Google erases Chinese name for Scarborough Shoal on its map

Google has quietly removed the Chinese name for a South China Sea (West Philippine Sea) shoal bitterly disputed by Beijing and Manila from its maps service, following an outcry from Filipinos. The Google Maps website on Tuesday, July 14, referred to the rich fishing ground by its international name, Scarborough Shoal. Campaigns website Change.org began a petition last week to get Google Maps to drop the Chinese name of the shoal on its site. The petition drew close to 2,000 supporters. The Shoal, known in China as a part of the Zhongsha island chain, is in territory claimed by China, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia. The Philippines claims ownership of Scarborough Shoal, which lies 220 kilometers off the main Philippine island of Luzon. China and the Philippines are currently engaged in arbitration over the disputed areas before an international tribunal.

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