Chinese authorities have ordered stricter regulation of the use of maps by websites and online service operators to protect "national sovereignty and interests".
A circular by the National Administration of Surveying, Mapping and Geoinformation and the Office of the Central Leading Group for Cyberspace Affairs on Thursday said a large number of online maps have not been approved.
Some of the maps of China have wrong national boundary lines, and some of the country's important territorial islands were mistakenly left out in such maps, the circular said, adding that some of the online maps are even suspected of leaking state secrets.
Such practices have harmed China's territorial sovereignty, national security and interests and may impair the international community's understanding of the position and claims of the Chinese government.
The document ordered websites and online service operators to reinforce their self-discipline, comply with legal procedures before publishing maps online and make sure the maps they use are legal.
The mapping and cyberspace authorities will also step up routine checks of online maps.
