West Philippine Sea no longer visible on Google Maps

Screenshot on laptop

MANILA, Philippines — Google Maps appears to have removed the label “West Philippine Sea” over the western section of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

A quick search on the Google app showed the label could no longer be found near the South China Sea, only weeks after local media reported sighting it on the digital mapping platform.

As of Wednesday, April 30, the “West Philippine Sea” only appears as a Google Map pin when searched directly on the mobile app. However, when the region is searched using a laptop, no label or pin can be found.

READ: West Philippine Sea seen on Google Maps

It was during the term of then-President Benigno Aquino III that the western section of the country’s EEZ was officially renamed the West Philippine Sea.

In 2012, Aquino signed an administrative order to assert the country’s sovereign rights in the region amid China’s continued aggression.

Screenshot on mobile device

Based on previous reports, Aquino also directed the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority to produce and publish charts and maps of the Philippines showing the West Philippine Sea.

READ: It’s official: Aquino signs order on West Philippine Sea

Beijing’s continued aggression is based on its assertion of sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, including most of the West Philippine Sea, as it continues to reject the 2016 arbitral ruling that effectively invalidated its claims and ruled in favor of Manila.