Google Maps now officially shows the “West Philippine Sea” label, marking a major update that reflects the Philippines’ naming of parts of the South China Sea.

If you search for Scarborough Shoal (also called Panatag Shoal), it now appears within the West Philippine Sea. 

That area falls inside the Philippines’ 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ). 

It’s also a common fishing ground for many Filipino communities.

The name “West Philippine Sea” became official in 2012. 

Then-President Benigno Aquino III signed Administrative Order No. 29 to formalize it. 

This label covers parts of the South China Sea that are west of the Philippine archipelago. 

It includes the Luzon Sea, Kalayaan Island Group, and Bajo de Masinloc.

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in favor of the Philippines. 

The tribunal said China’s broad claims in the South China Sea had no legal basis. 

It also confirmed that areas like the Spratlys, Ayungin Shoal, Mischief Reef, and Recto Bank are all inside the Philippine EEZ.

Despite that decision, China has kept a strong presence in these waters. 

Chinese ships often show up, and there have been incidents involving aggressive actions toward Filipino vessels.

Seeing the West Philippine Sea labeled on Google Maps doesn’t change policy. 

But it adds visibility. It shows that digital platforms are starting to reflect internationally recognized claims. 

That matters in a long-standing conflict where words, labels, and maps carry weight.

Sources: (1), (2), (3)

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