17th Century Map Shows a Smaller China

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In his recent visit to Berlin, Chinese President Xi Jinping was given by German Chancellor Angela Merkel a 17th century map of China as a gift.

Many Chinese find the gift offensive claiming that the gift might as well have been given to countries involved in territorial disputes with China, the Philippines included.

The ancient map, drawn by French cartographer Jean-Baptiste Bourguignon d’Anville, in 1735 disproves several of China’s territorial claims including the island of Hainan in the South China Sea. China appeared separated from Xinjiang, Tibet, Mongolia and Manchuria.

Many netizens question the gesture from the German leader and an article in Time.com entitled “Maybe heads of state shouldn’t give maps as presents” indicates their disapproval.

According to them 17th century belongs to the Qing Dynasty when China conquered more territories. A different version of the Chinese map are being circulated now by the local media.