response to the recent release of its 'official map,' which makes expansive territorial claims, including parts of India's sovereign territory. The retired Indian Army officer shared a map on social media, offering a contrasting perspective on China's geography. 

In the image shared by General Naravane, the entire expanse of China is divided into distinct regions, each represented in different colours. On the map, China's territory is delineated into various distinct regions, which include China-Occupied East Turkestan, China-Occupied Tibet, China-Occupied Yunnan, China, China-Occupied Manchuria, and China-Occupied South Mongolia. Except for a small part as ‘China’ (in red colour), all the regions are termed as "China-Occupied".

In a scathing critique aimed at China, the former Indian Army Chief wryly remarked, "Finally someone has got the map of China as it really is."

Finally someone has got the map of China as it really is. pic.twitter.com/8whTfICQNS

— Manoj Naravane (@ManojNaravane) September 12, 2023

China map provocation

China's recent release of its 2023 edition of the "standard map" has ignited controversy by incorporating areas that are Internationally recognised as part of India's sovereign territory. Notably, this includes Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin, both integral parts of India. Additionally, China's expansive map claims encompass Taiwan and the contentious South China Sea, further intensifying diplomatic tensions.

China's provocative cartographic actions have drawn criticism from not only India but also numerous other nations. India was among the first to raise objections against China's territorial claims, a stance that has garnered support from several countries, including Nepal, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Russia, Japan, and Brunei. These nations have voiced their dissatisfaction with China's assertive territorial assertions.