MANILA – International research organization Stratbase ADR Institute scored China’s 2023 edition of its so-called ‘standard’ map, which it described as an attempt to legitimize its territorial claims.

“The Stratbase ADR Institute strongly and categorically rejects China’s desperate attempt to legitimize its territorial claims through the new ‘standard’ map released by its Ministry of Natural Resources,” Stratbase ADR Institute president Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit said in a statement late Thursday.

He also pointed out that the 2023 version of the map, which now shows a 10-dash line, is a serious insult to the 2016 arbitral victory of the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Manhit said this new Chinese map is a direct affront to the established United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) aside from being a ” mockery of the rules-based international order and of basic decency.”

“We reiterate that the arbitral award issued by the Permanent Court of Arbitration is clear and final– China’s nine-dash line is baseless and illegal. China’s claims to sovereign and historic rights in the maritime area are contrary to the UNCLOS,” he said.

He added that the publication of the map has the dangerous potential of propagating disinformation by advancing the Chinese narrative that the WPS is part of their territory.

Manhit said no attempt to redraw geopolitical boundaries will make this acceptable, as this is a blatant violation of international law.

“Since 2016, the Philippines’ victory at the arbitral tribunal has been repeatedly recognized and supported by numerous states that adhere to the fundamental value of the rule of law. We applaud like-minded states that have stood up against this map representing an expansionist agenda,” he noted.

Manhit also maintained that the Philippines, its allies, and partners must remain firm in defending the rules-based international order through strategic cooperation to maintain a united front against coercive and antagonistic states.

“Adherence to the rules-based international order is the utmost responsibility and obligation of all states to ensure stability and prosperity in the region,” he said.

Manhit also said the geopolitical and geo-economic landscape of the Indo-Pacific is uncertain, perilous, and daunting.

“With the support of the international community, the Philippines must hold China accountable for its actions, particularly in propagating disinformation. We are on the right side of history; therefore, we have all the reason to stand proud and to defend our well-recognized victory in the WPS,” he noted. (PNA)